Sneaking Duck to Launch 3D Printed, Customizable Glasses Line

More and more, we are seeing new and old companies adopting 3D printing as a way to attract new customers, and create new niches completely. That’s just what we saw today from an Australian company called Sneaking Duck. They have announced that they will shortly be offering a whole line of 3D printed glass frames which can be almost completely customized. Customers will be allowed to change the frame color, the arm length, and even etch personal messages on their frames.

The frames will be pretty pricey at $360, but also high quality. The company uses a 3d printing process called selective laser sintering, which solidifies a powder nylon material into a final object, making it stronger, and more flexible than that of traditional 3D printer plastics.

“It’s something we had on our list when we launched the company two-and-a-half years ago but it’s taken us that long to find someone who could deliver what we want and really make sure it’s a product and not a gimmick,” said Mark Capps, chief executive of Sneaking Duck.

There are two major benefits to Sneaking Duck’s business model which they will realize by adopting 3D printing technology. One is that it allows the company to enter into a very specific niche, in which no other company has set foot in within their industry, and the other is that 3D printing allows the company to forget about keeping an inventory. Whenever an order is placed, they will simply print it out.

“Everyone has those comments about eyes being skewiff, or ears being a funny shape,” Mr Capps said. “The only way to get the perfect glasses is to have them individually made for you and that’s what we’re moving towards.”

The exact date that these frames will become available was not revealed, however you can keep up to date on any further announcements at the Sneaking Duck website or the Sneaking Duck forum thread at 3DPrintBoard.com.