Introducing children to the world of 3D printing can spark a lifelong love for innovation and technology. As parents and educators search for engaging STEM tools, the question arises: What’s the best 3d Printer For Kids? After extensive research and hands-on testing, I’m excited to share my experience with the Toybox 3D Printer, a device specifically designed with young creators in mind. This review dives deep into why the Toybox stands out as a top contender in the realm of kid-friendly 3D printers, exploring its ease of use, eco-conscious design, and educational value.
A 3D printed toy stands next to a stack of printer filament
Understanding 3D Printing: A Simple Explanation for Kids
Before we delve into the specifics of the Toybox, let’s briefly explain how 3D printing works – in a way that’s easy for kids to grasp. Imagine a regular printer that uses ink to create pictures on paper. A 3D printer is similar, but instead of ink, it uses materials like melted plastic to build objects layer by layer.
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Digital Design: You start with a digital blueprint of what you want to create. This could be a design you draw yourself using special software, or one you find in an online library.
- Layer by Layer Building: The 3D printer reads this digital design and starts building the object from the bottom up. It melts a thin strand of material and precisely places it layer upon layer, following the design’s instructions.
- Solidifying the Shape: As each layer is added, it cools and hardens, sticking to the layer below. Gradually, the 3D object begins to take shape right before your eyes.
- From Idea to Object: The printer continues adding layers until the entire design is complete. What started as a digital idea transforms into a real, three-dimensional object you can hold.
This process of building layer by layer allows for the creation of incredibly diverse objects, from toys and tools to art pieces and even parts for machines. For kids, it’s like having a magical factory right at home, turning their digital creations into tangible realities.
3D printer in operation, creating layers to build a 3D object
Filament Types: What Materials Can Kids Use in 3D Printers?
The “ink” of a 3D printer is called filament, and it comes in various materials, each with unique properties. For kid-friendly 3D printers, safety and ease of use are paramount, making certain filaments more suitable than others. Here are some common types:
1. PLA (Polylactic Acid): The Kid-Friendly Favorite
PLA is often considered the best filament for kids and beginners. It’s made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, making it biodegradable and more environmentally friendly. PLA is easy to print with, doesn’t require extremely high temperatures, and comes in a rainbow of colors. It’s ideal for creating toys, decorative items, and educational models. The Toybox 3D Printer uses PLA filament, highlighting its commitment to safety and sustainability for young users.
2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Durable but Requires More Care
ABS is a stronger, more durable plastic, similar to what LEGO bricks are made of. However, it requires higher printing temperatures and proper ventilation, making it less ideal for unsupervised use by younger children.
3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): A Balance of Strength and Ease
PETG offers a good balance between PLA and ABS. It’s stronger than PLA and easier to print with than ABS, offering good durability and temperature resistance.
4. Flexible Filaments (TPU, TPE): For Bendable Creations
TPU and TPE filaments are flexible and rubber-like, allowing for the creation of bendable toys, phone cases, or wearable items. These can be fun for kids but might require slightly more advanced printer settings.
5. Specialty Filaments: Wood, Carbon Fiber, and More
There are also specialty filaments like wood-filled PLA for a wood-like finish or carbon fiber filaments for added strength. While interesting, these are generally for more experienced users and less relevant for beginner 3D printers for kids.
For most kid-focused 3D printers, PLA is the go-to material due to its safety, ease of use, and eco-friendly nature, aligning perfectly with the needs and priorities of parents and educators.
Variety of colorful PLA filaments for 3D printing
Close up of different 3D printed objects showcasing print quality
Toybox 3D Printer: Designed for Young Inventors
The Toybox 3D printer is specifically engineered to be a 3D printer for kids. From unboxing to the first print, the entire experience is streamlined and intuitive, making it accessible even for younger children (with supervision). Let’s explore how it works:
Simple Setup: App-Based and Wi-Fi Connectivity
Getting started with the Toybox is incredibly easy. Download the Toybox app on a tablet or smartphone, plug in the printer, and connect it to your Wi-Fi network. The app guides you through the setup process, making it straightforward even for tech novices.
