Before we begin this chapter, a little recap. I previously stated my intent to become a traveling toy maker, and by using a series of computers and servers connected to one another, (colloquially referred to as “The Internet”) I began to amass knowledge for this undertaking. Last time I spoke of an idea I had. My idea: I figured that now that I had some book smarts, it would behove me to find the help of someone who actually knew about how to make a toy.

To this end, I traveled to New York City’s Lower East Side, to reach the iMakr store (pictured below). The iMakr New York store holds the distinction of being the second largest 3d printing store in the known contiguous universe, behind the iMakr London store.

iMakr NY

Inside the store they had an assortment of 3d printed knicknacks, ranging from toys, to shoes, and even a model of Star Lord’s helmet. They also carried a bevy of 3d printers, each humming away at a separate task. While all this was nice, this was not what I came for. I came for counsel. Finding a man sitting at the lone table, I approached him with inquiries about toy making via 3d printing. Mike,(whose last name I forgot to find out) told me a few things about making toys with 3d printing. First, he told me that in theory, you would only use 3d printing to prototype. When I inquired as to why this was, he informed me that it simply was not efficient. As it turns out, the amount of time to make a 3d printed model of something that will be made from low grade plastic anyways would be better served as an injection mold. You would send over the master print to a factory and they would create a mold that would be mass-produced. This however, does not mean that there is no way to make a 3d printed toy. Enter Modio.

The picture to the left is a display on a tablet that shows Modio, a toy customization app for children. Since most kids don’t have the technical prowess to design a functional toy, Modio gives them a variety of pre-made components that they can mix, match, and customize to create their own toys. The picture on the right is pieces of a Modio toy that for whatever reason were left behind.

Mike also told me about a program called 123dcatch, which allows the user to scan objects into a 3d model using their phones. Below are some pictures of 3d printed sculptures or “high class toys” using that technology.

While slightly taken aback by the process of making a toy, I know had all the knowledge I needed. I would go home and begin designing my toy! I have the skills and the internet connection vital in making this toy a success.

Next time on A TOY MAKER’S JOURNEY: FIGHTING THE FIRST BATTLE