Future Vision
Additive printing can be applied to many different industries; that’s the beauty of it. There are certainly opportunities to produce something for everyone with 3D printing. I find 3D printed toys one of the most interesting. I chose this topic because I love children and I’m constantly surrounded with them in my family or my various volunteering efforts. So much so that I see how fast children grow and how much their imaginations expand within a short period of time. With 3D printed toys, new toys can be produced to fit their ever-changing ages, interests and imaginations. This process could save families much money, but could also aid in some companies losing money or making money depending on their participation in 3D printing.
Although these creations have already started to be developed, I’m positive it will be an even bigger part of the future of 3D design. Much like the chapter in Fabricated that spoke about 3D printing a toothbrush for a child on demand, this will be like that. ToyFabb, a Switzerland start-up, is missioned to bringing toys to the future of 3D printing and personal manufacturing, by offering a specialized, convenient, and integrated platform that brings designers and customers together. The restrictions of design softwares need to be modified to ensure there are no limitations on design and materials, for this to happen. Many 3D Toys have been printed in hard plastic and I would love to see the future of 3D printed stuffed animals as well. According to CNet, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are collaborating with Disney Research to design a machine that can 3D print in woolen materials and controllable elasticity for 3D printed toys.
Similar to other toys for kids, there are always safety concerns with the materials used because younger children tend to put toys in their mouths. According to Sculpteo, a product can be declared as a toy when it fulfills strict conditions of safety regarding materials, shape, packaging, etc. Regulations vary by State, and 3D printed toys will surely have to pass all safety tests before it can really become a permanent thing of the future.
http://www.3dprinter.net/toyfabb-launches-3d-printable-toy-files-website-and-contest
http://www.cnet.com/news/disney-research-invents-3d-printer-for-teddy-bears/
http://3dprint.com/87326/disney-research-elasticity/
http://www.sculpteo.com/blog/2014/12/23/safe-3d-printed-plastic-children/