3D printing doll company Makielab reaches a milestone.
Makie has recieved 100 pre-orders for its custom made 3D printed dolls so far.
Makie.me is in its ‘Alpha’ phase and is allowing users to log on and design avatars which they then have the option of purchasing as a real life plastic doll. So far 1,846 Makies have been created virtually.
Currently, users can customise their avatar’s eyes, nose, mouth, hair and the width of the smile and shape of the hands. The 3D printing process then lets Makielab produce near perfect reproductions of the virtual avatars from their London office. Hair, clothing and accessories are then added to complete the product. What’s more, 3D printing means dolls are made without the potential waste and time constraints associated with injection moulding.
Priced at £99 they’re not exactly cheap – but what lengths would the consumer had to have previously gone to get their own custom-made plastic doll, unique to them?
Eventually, Makie has plans to encorporate a virtual world and has taken on former Habbo Hotel designer Sulka Haro. (via 100 Makie dolls ordered | Toy Industry | News by ToyNews)