3D-printed Transformers heading our way

[Nigel]

Hasbro Lets People Create Their Own Toys via 3D Printing uk.ign.com/articles/2014/07/23/hasbro-lets-people-create-their-own-toys-via-3d-printing

[legios]

I don't know that we are going to be seeing this used for much in the way of transforming toys - the level of fidelity isn't really there yet in most 3D Printers, and the level of CAD skills that would be needed to actually get something to come out right would be pretty fierce. I can see it resulting in a lot of little statuettes and miniature figures - like the Gaschapon stuff only better. But I think we are aways off getting actual Transformer toys from that kind of route. In my opinion anyways.

Karl
(The mention of NERF makes me smile though, I can almost guarantee that someone somewhere is working on an AR-15 pattern alternate body-shell for the innards of a Nerf Rapidstrike already...)

[Andy Turnbull]

3d Action Masters Kaptain!!!!!

EYES ON THE PRIZE!!!!!

Andy

[Nigel]

I would welcome Mighty Muggs and Robot Heroes produced this way, as long as they can come in at a reasonable price, though clicking through to look at the current My Little Pony pieces, the prices for those are steep.


Just browsing the main Shapeways site. I wonder if what we'll actually see will be more in the way of accessories, like these: www.shapeways.com/shops/sxidesign?s=0#more-products

[Dezzeh]

I'm liking the idea to reproduce lost accessories and parts

[Philip Ayres]

Already happening: see this example that I found the other day for a part many of us want:

www.shapeways.com/model/341527/metro-ramp-v1-2.html?modelId=341527&materialId=6

[Dezzeh]

Someone needs to make Fasttrack canons and Zarak arms.

[Deleted]

I've bought a few Shapeways pieces: Guzzle head and chest, IDW-styled Pyro head for Botcon Pyro, Octopunch custom parts (head, tentacles for SG Octopunch) and a Fisitron blaster that they regrettably couldn't make in the material I ordered it in.

I learnt my lesson after the first order - don't choose the cheapest material. I had to buy the Guzzle pieces a second time as the texture was particularly rough and would have looked terrible after painting.

EDIT: For the record, lots of designers on Shapeways are open to suggestions. Calloway Customs is where I've gotten Guzzle from and they have a really good reputation amongst the customising community. It won't hurt to drop them a line if there's a piece you'd like.