3D Printing, of toys?
 

Not sure where this thread should sit but with the recent advance in 3D Printing technology, how long do you think it'll be before we are able to print out or own toys? I mean they can already print an AR-15 so why not a Technodrome? Anyone have any thoughts or opinions on the subject?

I did fantasize about modeling a NECA Shredder and use the school 3D printer when I was studying 3D animation.

I think maybe with articulation points on action figures, the printed figures might be too brittle? You have to assemble them yourself. Not sure how sturdy the material used to 3D print. Maybe a staction figure, but an articulated action figure might strain the material, like on elbows or ankle joints.

That would be cool to do... But not everyone can afford one of the 3d printers...

It sounds like you are the most well suited & educated person to discuss this with, so.. I thought about joints & articulation as well but an automatic weapon has many complex moving parts & I believe reebok or Nike is starting to make custom tennis shoes this way as well. I understand the material would be the big difference between them but honestly I'm not even sure how it works. I've never looked into how much those printers cost but probably astronomical prices this early into development?

Give it a few years. They're already working to make more reasonably priced ones for the individual consumer market.

Plus there are companies that'll print your s**t for a fee (although I would imagine copyrights remain in effect, so you'll have to do with your own characters, I suppose).