Dell to start reselling MakerBot Replicator 3D printers, scanners
Proving more than just a hot topic at CES a few weeks ago, 3D printing is panning out to be the preeminent battleground for enterprise hardware this year.
The latest piece of evidence for that forecast is the new deal between Dell and an emerging leader in the 3D printing space, MakerBot.
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The PC maker has announced a deal in which it will resell MakerBot's Replicator 3D printers and scanners to small and medium-sized businesses.
Andy Rhodes, executive director for Dell's Precision workstation brand, noted in the announcement that these advanced printers will be lined up with its machines typically targeted at professionals in architecture, engineering, and digital entertainment production.
But aside from just targeting the SMB market overall, Rhodes also hinted at a particular interested in serving startups as well.
Some of the benefits to 3D printing (especially for companies with limited resources and manpower) are the immediate time and cost savings of being able to manufacture (a.k.a. 3D-print) prototypes to finished goods in-house.
Dell will commence reselling MakerBot's 3D printing solutions and services on February 20, starting with six models ranging in price from $949 to $6,499 a pop.