A new 3D printing retail shop is opening in St. Paul, aiming to make the technology more accessible to hobbyists, entrepreneurs, and those with creative ideas. Steam Factory will launch its membership-based store at 2650 W. University Ave. on May 1, 2025. Owner Rick Beddoe describes the shop as a place where anyone can transform their concepts into reality with the help of on-site guidance.
Established in 2015, Steam Factory houses over a dozen 3D printers and includes a classroom area for workshops. The layout is inspired by steampunk aesthetics, featuring metal fixtures, wooden benches, and a coffee bar. Beddoe, who is a trained mechanical engineer, seeks to "bring this industrial process into the light," challenging the notion that 3D printing is limited to manufacturing.
The shop will offer four levels of memberships, which will allow varying degrees of access to 3D printing, prototyping, and design services. Memberships range from $0 to $40 per month, providing a structured environment for those looking to learn. Beddoe emphasized the importance of guidance, stating that without proper moderation, resources like making use of community libraries can be less effective.
At Steam Factory, customers can create various items, with machines capable of printing in over 50 materials including nylon and silicone. Beyond traditional 3D printed objects, the shop can produce items as intricate as jewelry through investment casting. This process involves creating a wax model that is later encased in a mold to pour in molten metal.
The shop isn’t just about DIY projects; it also collaborates with local businesses for proprietary product printing. One client, a teleradiology practice called Virtual Radiologic, uses a custom grip device, the vGrip, that supports radiologists in their work. Switching to a local manufacturer helped improve their operations, demonstrating the relevance of 3D printing in today’s manufacturing landscape.
As public interest in customizable manufacturing grows, Beddoe believes that there’s a bright future for service-based 3D printing businesses like Steam Factory. The shop’s grand opening is set for May 1, from 4 to 9 p.m., and aims to be a hub for creativity and innovation in St. Paul.