World first: 3D-printable Ford models

Remember when scale models were all the rage?

Now, Ford offers the futuristic equivalent with its newly-opened 3D store, found at http://3d.ford.com.

The site offers appropriately-licensed, high-quality digital images and 3D-printable files of Ford's hottest stock, including the Shelby GT350R, Focus ST and F-150 Raptor, with more to follow (Ford Falcon XY GT-HO Phase III, anyone?).

Powered by digital gurus TurboSquid, online store provides those with access to a 3D printer the facility to create scale models of the vehicles listed above, to any size and in any material they desire. 3D-printed models are also available to order in 1/32 scale, made from plastic.

Additionally, over 1000 digital images are stored on the site, from Model T through to the upcoming Ford GT supercar.

With desktop 3D printers estimated to exceed one million units by 2018 (currently it's around 44,000, according to Juniper research) it was a logical step for Ford to enter the commercial 3D printing space.

"3D printing at home is a growing trend, and it makes sense for us to offer our customers a chance to make their own 3D Ford models," said Mark Bentley, licensing manager, Ford Global Brand Licensing.

"At Ford, we're using 3D printing every day to rapidly prototype parts, and now we want to share that fun with our fans."