Pitching its pricey Cube 3D as "the first consumer 3D printer for children ages 8 to 80 years," 3D Systems today plans to exhibit the device at Earth Day New York, which takes place April 19-21 at Grand Central Station in Manhattan.

Given Cube 3D's lofty price tag, it probably won't become a popular home item anytime soon. Schools, however, may find Cube 3D useful in the classroom, and 3D Systems is targeting the education market as well.

"I am very excited to participate in Earth Day New York and share with children, parents, and teachers the transformative and environmentally responsible power of 3D printing," said 3D Systems' CEO and President Abe Reichental in a statement.

An emerging technology, allows , , and even to swiftly build three-dimensional prototypes. Plastic is usually the preferred material for these creations, but 3D printers can use a variety of other materials, including , Styrofoam, and even human tissue.

In fact, 3D printing is so hot that the scallywags at recently created a new category on their torrent site for files that allow 3D printers to create physical objects.