Reports: UPS stores bring in 3-D printer, one hires engineer

NEW YORK — UPS stores in San Diego and Washington are offering 3-D printing services of objects ranging from pet-feeding devices to high-tech smartphone attachments to car parts, according to published reports.

The Atlantic recently reported online that the San Diego store had hired an engineer, and customers could come in with an idea, get it on paper and then print the object. Customers have included owners of old cars that needed replacement parts, engineers and doctors.

Boosters have touted 3-D printing as the next wave of manufacturing in the United States. According to Business Facilities magazine, 3-D printing has attracted 520,000 manufacturing jobs to the United States since January 2010. And at the Total Store Expo last month, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores featured a 3-D printer in its "Innovation Zone."

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