We’re very excited today to have Jooble join us to share an article on LEGO and 3D-printed toys. (This is a guest post written by Jooble)

3D printing has existed in various forms since 1981, yet it has only recently become more accessible to the public. 

3D printing has great potential in many spheres because it offers an opportunity to create something unique. So, it is no wonder that the number of 3D artist remote jobs on Jooble grows higher every year. 

Toy-making is just one niche in the huge world of 3D printing. At the same time, it is vibrant with endless creativity. In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of printed 3D toys to LEGO. 

Source https://unsplash.com/photos/selective-focus-photography-of-two-white-lego-minifigures-nXKNn2L4fDw

What Makes LEGO so Popular? 

Let’s start with tradition – LEGO sets have been a staple in the toy industry for years. They are loved all over the world, and for a good reason. Here are the main strong points of LEGO: 

• The company produces them with ABS plastic, which is strong, durable, and completely safe for children. This material is also pretty light and perfectly resists sun, heat, or chemical damage. You know how strong it is if you ever stepped on a LEGO brick barefoot. 
• The bricks are perfectly designed and manufactured to fit smoothly within each other. 
• The company has a long history with a massive variety of sets for almost any interest. 
• These sets are easy to find in any store or online. They often go together perfectly, allowing you to create a collection. 
• These are high-quality and fun toys that boost creativity. 

At the same time, there are some downsides to LEGO sets as well, such as: 

• The price is not accessible to everyone. They are pretty pricey. 
• Although the catalog is enormous, it can never fit everyone’s interests. After all, with extensive production, customization is always limited; 
• Some sets are discontinued and never produced again. 

3D Printed Toys: What They Are About? 

3D printing is quite different from the way the classic LEGOs are made. Those are created with steel molds and melted ABS. 3D printing creates physical objects from a digital model by layering the material. 

Nowadays, buying a 3D printer is relatively affordable, with reliable models costing around $250. And you can create absolutely anything you want at home! That’s why it is so beneficial for making custom toys. The perks of 3D printing are: 

• Unique design and styles. One can create a toy that never existed before. Alternatively, you can buy original designs online and print them at home. 
• Customization is endless, with model slicing even for bought or downloaded models. 
• For example, you can paint your custom toys in colors that are not available with LEGO. 
• It is possible to add specific accessories or details to your collection. 

It is a perfect way to let your creativity flow and turn an idea into a physical, thrilling object. At the same time, there are some downsides of 3D printing as well: 

• It takes a learning curve to feel confident in the process, even if you are working with pre-made designs; 
• It is only sometimes cheaper than LEGO because the price depends on the printer, material, and electricity used. 
• There might be errors in the process, and some details, like sanding or painting, might need additional work. 

Source https://unsplash.com/photos/a-pile-of-red-plastic-balls-with-holes-on-them-bhn4m2ZDEFE

Can You 3D Print LEGOs? 

Legally, you can absolutely print your own LEGO details for personal use. Commercial use is much trickier and requires an individualized approach. 

Logically, it makes sense in some cases. For example, you’ve lost a bunch of details or want to try a set that is no longer available. Alternatively, you might want to add unique accessories and characters. 

In terms of the cost, it is not going to be cheaper than buying a set if you decide to use ABS material and add the electricity bills. At the same time, custom LEGO prints are not of the same quality. They are less durable and might often not work with the original details. 

In-home 3D printing lacks precision when it comes to such details. There are also visible printing layer lines, which can be dealt with with sanding and additional cleanup. You can save some cost if you decide to use PLA instead of ABS. However, PLA is far from ABS in terms of durability and strength. Such details can be easily broken. 

However, there are plenty of original ideas and designs to try. For example, you can print custom stands for LEGO models or intricate accessories. 

In Summary

In terms of competing with traditional LEGO, 3D printing at home is nowhere near precision and quality. However, it is perfect for new and original toys outside of the LEGOverse. Here, anyone can create something new that never existed before for specific interests, needs, or learning goals.