Are you intrigued by 3D printing and want to introduce your children to this exciting technology? Looking for a 3d Printer Toy that’s not only fun but also capable of creating impressive designs and aligns with eco-friendly values? You’ve come to the right place! This is an in-depth review of the ToyBox 3D Printer, a device specifically designed with kids in mind.
Toy 3D printed by ToyBox printer next to spools of colorful PLA filament
I was on a quest to find a kid-friendly 3D printer that could spark my children’s interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The potential of 3D printing to demonstrate these concepts in a tangible way was a huge draw for my 8 and 11-year-olds. That’s when I discovered the ToyBox 3D Printer, and I’m excited to share my experience with you. What immediately stood out was its ease of use – crucial for young users – and the fact that it uses a corn-based filament, making the creations compostable under industrial conditions.
Before we get into the specifics of the ToyBox 3D printer’s advantages and disadvantages, let’s first understand the basics of how 3D printing works. This will give you a better appreciation for the technology behind this fascinating toy.
Close up of ToyBox 3D printer nozzle printing layers of plastic filament
Understanding How 3D Printers Work: From Digital Design to Physical Toy
Think of your standard inkjet printer, but instead of printing ink on paper to create flat images, a 3D printer builds objects layer upon layer, transforming digital designs into tangible, three-dimensional creations. It’s a process of additive manufacturing, constructing objects from the ground up.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the 3D printing process:
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Digital Design: It all starts with a digital 3D model of the object you want to print. This design can be created using specialized Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. Alternatively, you can access a vast library of pre-designed 3D models online, ready for printing.
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Slicing: The digital 3D model is then “sliced” into numerous thin, horizontal layers by specialized software. Imagine slicing a loaf of bread – each slice represents a layer. This slicing process converts the digital design into a set of instructions that the 3D printer can understand and follow.
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Layer-by-Layer Construction: The 3D printer reads these instructions and begins to build the object layer by layer. It does this by extruding a material – typically plastic filament, but it could also be metal, resin, or other materials – through a nozzle. The printer precisely deposits this material, following the sliced instructions, layer upon layer, building the object from the bottom up.
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Solidification: As each layer is deposited, it bonds to the layer beneath it. Depending on the material and printing technology, this bonding can happen through cooling and hardening, chemical reactions, or other processes. The layers fuse together, gradually giving shape to the desired object.
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Completion and Post-Processing: The printer continues adding layers until the entire object is complete. Once printing is finished, some objects might require post-processing. This could involve removing support structures (temporary material used to support overhanging parts during printing), sanding for a smoother finish, or painting to add color and detail.
Essentially, 3D printing is like sculpting with layers, building objects slice by slice. This innovative process opens up a world of possibilities, allowing for the creation of everything from toys and prototypes to customized tools and even medical implants. For kids, it’s a fantastic way to visualize abstract concepts and bring their imaginations to life.
Child holding a 3D printed toy figure made with ToyBox 3D printer
Variety of colorful 3D printed toys made by ToyBox printer for kids
Exploring 3D Printing Materials: From PLA to Advanced Filaments
The versatility of 3D printing is further highlighted by the wide array of materials that can be used. The choice of material depends heavily on the intended application and the desired properties of the final product. For instance, a toy designed for fun and play will have different material requirements compared to a functional part for machinery that needs to withstand stress and wear. Here’s an overview of some common 3D printing filaments:
1. PLA (Polylactic Acid): The Eco-Friendly Choice
PLA is a popular and widely used filament, especially favored for its eco-friendly nature. It’s derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, making it a bio-based plastic. PLA is relatively easy to print with, doesn’t typically require a heated bed, and comes in a vast spectrum of colors. However, PLA is not ideal for high-temperature applications as it can soften or deform in heat.
2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): For Durable Prints
ABS is known for its strength and durability, similar to the plastic used in LEGO bricks. It’s a robust material suitable for creating parts that need to withstand impact and wear. However, ABS printing requires a heated bed and good ventilation because it can release fumes and is prone to warping as it cools.
3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): Balancing Strength and Ease
PETG combines some of the best qualities of ABS and PLA. It’s stronger and more heat-resistant than PLA, yet easier to print with than ABS. PETG is a good choice for functional parts and items that need to be both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
4. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): The Flexible Filament
TPU is a flexible and elastic filament, allowing for the creation of bendable and rubber-like objects. It’s perfect for printing phone cases, flexible joints, wearable parts, or anything requiring elasticity.
5. Nylon: High Strength and Flexibility
Nylon is a high-performance filament known for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. It’s used for functional prototypes, gears, and parts that need to endure significant stress. Nylon can be more challenging to print with as it requires higher temperatures and is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air.
6. Resin (for SLA/DLP Printers): Precision and Detail
Resin is used in Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printers. It’s a liquid material that solidifies when exposed to UV light. Resin printing excels in producing highly detailed and smooth parts, often used for jewelry, dental models, and miniatures where fine details are crucial.
