Several years ago, 3D printing was making its emergence as a viable and more cost-effective option to ease manufacturing inefficiencies. Little did we know that it would become part of our tech vernacular and play a role in very cool modern-day implementations in paleontology, gastronomy, fashion and even pet mobility.The global market for 3D printers is expected to grow to $20.2 billion by 2019, at an annual growth rate of 44% from 2014, according to research company Canalys. While 3D printing has largely been experimental until this point, it’s starting to make its mark into more common usage, even venturing into kids’ products, as evidenced by the partnership between Mattel and Autodesk, announced earlier this year.
It would be cool to get a replica of your child or family at DOOB 3D, and even cooler to have a physical, 3D manifestation of your child’s imagination. Here are some of the neatest ways 3D printing is bringing kids’ creativity to life:
1. Kids Creation Station
Of the pages upon pages of artwork that your kids bring home every day, there are those extra special masterpieces that you want to memorialize somehow. With Kids Creation Station, you can turn that image into a 3D-printed figurine to last in perpetuity. Simply upload a photo of the artwork and approximately four weeks later, a 4-inch figurine replica of your child’s creation arrives on your door. ($100)
2. Potatoyz
For a digital experience that yields a 3D figurine, Potatoyz is a super fun option. This iOS app lets kids design any kind of ‘Potatoyz’ character they want, either through the templates or free-form using the various patterns, stickers, colors, pens and accessories available. The little figures measure about 1.6 inches tall and are cute reminders of your child’s whimsy. You’ll want to make one too. ($25)
3. Makies
Ask kids if they want a doll version of themselves and it’s a pretty good bet they’ll all say yes. (See the American Girl doll clone versions of yesteryear). Makies is a high-tech update on the mini-me concept. Kids design the dolls online and then they get 3D-printed into a 10-inch poseable doll of their likeness. Makies can be personalized by hairstyle, face shape, facial features, outfits and more. Extra points for the “I Love Math” shirt, but not sure it needs to be a crop top. ($76)
4. 3Doodler
Kids who want to take their 3D printing into their own hands will have a blast with the 3Doodler as a way to get those creative juices flowing, literally and figuratively. Fashioned as a pen that emits a physical plastic filament that can be molded into any creation, this definitely allows for more spontaneous 3D artistry. We last covered the 3Doodler during its highly successful Kickstarter campaign; its 2.0 version is now shipping to the U.S., Europe and Australia. ($99)
5. Shapeways
For enterprising kids who believe their designs are meant for retail consumption, enter Shapeways. This is a flourishing online marketplace of 3D-printed designs, with everything from home accessories to jewelry to drone parts to desk toys. There’s also the option to have any 3D-printed design sent back to the creator, as to not feel the pressure of selling anything publicly.
6. The Micro
Another 3D-printing venture that got its start on Kickstarter is the Micro 3D printer, reaching its $50,000 goal in 11 minutes and eventually surpassing $1M. Portable and lightweight, the Micro is generally available to true enthusiasts. Seemingly simple enough for kids to use, the printer allows them to experiment with any design imaginable and hone their 3D printing talents in the comfort of their own homes. Plus they get bragging rights for being the first kid on the block with a 3D printer. ($349)
source:mashable.com
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