Additive manufacturing is making its way into the toy industry, and a toy line by the name of Makies is leading the way. This line, coming in the form of 3D printed dolls, is currently being sold online while simultaneously making its way into toy stores. In anticipation of the Makies manufacturer trotting out some new innovations at the Maker Faire in New York, our 3D printing company in Seattle took a look at their website to see what’s going on in the future of toy shopping.
The Makie website invites users to design their own doll, which can then be printed out and shipped to them. The doll designing interface presents them with a rotating, 3D model that can be customized to a fairly impressive degree. Users have the option of boy dolls and girl dolls, four different skin tones, a variety of outfits and hairstyles, and an extremely wide range of facial options. Eyes can be shaped, tilted, narrowed, and moved. Eyebrows can be tilted, thickened, and given “attitude”. The cheeks, jaw, nose, lips, and ears can be similarly adjusted, allowing for an entirely personalized toy. The final product is ten inches tall, and costs $115.
Makes CEO Alice Taylor will be visiting New York this week to showcase her company’s products, including the latest designs in clothing, wigs, and accessories. There’s no telling what’s coming next from Makies, but, if this company represents the future of 3D printing in the toy industry, it’s an exciting outlook for kids everywhere.
