Supermarket chain trialing new service that allows shoppers to scan and replicate anything in ceramic

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

UK supermarket chain Asda is trialling a new in-store 3D printing service that allows shoppers to scan and replicate anything in ceramic.

Launching on 15 October in the company's York store, with the intention to roll out nationwide if the trial is successful, the service offers 3D scanning that takes about 2 minutes to fully scan the surface of an object. It uses a special scanning camera that captures the contours and shape of the object, while identifying up to 6m different colours for accurate replication.

"Anything can be scanned – including people, pets and even cars – and the models can be produced in full colour, white or a bronze-style coating," explained an Asda blog post.

Spraying ceramic fluid

Once a virtual 3D model has been scanned into the system, it is then sent off to a specialist 3D printer to be recreated in ceramic, with options for a white, full-colour or bronze-style print.

The 3D model is recreated by spraying ceramic fluid in thin layers that are each allowed to set before laying down the next, building up a solid object.

Prices start at £40 for an 8in figurine, which can be printed and ready to be picked up in-store with next week's shopping. The models can be scaled to whatever size the customer wants.

A 'mini me' for Christmas

Asda expects the "mini me" figures to be popular with shoppers, offering the next evolution of the photograph.

"Evolving well beyond simply filling frames with photographs of friends and family, 3D printed ‘mini me’ figures will add a whole new dimension to shoppers’ mantelpieces and the lifelike models are also expected to be popular as personalised wedding cake toppers," said Asda.

"This truly is innovation without limits and Asda hopes to be the first retailer to offer this service nationwide."

Asda has placed restrictions on what can and cannot be scanned to avoid copyright infringement and potential legal issues regarding.

"Nothing smaller than a shoe can be scanned by the system, which should prevent issues around the possible replication of banned items such as the 3D printed gun," said a spokesperson.

3D printers recently became available on the UK high street from Maplin electronics, which launched a £700 printer that comes flat-packed and is no bigger than a traditional machine.

• The Lumifold 3D printer is small enough to be put in a backpack