Falling costs open 3-D printing to the masses

3-D printing, the process in which lasers are used to imprint a variety of materials, from paper to plastics and metals, has become so cost-effective that local copy shops are starting to offer the service to walk-in customers.

Costs have come down dramatically, primarily because of the expiration of early patents. The cost now is low enough that longtime Boulder print shop Eight Days A Week Imaging and Copy Center plans to open a 3-D printing store early next year.

Sam Sussman, co-owner of the company, said he has been offering 3-D printing services for almost two…