# 3D-Printed Action Figures This Company Turns Selfies into 3D-Printed Figurines By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-08-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-action References: [bustle](http://www.bustle.com/articles/104421-3d-selfies-are-printed-action-figures-you-can-make-of-yourself-so-step-aside-batman-memorabilia) & [doob3d](http://www.doob3d.com/) DOOB 3D is a German company that allows consumers to turn their selfies into 3D-printed action figures. Although the technology was originally used to help cancer and stroke victims get fitted for prosthetics, the company is now turning its attention to a different kind of market. DOOB 3D recently opened a New York City location where customers can come and have their [selfies turned into a 3D-printed](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/psychoroidcom) action figures. To get the custom figurines, users must enter a booth that is equipped with 54 DSLR cameras. The machine then processes the data and sends the information to a 3D printer. The finished product is a tiny replica of the subject. While the idea of a 3D-printed selfie may seem like a novelty, DOOB 3D explains that people are using the technology as a means of [preserving their memories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-me-ornaments). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Multimedia](https://www.trendhunter.com/multimedia) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **3d-printing for Personalization:** The trend of using 3D-printing technology for creating personalized products such as action figures is growing among millennials and younger generations. This opens up opportunities for companies to offer unique, personalized experiences. - **Photography-based 3d-printing:** Using innovative technology, companies can now use photography for 3D-printing services, which can be used for more than just printing action figures. - **Increased Use of 3d-printing Technology:** This technology is being increasingly used to create custom-made items from prosthetics to accessories, furniture, and even homes. Industries must consider leveraging this technology for production to capitalize on consumer demand. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **3d-printing Industry:** The 3D-printing industry has an opportunity to cater to a wide range of customers from healthcare to gaming enthusiasts and beyond, creating all sorts of custom-printed products. - **Consumer Electronics Industry:** Companies dealing with consumer electronics products must take note of this trend and adopt 3D-printing services to tap into younger audiences looking for unique and personalized products like 3D-printed action figures. - **Photography Industry:** The photography industry can benefit by leveraging 3D-printing technology to create new products and custom merchandise that goes beyond traditional photography prints. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Selfie-Centric Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfie-series.md) - [Giftable Customized Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-yourself-funko.md) - [Miniature Animated Custom Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-yourself.md) - [Custom Face Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tron-identity-program.md) - [AI Avatar Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfie-ai.md) - [AI-Generated Selfies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreambooth.md) - [Unique Children's Anime Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-you-3d.md) - [Selfie-Based Metaverse Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreamium-labs.md) - [Expressive 3D-Printed Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solobo-emotion-friends.md)