Mattel resurrects 'ThingMaker': Allows 3D printing toys at home

Mattel, Inc. kicked-off New York Toy Fair 2016 by announcing its easy-to-use 3D printing eco-system for families – ThingMaker Design App and the ThingMaker 3D Printer. Through a previously announced collaboration with Autodesk, Inc., ThingMaker is designed to virtually hand over the “keys to the toy factory.” The original ThingMaker from Mattel first debuted an at-home maker device in the 1960s, and has been completely re-imagined for the 21st century. The ThingMaker 3D printing eco-system, combined with a little imagination, says the toy company, is all families need to design, create and print their own toys from start to finish.

Mattel’s new ThingMaker eco-system will equip families to create figures such as dolls, robots and dinosaurs, or wearable accessories like bracelets and necklaces by 3D printing them. By downloading the ThingMaker Design App, families can browse through templates or build their own creations from hundreds of parts. When the piece is ready for creation, designs get sent right to the ThingMaker 3D Printer, which prints parts in batches for easy assembly via ball and socket joints.

“In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever for families to transcend the digital world and make their ideas real,” said Aslan Appleman, senior director, at Mattel. “ThingMaker pushes the boundaries of imaginative play, giving families countless ways to customize their toys and let their creativity run wild. We’re thrilled to work with the 3D design experts at Autodesk to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to life.”

“We’re excited to work with a storied company like Mattel to develop an app that bridges the digital and physical worlds and brings new forms of making to the next generation of designers and engineers,” said Samir Hanna, vice president and general manager, Digital Manufacturing Group, Autodesk. “Creativity begins with inspiring the individual. The ThingMaker eco-system makes building your own creations not only possible, but more intuitive for young creators than ever before.”

The toy-making 3D printer will be available fall 2016 in the U.S., and consumers can purchase it at around $299.99. Pre-orders on Amazon.com have already begun. Mattel will have a variety of filament color options available for the ThingMaker 3D Printer with additional design content including branded options rolling out at a later date. The ThingMaker Design App also works with other printers; it is available now and free to download for iOS and Android devices.