AMSTERDAM: Shapeways, part of Philips Lifestyle Incubator Project, has created an Internet-based, grassroots campaign for the launch of its “PhotoShaper” this week. The new product allows consumers to turn digital photographs into 3D printed objects.

The company is reaching out to the US market through opinion leaders and communities online to “show them how Shapeways and PhotoShaper are relevant to them,” said Peter Weijmarshausen, CEO of Shapeways. “Using their enthusiasm, we hope that they will spread the word ...