SexShop3D Launches Their 3D Printable Sex Toy Model Marketplace

We all know that 3D printers have an expanding number of applications which they are capable of.  It also seems as if hundreds of businesses around the world are adopting the technology, if not for its true capabilities, at least for the marketing aspects of it all. 3D printing is becoming a buzzword, and you have to admit, when you put the phrase ‘3D printed’ in front of anything, it suddenly becomes much more interesting, right? Let’s try it…. 3D printed calendar…. 3D printed pizza… 3D asparagus. It worked, right? Those commonly used, boring words, became a lot more interesting.

This is likely one of the many reasons businesses are turning more and more to this new technology. One such business, recently launched, SexShop3D, has based their entire business model around 3D printing.  The brainchild of French designer Thomas Sancelot, SexShop3D offers customers a totally customizable sex toy experience.

Unlike the traditional online sex toy stores you may be accustomed to, SexShop3D works on an entirely new premise. Instead of selling the physical toys, and then shipping them directly to a person’s house, which in itself can be embarrassing, and impede possible sales, they take a different approach.  SexToyShop allows their customers to select their toys, choosing from various sizes and dimensions. They then sell that file to the customer for just $5. The customer can then instantly download it and print it in a variety of materials and colors, within the privacy of their own home, on their own 3D printer.

“What is great with this technology is that you can customize your sex toy by scaling the design up or down, print it in the material and color you want,” explained Sancelot. “And last but not least, the embarrassment that sex toy enthusiasts had to endure is no longer an issue when you can print your sex toys privately from home.”

Recently Mashable has brought up a bit of a caveat in regards to those interested in 3D printing their own sex toys. They suggested that because of the uneven, rough finish of objects, which are fabricated via FDM based 3D printers, the opportunity for bacterial growth within the crevices of any toy could be a health hazard.

Sancelot responded to our concerns regarding the piece that Mashable recently published, with the following recommendations:

“The use of ABS plastic, sandpaper, combined with silicone coating, makes the use of 3D printed sex toys very safe. Of course you still have to clean them after usage. For that I recommend using a washcloth and anti-bacterial soap.”

Certainly there will be other business models, within other industries, adopting an approach similar to that of SexShop3D. Whether this model will work or not within the sex toy industry at this point in time, ultimately depends on the number of individuals who own 3D printers.

Let’s hear your thoughts on this new business model in general, in the 3D printed sex toy forum thread on 3DPB.com.