The imagination and creativity of many kids (and adults too) is about to become reality. ThingMaker is Mattel's 3D printer that will allow kids to design and create their own toys.
ThingMaker is Mattel's 3D toy printer for kids, the world's largest toy company. This 3D printer comes with an app called ThingMaker Design that lets you design a wide variety of toys, ranging from figures to accessories. The app lets you create new toys directly from a tablet or smartphone, wirelessly sending the designs to the printer. To achieve this, Mattel partnered with the software company Autodesk, who made sure the app is fast and easy to use for the little ones.
And although ThingMaker Design files are optimized to work with ThingMaker, they are also compatible with other 3D printers. The app is already available for free on iOS and Android and comes loaded with dozens of models including things like rings, necklaces, scorpions, skeletons, and much more. You can choose different colors for various parts of the toy you're about to print, and even customize the figure's joints. It is expected that in the coming months the catalog of parts will expand to increase the possibilities of creations.
For now, there is no word on whether Mattel will release prints of its most well-known brands like Barbie or Hot Wheels, but it could be the next step if the 3D printer has a good reception in the market. The printer itself is aimed at children aged 13 and up and comes with all the necessary safety standards to prevent kids from accidentally hurting themselves. ThingMaker will go on sale in fall 2016 at a price of $300, so if you want to have your own 3D toy printer, take advantage now to make a reservation from the Amazon site.
