Store unites expertise, innovation, and sustainability to accelerate the growth of 3D Printing in the community.
Austin 3D Printing Supplies (Austin 3DPS) is open for business at 19025 N Heatherwilde Blvd, Suite 100 powered by the local 3D Printer and material manufacturer Essentium, Inc., a worldwide leader in industrial additive manufacturing (AM).
Austin 3DPS begins with primarily selling filament made by Essentium Inc., which has the beginner and more playful consumer brand 3D-Fuel and engineering grade Essentium Inc. brand of filament. The store also houses a variety of starter 3D Printers for customers to observe and gain knowledge. The store not only offers premium quality USA-made filaments but also encourages collaboration and education, empowering makers to embrace the capabilities of 3D printing technology fully.
The brick-and-mortar venture aims to provide technical insights, inspire innovation, and offer the latest 3D printing technology to the local community. With over four years of local filament manufacturing experience, Essentium is committed to engaging with Austin area makers and sharing its expertise with the community.
“Our physical filament store embodies innovation and offers cutting-edge 3D printing tech for makers. It aims to redefine accessibility, making 3D printing tangible and interactive,” said Nirup Nagabandi, Ph.D., Vice President of Materials Engineering, at Essentium. “The store bridges technology with personal interaction, creating a dynamic space where visitors can engage with experts, receive expert material guidance, and actively participate in immersive tours that demystify the intricate process of filament production.”
Currently, there is no dedicated brick-and-mortar retail location for the 3D printing community in the Austin, TX, metro. Addressing this gap, Austin 3DPS was established with the plan to offer filaments, and bed adhesives immediately and eventually offer in-store purchase of printer consumables for various brands of printers, printers, and by summer of 2024 rent printers on demand and printing services in store for people who want a one-off 3D print.
As noted by Amy Madison, Executive Director of the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation (PCDC), the launch of the 3D store underscores the powerful synergy between public initiatives and private enterprises in nurturing technological growth and educational outreach.
“The opening of Austin 3D Printing Supplies marks another milestone in our shared commitment to innovation and education,” said Amy Madison, Executive Director of the PCDC. “This store is not just a retail space; it’s a hub for learning, exploration, and community engagement, demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships in fostering technological advancement and economic growth.”
In September 2018, Essentium, Inc. took a significant step forward with the assistance of the PCDC, relocating its headquarters to a new, expansive 25,000-square-foot facility in Pflugerville and again in 2020, Essentium expanded its footprint further, adding 8,352 square feet dedicated to its Research and Development efforts.
Currently, Essentium’s 3D store offers Pro PLA, in 40 different colors along with 25 other filaments in the engineering range providing options for 3D printing professionals, educators, and hobbyists alike. All this filament is manufactured behind the doors of the Austin 3DPS storefront, contributing to local sustainability, all made in the USA. Further, the store plans on factory tours starting this December by hosting students from PfISD.
Demonstrating environmental responsibility, Austin 3DPS will also introduce spool recycling services, allowing customers to repurpose spools, minimize waste, and support sustainability.
About the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation
The voters of the City of Pflugerville approved the formation of the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation in 2001. The PCDC is a Type B corporation in the state of Texas and funded by a one-half-cent sales tax collection. The Pflugerville City Council appoints a seven-member board to oversee policy, and the organization now employs six staff members to support programming and operations.
The Pflugerville Community Development Corporation is responsible for attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses to create new jobs and increase tax revenue to support economic development and community development in the City of Pflugerville. The PCDC funds may be used to provide incentives for existing and recruited companies, construct needed infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and drainage, as well as the development of parks and recreation projects.
With a population of more than 74,000, Pflugerville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation attributed to its close location to downtown Austin in the desirable Central Texas region. State Highways 45 and 130 and Interstate Highway 35 offer direct access to other nearby cities and a quick route to five regional and international airports. For more information, visit www.pfdevelopment.com.
Press Contact:
Veronica Ramirez
Marketing Communication Manager
512-990-3725
veronicar@pfdevelopment.com
