The reason I took this course was to learn about how to manufacture toys using 3D printing. I viewed it as a way to avoid all the old manufacturing process with which I was familiar. Namely, expensive injection molding, large minimum order quantities, warehousing of inventory, manufacturing in China and those long, dreaded flights to the factories, posting of letters of credit, sales call to major retailers, just-in-time shipping orders and 30-60-90 day payment cycles.
Then I read about 3D printing. It seemed to be everything traditional injection molding was not. It allowed for manufacturing only one product at a time. This technology eliminated one of the biggest cost and uncertainties in mass production: minimum production quantities. Moreover, multiple designs can be created and tested because the design process takes place in the software. It is the computer animated design (CAD) process that makes 3D printing so unique when compared to the traditional manufacturing process.
Production with 3D printing is accessible because of the services surrounding the industry that contribute to its adoption. When the speaker came from Shapeways, he explained that they have a community where 3D CAD modelers are available to work for hire on projects.
That was the information I needed in order to pursue my goal of creating 3D printed toys. All I had was a design and an idea. But, I was unable to take the concept to the next level. However, once I knew there was a community of CAD experts, I knew I would be able to develop the toy.
My work raises questions about mass customization and whether I will be able to market the toy allowing the words on the sign to change, and to offer a selection on the colors of the clothes.
For the larger community, if I am able to successfully manufacture the toys in the U.S. I will use that as a marketing tool and be able to evangelize this process to others. Now, when I talk about 3D printing the first reference most people have is that 3D is good for making guns. These toys and the publicity they generate can help change that.
The next step is to send the product to Shapeways and get a prototype and begin to test market the acceptance and audience for the toys.
