An innovative Kiwi team are in the final stage of building a new global marketplace for the hosting and downloading of 3D design files, in an ambitious bid for global domination.
The brainchild of founders Dane McMillan and Wayne Miller, Boffles.com aims to change the way people use 3D printing technology in home and schools around the world.
According to McMillan, the move comes as 3D printing by home users is surging in popularity worldwide, and the need for a game-changing file distribution platform is evident.
McMillan says Boffles.com will not only be the “App Store” of 3D files, but also a comprehensive online community to bring 3D designers and home users together on one online platform.
There will also be a big education role as the company helps introduces schools, universities and home users to the opportunities of 3D printing under the ‘Boffles in Schools’ programme currently being developed.
“3D printing has been called the new industrial revolution by many tech publications and this is becoming more evident as the cost and accessibility of 3D printers allows more homes to invest in one,” McMillan says.
“Technology change and volume production means 3D printers (designed originally for the commercial and prototyping sectors) are available for between $500-$1,000 and are readily available in the home and education market.
“A home 3D printer allows you to produce anything from home, kitchen and office supplies, through to tech gadgets, toys and models.”
The Global 3D printing industry is expected to grow from $3.8 billion in 2013 to $16.2 billion in 2018, with 3D printer sales to home consumers growing at a rate of 59% per year.
As a result, McMillan says Boffles.com is hoping to tap into this market and provide a much needed service for quality 3D designs that can be printed at home.
“There is a definite gap in the consumer market for quality 3D design files that are easily accessible and printable by your average consumer, not just tech driven early adopters,” he adds.
“The 3D hardware market is growing at a rapid pace, but the evolution of software and printable designs for families, kids and your everyday consumer is lagging significantly.”
For McMillan, the company’s goals are clear and reflect this growing gap in the market.
“We want Boffles to grow into the App Store equivalent in the home 3D market,” he says.
“There is a growing appetite for this kind of service, a place where users can view and download a huge range of tested high-quality 3D files as well as access a significant knowledge base and learning centre on everything 3D.”
Recently launched a Kickstarter campaign, McMillan hopes the move will help the company make the final improvements to the website and on-board the best designers globally.
