Mattel has now just entered the 3D printer market in a big way

Not only have they gotten the price down to an affordable $300, but they have truly made 3D Printing “childs play”. After the introduction of 3D printers a few years ago we knew it would only be a matter of time before the price came down to where just about anyone can enjoy the benefits of 3D printing.

Mattel introduced the “ThingMaker” earlier this year at the 2016 Toy Fair. This version is an update from the original Thingmaker, the “Thingmaker Design App” allows even children to design and print fairly complex objects, jewelry, etc. Mattel is taking pre-orders now but expects to start shipping this fall and intends to keep the cost down to $300. And, as history dictates, this price is destined to fall even further as time goes on. Just in time for the Christmas holidays.

This version of the ThingMaker seems to be much more child friendly and safer than the original version which relied on heating the plastic before spitting out the toy.The new design works like every other 3D printer and will lock the door while it’s printing to keep it safe from little hands and even retracts the hot print head back to a safe position to prevent the chance of burning someone’s hands. Mattel has targeted the new 3D printers for those children over 13 years of age but states it is safe for children over 3 years old.

Although Mattel’s new entry into the 3D printer market is not the first to get the pricing down to this price point, it is the first of its kind to actively market the technology to be used by children. They further promote the product by packaging it with creative software. Knowing Mattel, you can bet they will have additional accessories to add to the purchase to make it even more appealing to children and young adults.