Chris Bennett, a computer science engineering sophomore, said he especially enjoys the networking aspect of his visits to the 3D printing area.

ENGADGET: The future of higher education: reshaping universities through 3D printing

Certainly, the Replicator marks a big step over its predecessor, the Thing-O-Matic, introducing dual-extrusion for two-colored printing and a much larger printing area, letting users create standalone objects roughly the size of a loaf of bread.

ENGADGET: MakerBot Replicator impressions: the dawning of 3D printers in every home?

Commercial printing doesn't sound like a growth business, but in one sizable area it is ablaze with potential.

FORBES: Hot type

While tablets and smartphones have killed consumer printing (inkjets and photo printers), Xerox has less exposure to this area than competitors Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) and Lexmark International (LXK).

FORBES: Xerox Works To Duplicate Copier Glory In Digital Services Model