3-D printing set to become more mainstream

China's first 3-D printing booth is expected to accept its first customers by the end of the year, according to staff set to work at the new site in the Xicheng district of Beijing.

Instead of a two-dimensional picture, the outlet will provide customers with 3-D figures, said Shan Lili, from printer producer Beijing Suntop Tech Co Ltd, which will be running the outlet.

An exhibitor showcases realistic figures printed by the latest 3-D printing technology, at the Seventh China Beijing International Cultural and Creative Industry Expo, which opened on Thursday. Feng Yongbin / China Daily

She told China Daily at the Seventh China Beijing International Cultural and Creative Industry Expo, which closes on Sunday, that shop assistants will provide customers with a full body scan, from which they will be able to custom design miniature color models of themselves.

"A mouse click will automatically produce a solid model based on the pre-set three- dimensional data, without cutting or molding," said Shan.

"We have already been testing the system by providing the service to some institutions, colleges and enterprises."

She said the interest in their system has been huge from individuals and companies who have contacted them to assess the market potential for 3-D printing, and it is believed the company currently has an impressive order book.

"It will definitely be a revolutionary project once we put it into large-scale production," she said.