Mattel Is 3D Printing the Toys of Tomorrow
When it comes to producing toys, additive manufacturing is a helpful tool that has been used across various industries. Companies such as LEGO have already used AM for applications such as the creation of new parts and the elimination of excess waste. Similarly, Mattel, one of the world’s largest producers of children’s toys, has also had its own success story with 3D printing. The company has stated that its mission is to create new and more advanced toys that can better aid the development of future generations by focusing on constant innovation. To reach that end, they used the Method line of 3D printers from MakerBot to create what they call the “toys of tomorrow”.
To better pursue its mission of innovative design, Mattel has a team dedicated to the research and development of new toys led by Jack Peach, chief innovation engineer and product design team leader. Peach and his team provide support to Mattel’s titanic portfolio of iconic brands including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, Uno, Monster High and more. With these legendary childhood names, the team helps brands execute their vision based on consumer tastes by testing mechanical features, researching and prototyping certain toys. As a result, the company is taking the opportunity to enable further growth and production through the implementation of additive manufacturing.
Photo Credits: Mattel
3D Printing At Mattel
To achieve their goal, the technology team at Mattel utilized Fused Filament Fabrication, which allowed them to quickly make changes and new iterations, while experimenting with different shapes, materials and mechanical features. Jack Peach explains, “Our team’s focus is to share innovative product features with the brand team and help bring them to market. When physical models are needed, our team can rely on industrial-grade 3D printing materials like ABS-R or Nylon Carbon Fiber because they are durable enough to prove out form and function.”
Prototyping is paramount in the toy industry. Among other things, prototypes can be used to uncover defects, test specific features or uncover new potential to elevate the product. Peach elaborates, “With a 3D printer, you don’t have to re-fabricate the entire prototype by hand. You can make a few adjustments digitally, send it to the printer, and have a new part printed quickly. This process makes modifications, testing, and reviewing so much easier and quicker”. Thus, experts can modify the design as needed, and quickly react after receiving test results. After this streamlined process is completed, the final toy can be released to the market.
The use of 3D printing has helped reduce lead times and decrease the number of errors during manufacturing (photo credits: Mattel)
By integrating 3D printing into its business, the Mattel team has gained greater control over their production process and final timelines. On-demand manufacturing of high-quality custom parts has enabled the team to create more efficient, accurate models that are very similar to injection molding assemblies. This helps to test a toy’s features more quickly and with a higher success rate, which gives more products a chance at getting into the hands of the kids who love to play with them. For more information, you can read more about Mattel’s 3D printing HERE.
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*Cover Photo Credit: Mattel
