'The 3D-Printed Marble Machine #3' is an imaginative marble maze toy created by user 'Tulio' on Thingverse. While many marble mazes are restricted to being designed on a flat plane and end up adopting a simple rectangular form, this one makes the most of 3D printing in order to create dynamic paths for marbles to travel on.
As complicated as the design may seem, there are only three inner components that make up the design—a Turncap, a Spiral and a Lockcap—as well as the outer track that keeps the entire unit together. As a sculptural printed piece, other Thingverse users have reported that the toy takes between about 17 and 48 hours to create, depending on the printer.
This 3D-printed Marble Machine toy is a perfect example of how maker culture is reviving interest in even the simplest low-tech classic toys.
3D-Printed Marble Mazes
This DIY Marble Machine Toy Explores Fantastical Architecture
Trend Themes
1. 3D Printing Toys - Innovative 3D printed toys are being developed for the maker culture movement.
2. Dynamic Toy Design - The use of 3D printing technology enhances toy design by creating dynamic paths for marbles and other toys.
3. Revived Interest in Low-tech Toys - Maker culture is bringing back classic low-tech toys with new twists.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - Toy manufacturers can employ 3D printing technology to add dynamic, complex designs to their products.
2. 3D Printing - The 3D printing industry can target makers and toy enthusiasts as a new market for innovative toys.
3. Maker Culture - The maker movement can continue to innovate and update classic toys with 3D printing technology.