But can it copy a ream of printing paper?

Yep, 3-D printing is coming to your local Staples--but, for now, only if you are in Europe. Staples [3] and partner Mcor [4] have announced a new store-pickup based 3-D printing service called Staples Easy 3D. Engadget's Sharik Sakr reports [5] that the service will be available for Belgian and Dutch customers in early 2013.

Using Staples Easy 3D, customers can upload files to the office megastore's website and then have 3-D models sent to their home or nearest retail location for pickup. Staples' announcement is the largest embrace of 3-D printing to date by a retail chain. The announcement was made at the Euromold 2012 conference [6].

Staples says it will open the service in other countries eventually, but did not say when it might come to the U.S.

[Image: Wikimedia user Eventorbot [7]]