Just like the photo ‘selfie’ has become all the rage in today’s tech-oriented society, the 3D printed ‘Mini-Me’ is also gaining in popularity. In fact, there are numerous companies catering to those individuals who wish to upgrade their slightly narcissistic ways by providing services enabling their customers to create 3D printed statues of themselves.From plain old plastic printouts created via high tech scanners, to the ability of placing one’s face on a star athlete or superhero, 3D printed mini-me’s are certainly conversation pieces, if nothing else.
Today a new type of 3D printed printed ‘Mini-You’ is being unveiled. Thanks to iMakr, the parent company of the popular 3D printable model repository MyMiniFactory, and Le Bon Marché, a popular Paris-based luxury department store, the Scandle is being introduced.
Daniel Craig & Prince Charles
Scandles mix the idea of 3D scanning and printing with that of scented candles, to create a wax-based bust of an individual with a wick in it, so that it can be burnt just like any other candle you may have. This opportunity will be open to those in the Paris area who can make their way to the Central Paris Le Bon Marché store location starting tomorrow, November 1.
The way the process works is similar to that used by other companies offering 3D printed statues of individuals taken from scans. The customer steps into a special scanning booth, which then takes pictures from various angles. These images are then fed into a computer which constructs a 3D model of that individual. The file is then sent on over to the London-based iMakr store, where they 3D print the model out. Where the process strays from that of other companies out there 
starts now, as a silicone mold is created using the 3D printed statue. Wax is then poured into this mold to create quite a precise candle to the likeness of the individual.
The Scandles are created with natural candle wax, and are available in five different colors including pink, orange, green, gray or vanilla. There are also five different scents of wax to choose from.
For those of you unable to make it to Paris, don’t fret. The Mini-You website is offering the service, provided you follow a few simple instructions and send in three photographs of yourself. They do mention, however, that those who take part in the scanning within the store will come away with a more accurate Scandle. All Scandles will come with a black marble base and are priced at £199 for a six inch bust, and £299 for an eight inch bust.
Let us know if you have used this service. Feel free to post pictures of your waxed self in the Scandles forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out a brief promo video for this service below.