Design and Create: Unleash Creativity with the App
The heart of the Toybox experience is its user-friendly app. Kids can:
- Choose from a vast Toybox Library: The app boasts a catalog of thousands of pre-designed toys, from simple figurines to more complex models. This ready-to-print library offers instant gratification and inspiration.
- Design their own creations: For budding designers, the “Create” tab offers simple drawing tools to design 3D models directly within the app. While not as advanced as professional CAD software, it’s perfect for kids to express their ideas.
- Import existing designs: For those with access to external 3D design files (STL, OBJ, gCode formats), the Toybox can import and print these, offering flexibility for older or more experienced users.
Easy Filament Loading: “Printer Food” Made from Corn
The Toybox uses PLA filament, referred to playfully as “printer food.” Loading filament is a breeze: simply insert the PLA roll into the printer, and the app guides you through the loading process. The corn-based PLA filament is a significant plus, making it a more sustainable and non-toxic option compared to traditional plastics.
Printing Process: Watch Creations Come to Life
Once a design is selected and filament loaded, printing is initiated with a tap in the app. The Toybox printer then gets to work, layer by layer, bringing the digital design into the physical world. Print times vary depending on the complexity and size of the object, ranging from a few minutes to several hours. This wait time can be a valuable lesson in patience and the creation process for children.
Safe and Cool to Touch: Designed with Kids in Mind
Safety is paramount with kids’ products. The Toybox printer is designed with a nozzle that is shielded to minimize accidental contact with the hot printing element. While it’s crucial to supervise children and teach them about printer safety, the design considerations of the Toybox are reassuring for parents. The PLA filament also has a relatively low melting point compared to other filaments, further enhancing safety.
Play and Repeat: Endless Creative Fun
Once printing is complete, the creations are easily removed from the print bed. Kids can then play with their newly printed toys, give them as gifts, or even iterate on their designs and print again. The Toybox encourages experimentation and repeated use, maximizing its value as a creative and educational tool.
Child interacting with the Toybox 3D printer and printed toys
Why the Toybox 3D Printer is a Great Choice for Kids (And Parents!)
As a parent, I’ve found several compelling reasons to recommend the Toybox 3D printer as an excellent option for families:
Eco-Friendly Filament: A Sustainable Choice
The use of corn-based PLA filament is a standout feature. While it’s not backyard compostable, PLA is biodegradable in industrial composting facilities, making it a more environmentally responsible choice compared to petroleum-based plastics. Teaching children about sustainable materials from a young age is increasingly important, and the Toybox aligns with this value.
Kid-Friendly Operation: Independence and Confidence Building
My children (ages 8 and 11) quickly became confident in using the Toybox with minimal supervision after initial guidance. The intuitive app, easy filament loading, and straightforward printing process empower kids to take ownership of their creative projects. This independence is a huge confidence booster.
Promotes Patience and Appreciation for Creation
Unlike instant gratification toys, 3D printing takes time. Watching an object slowly materialize layer by layer fosters patience and a deeper appreciation for the effort and process involved in creation. This is a valuable contrast to the fast-paced digital world and instills a sense of value in the things they create.
Educational Value: STEM Learning at Home
3D printing is inherently linked to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts. The Toybox printer provides a hands-on, engaging way to introduce these principles in a fun and accessible manner. From understanding material properties to design thinking and problem-solving, the learning opportunities are abundant.
Affordable and Refurbished Options: Budget-Friendly Access
Toybox offers both new and refurbished printers, providing options for different budgets. Refurbished printers are a great way to access the technology at a lower cost while also supporting a more sustainable, circular economy. The availability of bundles with extra filament rolls also adds value.
3D printed snowflake ornament showcasing detail
Assortment of 3D printed toys and filament rolls
Addressing Common Questions About the Toybox 3D Printer
Parents often have similar questions when considering a 3D printer for their kids. Here are some common queries about the Toybox:
Will kids lose interest after the novelty wears off?
