As 3D printing technology evolves, the breath of possibilities of what we can print seems endless. Mattel, an American multinational toy manufacturing company last weekend unveiled a 3D printer called ‘ThingMaker,” which will allow children print their own toys at home. The ThingMaker is the company’s 21st century spin on its original at-home toy making device (with the same name), launched in the 1960s. The 1960’s version allowed children build their own toys by pouring liquid plastic-like material into molds which they had to heat and cool afterwards.
The new device is designed to work with its own 3D printing app developed in partnership with Autodesk. The app allows users and especially children easily design items via its simple interface and the objects designed can be printed using Mattel’s ThingMaker or any other kind of 3D printer.
Called ThingMaker Design, the app is available on both Android and iOS and although users can design objects from scratch, there are a variety of built-in character templates and tutorials that help first-time users get started. In addition to printing objects, children can print parts that can be assembled after printing to form bigger objects like robots, necklaces etc.
According to Mattel, the ThingMaker 3D will use hard PLA filament and will come with at least two dozen colors. One spokesperson also mentioned that the company may release other material at a future date.
The printer isn’t going to be available for purchase until sometime around September. You can however pre-order from Amazon for $300.