7. Wood and Carbon Fiber Composites: Specialty Filaments
Beyond standard plastics, there are specialty filaments like wood-filled filaments, which contain wood fibers, giving prints a wood-like appearance and texture. Carbon fiber filaments are reinforced with carbon fibers, resulting in exceptionally strong and rigid parts, often used in applications requiring high stiffness and low weight.
The ToyBox 3D Printer, as we’ll explore further, utilizes PLA filament, aligning with its focus on being kid-friendly and eco-conscious.
ToyBox 3D printer interface on a tablet showing design options for kids
Finished 3D printed snowflake ornament created with ToyBox printer
ToyBox 3D Printer: Bringing Digital Toys to Life for Kids
The Toybox 3D printer is specifically engineered to empower children to create their own toys and small objects, turning imaginative ideas into physical reality. Let’s delve into the step-by-step process of using the ToyBox 3D printer:
1. Downloading the ToyBox App and Printer Connection
The first step is to download the ToyBox App, available on tablets and smartphones, which serves as the control center for the printer. Once installed, plug in and power on the ToyBox 3D printer. Connecting the printer to the app is straightforward via WiFi, ensuring seamless communication between your device and the printer.
2. Designing Your 3D Toy: Unleashing Creativity
With the app connected, the creative fun begins! Children have multiple options for designing their 3D toys:
- Create Mode: The app features a user-friendly “Create” tab with intuitive design tools, allowing kids to draw, shape, and customize their own 3D models directly within the app.
- Toybox Library: For instant gratification and inspiration, the Toybox library offers a vast collection of pre-designed toys and objects. Kids can browse through categories and choose from thousands of ready-to-print designs.
- Import Designs: For more advanced users or access to designs from external sources, the ToyBox printer supports importing designs in standard 3D file formats like STL, OBJ, and gCode.
3. Loading the Eco-Friendly Filament: The Printer “Food”
The filament is the raw material that the ToyBox 3D printer uses to build objects. ToyBox uses a bioplastic filament made from polylactic acid (PLA), derived from cornstarch. This eco-conscious choice makes the filament biodegradable in industrial composting facilities. Loading the filament is simple: choose your desired color, feed it into the printer, and it’s ready to be melted and molded.
4. Layer-by-Layer Printing: Watching Toys Take Shape
Once the design is chosen and filament loaded, initiate the printing process through the app. The Toybox printer diligently follows the design instructions, melting the filament and precisely depositing it layer by layer. This additive process gradually builds the 3D toy from the base up. Print times vary depending on the complexity and size of the design, ranging from a few minutes for small, simple toys to several hours for more intricate creations.
5. Cooling and Solidification: From Melted Plastic to Solid Toy
As each layer of melted filament is laid down, it quickly cools and solidifies, bonding with the previous layer. This rapid cooling process ensures that the toy maintains its shape and gradually takes form as the printing progresses. Kids can watch in amazement as their digital designs materialize into physical objects right before their eyes.
6. Toy Removal and Playtime: Enjoying the Creation
Once the printing is complete, carefully remove the newly printed toy from the printer platform. Depending on the design, minimal clean-up or removal of support structures might be needed. Then, the best part – playtime! The 3D-printed toy is ready for action, whether it’s a figurine, a gadget, or a decorative item.
7. Endless Possibilities: Repeat, Experiment, and Create
The ToyBox 3D printer is designed for continuous fun and learning. Kids can keep designing and printing new toys, experimenting with different colors, modifying designs, and even collaborating on projects. It’s like having a mini toy factory at home, fueled by imagination and eco-friendly materials!
Collection of 3D printed toys and filament spools showcasing ToyBox printer creations
Why the ToyBox 3D Printer Earns My Recommendation as a Top 3D Printer Toy
I wholeheartedly recommend the ToyBox 3D printer for families looking for a fantastic 3D printer toy. Several key features make it stand out:
The most compelling aspect, for me, is the eco-friendly filament. Using corn starch-based PLA filament is a significant advantage over printers that rely solely on non-renewable plastics. While it’s important to note that home composting won’t decompose PLA (industrial composting conditions are required), it’s still a more sustainable choice.
Beyond the material, the kid-friendly design and ease of use are paramount. My children, aged 8 and 11, quickly became independent users after just a few demonstrations. Loading filament, navigating the app, and initiating prints are all designed to be intuitive for young users. Of course, parental supervision is recommended, especially initially, to ensure safe operation, particularly around the hot nozzle.
Another benefit is the inherent patience-building aspect. 3D printing is not instantaneous. Print times can range from minutes to hours, depending on the design’s complexity. This waiting time, rather than being a drawback, becomes a valuable lesson in patience and appreciation for the creation process. Children witness their designs slowly materialize, fostering a greater sense of value for the finished product, much like appreciating the time and effort behind a handmade toy or a home-cooked meal.
The availability of refurbished ToyBox 3D printers is another plus. ToyBox offers pre-owned, fully refurbished printers at a discounted price, promoting a circular economy and making 3D printing more accessible. Coupled with the 10% discount offered through the promo code “THOUGHTFULLYSUSTAINABLE” at ToyBox’s website, owning a ToyBox 3D printer becomes even more budget-friendly.
