PieceMaker's 3D Printing Booth Dispenses Tiny Customized Toys
Laura McQuarrie — January 28, 2015 — Life-Stages
References: piecemaker & tctmagazine
While there's fun and an element of surprise in something like a gachapon machine that dispenses a toy in exchange for some loose change, this 3D printing booth lets kids personalize small trinkets.
Noticing that 3D printing companies were becoming a dime a dozen, PieceMaker Technologies developed a booth that makes additive manufacturing easy in-store. The booths are equipped with over 150 products that can be printed by kids on the spot, after they have added custom details like a name or a message to the design. This way, kids are transformed from consumers into creators as they become an active part of the design process. Since the toys are all quite small, it doesn't take long for the 3D printers to produce them instantly. PieceMaker's booths have been installed in two toy stores in Pennsylvania and reportedly, the kiosk has been noted as "the most profitable product category per square foot."
Photo Credit: Makezine
Noticing that 3D printing companies were becoming a dime a dozen, PieceMaker Technologies developed a booth that makes additive manufacturing easy in-store. The booths are equipped with over 150 products that can be printed by kids on the spot, after they have added custom details like a name or a message to the design. This way, kids are transformed from consumers into creators as they become an active part of the design process. Since the toys are all quite small, it doesn't take long for the 3D printers to produce them instantly. PieceMaker's booths have been installed in two toy stores in Pennsylvania and reportedly, the kiosk has been noted as "the most profitable product category per square foot."
Photo Credit: Makezine
Trend Themes
1. Customization - 3D printing booths allow kids to personalize small trinkets, creating a trend towards customization in the toy industry.
2. In-store 3D Printing - PieceMaker's booth brings 3D printing technology directly into stores, disrupting the traditional manufacturing and retail process for toys.
3. Active Participation - By involving kids in the design process and allowing them to create their own toys, PieceMaker's booth encourages active participation, fostering a trend of interactive play experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Toy - The toy industry can leverage 3D printing booths to offer customized and interactive toy experiences, attracting young consumers.
2. Retail - Retailers can embrace in-store 3D printing booths to enhance their product offerings and create unique experiences for customers, driving foot traffic and sales.
3. Additive Manufacturing - The 3D printing industry can benefit from the expansion of 3D printing booths, as it opens up new opportunities for on-demand, personalized manufacturing.
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