# Outsourced Printing Services for 3D printing usher in a new era for maker culture. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jan 26, 2015 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/outsourced-printing ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.1/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Outsourced Printing trend? **Outsourced Printing:** While 3D printing previously required expensive equipment, new publicly available services that allow for outsourcing are on the rise. As maker culture gains more momentum, the need for brands to become involved in delivering customization and new technology options is being expected by consumers. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 19, 2014 to Jan 26, 2015 - Published: Jan 26, 2015 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Outsourced Printing trend ### Outsourced Printing The trend of outsourced 3D printing services is on the rise, as consumers increasingly expect brands to offer customization and new technology options. ### 3D Printing Stations Companies like Staples are teaming up with 3D printing manufacturers to offer print stations in-store, making the technology more accessible to consumers. ### 3D-Printed Hardware Major retailers are partnering with 3D printing companies to offer 3D-printed tools, unlocking opportunities for customization and individualized products. ## What the Outsourced Printing trend means for industry ### For Manufacturing The trend towards outsourced and accessible 3D printing services is revolutionizing manufacturing, particularly for faster prototyping. ### For Retail The integration of 3D printing into retail spaces is on the rise, providing opportunities for customized and on-demand products. ### For Design The trend towards 3D printing is opening up new possibilities for design, particularly in hardware and prototyping. ## Trend signals for Outsourced Printing Trend score 6.1 out of 10, from popularity 90%, activity 84%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 90% - Activity: 84% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Outsourced Printing trend 5 featured examples from Jul 19, 2014 to Jan 26, 2015. - [3D-Printed Selfies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/print-yourself): Using 3D Printing Technology, Shapify Lets You Print Yourself (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate 3D printing technology into traditional toy manufacturing processes to enable the production of highly personalized and customized t… - [3D-Printed Hardware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printer-home-depot): This Partnership Shows Off Makerbot 3D-Printed Home Depot Tools & Hardware (Category: Business) Implication: The Home Depot-MakerBot partnership has the potential to disrupt traditional retail stores by enabling consumers to print their own tools and hardware at home. - [3D Printing Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-shop-design): The MakersCafe Coffee Shop Design Offers Customers a 3D Dining Experience (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can integrate 3D printing technology to create unique and personalized customer experiences. - [3D Printing Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printing-store): Staples Teams Up with 3D Systems to Offer 3D-Printing In-Store (Category: Tech) Implication: Office supply retailers like Staples are embracing in-store 3D printing as a way to offer unique services and attract customers looking for innovative solutions. - [Outsourced Prototype Printing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prototype-printing): The Fictiv Platform Leverages Idle 3D Printers to Make Your Hardware (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Fictiv leverages the idle capacity of 3D printers to disrupt traditional prototyping methods. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)