Like any toy or gadget, initial excitement can fade. However, the Toybox’s versatility and the vast library of designs help maintain engagement. Cycling the printer into rotation with other activities and encouraging project-based use (gifts, holiday decorations, custom creations) can keep interest alive. The ability to design custom objects also extends its appeal beyond pre-made designs.
Is a Toybox Plus subscription necessary?
No, a subscription is not required. The free Toybox library offers thousands of designs, providing ample content without any additional cost. The subscription (Toybox Plus) unlocks premium designs and licensed content, but it’s certainly not necessary to enjoy the printer.
What are “bolts” in the Toybox app?
Bolts are an optional in-app currency used to purchase premium designs, often featuring licensed characters. They are entirely optional and not needed to access the vast free content.
What is the ideal age range for the Toybox 3D printer?
The Toybox is suitable for a wide age range, from early elementary through high school. Younger children benefit from the visual aspect and simple pre-designed prints with parental guidance. Older students can explore more complex designs, import their creations, and delve deeper into 3D design software.
What are the limitations of the Toybox 3D Printer?
The primary limitations are the build volume (approximately 3″ x 3″ print area) and the material (PLA). The smaller build volume means larger objects need to be printed in parts. PLA, while kid-friendly, is not as durable as ABS. However, for toys and educational purposes, these limitations are generally minor. For more complex or larger projects, or for objects requiring high durability, more advanced printers might be necessary, but for introducing kids to 3D printing, the Toybox strikes an excellent balance.
3D printed object built in multiple parts to create a larger structure
3D Printing: A Powerful STEM Education Tool for Kids
Beyond just fun and games, 3D printers like the Toybox are potent educational tools for teaching STEM concepts. They transform abstract ideas into tangible realities, making learning more engaging and impactful.
Science: Exploring Materials and Processes
3D printing allows kids to explore different materials (like PLA) and their properties. They can learn about why PLA is used, its biodegradable nature, and compare it to other plastics. The printing process itself introduces concepts of melting points, solidification, and material transformation.
Technology: Understanding Hardware and Software
Disassembling (with supervision!) and understanding the parts of a 3D printer teaches kids about hardware components and mechanics. Using the Toybox app introduces them to software interfaces and digital design tools, building essential tech literacy.
Engineering: Design Thinking and Problem Solving
Designing for 3D printing encourages engineering design thinking. Kids learn to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, create digital models, and iterate their designs based on print results. They learn about structural integrity, design constraints, and the iterative nature of engineering.
Mathematics: Measurement and Spatial Reasoning
3D modeling software involves measurements, dimensions, and scaling, reinforcing mathematical concepts like geometry and spatial reasoning. Kids use math skills to ensure their designs are printable and meet their desired dimensions.
Real-World Relevance: Connecting to Industries and Innovations
Explaining how 3D printing is used in medicine, aerospace, architecture, and other industries showcases the real-world applications of STEM principles. It connects classroom learning to cutting-edge innovation, inspiring future inventors and problem-solvers.
For educators and parents alike, integrating a 3D printer like the Toybox into learning environments provides a hands-on, project-based approach that makes STEM education come alive.
Cover of free, 15-page workbook for students about 3D printing real-world applications
Conclusion: Is the Toybox 3D Printer the Right Choice for Your Family?
If you are looking for a 3D printer specifically designed for kids that is easy to use, safe, and offers significant educational value, the Toybox 3D Printer is an excellent choice. Its kid-friendly app, eco-conscious PLA filament, and focus on simplicity make it a standout option for introducing children to the exciting world of 3D printing. While it has limitations in build size and material durability, these are outweighed by its accessibility, educational benefits, and overall user experience for young creators.
Ready to spark your child’s creativity and STEM journey?
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Bonus: Enhance your child’s 3D printing learning with this Free 3D Printing Workbook for Kids exploring real-world applications of 3D printing!
