ThingMaker – 3D printer for children

Back in 1964, Mattel company released a set of Creepy Crawlers, which allowed children to create their own toys. It was realized by means of molds and special materials. Now, the notorious company that created bestsellers as Barbie doll, train Thomas and other toys, presented a 3D printer ThingMaker, that does the same job as Creepy Crawlers, but with innovative tools available thankfully to 3D-printing technology.

The ThingMaker works by layer-fusing technology, using plastic PLA. Of course, printing speed is relatively modest, although it is standard for such equipment. To create a relatively large toys you will need about 6-8 hours. Of course, the printer allows to create not only solid figures, but also various parts for them. From a technical point of view, this printer is not different from the existing ones. The only difference is the presence of licensed digital copies of famous characters of animated films and variety of models.

ThingMaker printer will work with application-companion ThingMaker Design app, that will help to transform complicated 3D modeling in a fairly simple process and even fascinating. New toys can now be sent to print directly from a smartphone or tablet – wireless. For reliability, ease of interface and usability of the application are responsible Autodesk developers who have considerable experience in this field. They created an application which is available for iOS and Android devices, it is universal: compatible with other 3D printers. Although ThingMaker developers do not attach any special significance – assuring that the competition in terms of the low price and ease of use of the printer is inexistent.

The application includes a set of ready to print characters, as well as lessons to create entirely new characters and objects. Many of the toys provided with movable joints, through which arms and legs of printed creatures can move. The child will be able to change the color of their printed pieces, however, the choice will be limited by the presence of a suitable plastic in printer. With ThingMaker you can create a whole army of dolls, robots, dinosaurs, insects, monsters and lots of decorations such as plastic bracelets, rings and pendants.

Safety

According to the announcement, the device is for children from three years old and older, therefore the safety of the ThingMaker must be at highest level. The developers assured that there is no ways to injure or cause any harm to the children while using their device. Same as in the 3D pencil 3Doodler Start- announced a few days ago, the thing that heats up the plastic is securely hidden, preventing the risk of burns, also it cannot be jammed by hand. Even the mobile application is protected, so the curious child will not be able to delete the print design of the character by accidentally pressing the “wrong button”.

The cost of the device – $ 300. Anyone can already pre-order it, but the delivery will begin only at fall.