ToyBox 3D printer and accessories showcasing a kid-friendly 3D printing setup
Addressing Common Questions About the ToyBox 3D Printer
When my children started printing toys and ornaments for friends using the ToyBox 3D printer, their parents naturally had questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and my responses:
Will the novelty wear off? Will kids continue to use it after the initial excitement?
This is a valid concern with any new toy or gadget. To prevent the ToyBox 3D printer from becoming shelfware, we cycle its use. Bringing it out every few weeks keeps it fresh and exciting. The ability to design personalized gifts for friends and family, especially holiday ornaments, ensures its continued relevance and use throughout the year. The printer isn’t intended for constant, rapid-fire toy production, which, in my opinion, is a positive aspect.
Is a ToyBox Plus subscription necessary?
No, absolutely not. The ToyBox app comes with thousands of free designs in its library. A ToyBox Plus subscription is entirely optional and not needed to enjoy a vast range of printing options.
What are “bolts” in the ToyBox app?
Bolts are ToyBox’s in-app digital currency. They are used to unlock premium toy designs, often featuring licensed characters from popular franchises like Cartoon Network, DC Comics, and more. Purchasing bolts is optional, and the extensive free library provides ample content without requiring any bolt purchases. We haven’t needed to use bolts as the free content is already abundant and engaging.
What is the ideal age range for the ToyBox 3D Printer?
The ToyBox 3D printer is suitable for a broad age range, from early elementary school through high school. Younger children, with parental guidance, can benefit from observing the printing process and creating simple designs. Older students, including high schoolers, can leverage the printer’s ability to import designs from professional CAD software, enabling them to create more complex and unique projects.
What are the limitations of the ToyBox 3D Printer?
In my experience, the primary limitations are design size and material durability. The print area is approximately 3″ x 3″, which restricts the size of single-print objects. However, larger designs can be created in multiple parts and assembled. Regarding durability, the PLA filament is less robust than plastics like ABS. While toys are generally durable for typical play, they might not withstand very rough handling, especially from younger, more energetic children.
Son showing a larger 3D printed project made in multiple parts using ToyBox 3D printer
Unlocking STEM Learning with 3D Printer Toys
3D printing is an exceptional tool for teaching STEM concepts in an engaging and hands-on manner. As a former classroom teacher, I can attest to the immense educational value of having 3D printers readily available in learning environments. Here are some key STEM principles that 3D printing can effectively teach:
Science: Material Science and Chemical Reactions
3D printing allows children to explore different materials and their properties. They can learn why PLA, ABS, or other filaments are chosen for specific applications based on their characteristics like strength, flexibility, and melting point. The printing process itself can illustrate concepts of phase changes and chemical reactions as materials transform from solid filament to melted plastic and back to a solid object.
Technology: Hardware and CAD Software Skills
Understanding the mechanics of a 3D printer – its various components and how they work together – provides valuable insights into hardware and technology. Learning to use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software introduces children to digital modeling and design principles, essential tech skills in today’s world.
Engineering: Design Thinking and Prototyping
Designing objects for 3D printing naturally introduces the engineering design process. Kids learn to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, create designs, and iterate based on testing and feedback. 3D printing facilitates rapid prototyping, allowing them to quickly create and test their designs, mirroring real-world engineering practices.
Mathematics: Geometry, Measurement, and Problem-Solving
CAD software and 3D design involve spatial reasoning, geometry, and measurement. Children apply mathematical concepts like dimensions, angles, proportions, and scaling when designing their 3D models. The design process also inherently involves problem-solving as they figure out how to translate their ideas into printable designs.
Real-World STEM Applications: Connecting to Industries
Demonstrating the real-world applications of 3D printing across diverse industries – aerospace, medicine, architecture, manufacturing – highlights the relevance of STEM learning. Hands-on 3D printing projects make abstract STEM concepts tangible and relatable, sparking greater interest and deeper understanding.
3D printer toys, like the ToyBox 3D printer, provide an interactive and stimulating way to introduce and reinforce STEM principles. They encourage creativity, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, making learning both fun and practical.
If you’re interested in acquiring a ToyBox 3D printer for your family or classroom, remember to use the discount code “THOUGHTFULLYSUSTAINABLE” to save 10% on your purchase.
Free downloadable 3D printing workbook cover for kids learning STEM
Free 3D Printing Workbook for Kids: Explore Real-World Applications
To further enhance the educational value of 3D printing, I’ve created a free, 15-page workbook designed for students. This workbook explores the fascinating real-world applications of 3D printing technology across various fields. Click the link below to receive your complimentary copy directly to your inbox and embark on a deeper dive into the world of 3D printing!
FREE 3D Printing workbook for kids
For more in-depth information, I’ve also written a separate blog post focusing on the real-world applications of 3D printing. If you have any further questions about incorporating 3D printing into your home or educational setting, please feel free to leave a comment below!
