Have you ever looked at your child’s drawing and thought, Wow, that would make an amazing 3D printed toy!? Turning your child’s artwork into a tangible 3D printed toy is an exciting and rewarding project that combines creativity with technology. Whether you want to surprise your little one with their very own hand-drawn action figure or create a unique keepsake, this guide will show you how to transform a simple drawing into a 3D printed toy.
The first step in the process is to grab a picture — ideally, a bold and clear drawing. My son, for instance, loves to draw fantastical creatures, and those designs are perfect for turning into toys. If your child is drawing something specifically for this project, encourage them to use dark and thick lines to make it easier to trace in the modeling software.
Now it’s time to bring the drawing to life digitally. I personally love using Fusion 360, a powerful, cloud-based 3D modeling software that lets you create 3D objects from 2D shapes. If you're new to 3D modeling, there are plenty of tutorials available online to help you get started. Fusion 360 also offers a free license for hobbyists, so it’s a great option for beginners.
If Fusion 360 feels overwhelming, no worries! TinkerCAD is another excellent (and easier) 3D modeling tool, especially for beginners and kids, as it uses simple shapes to help you start working in the 3D space.
Once you have your software set up, import your child’s drawing into Fusion 360 (or whichever tool you're using). This image will serve as the canvas you'll trace over. Create a new sketch and position the drawing as your reference plane. Use the Line tool to trace around the shapes in the drawing, making sure to connect the lines at the ends to create closed shapes.
Now that you’ve traced out your drawing, it’s time to give it some depth! This is where the Extrude tool comes in. With this tool, you can turn your 2D traced shapes into 3D objects. Click on each shape and drag the blue arrow to pull them into the third dimension.
As you extrude each shape, you’ll notice some sharp edges on the corners, which is common when working with geometric shapes. If you're making a toy for a child, these sharp edges could be a problem. Use the Fillet or Chamfer tool (found in the Modify menu) to smooth out the edges and make the toy safer to handle.
Once your 3D model is ready, it’s time to convert it into a format that your 3D printer can understand. This is done using slicing software, which takes your 3D model and turns it into instructions called G-code. Popular slicing programs include Cura and Slic3r, both of which are free and easy to use.
After importing your model into the slicing software, you can adjust the size, density, and add support material if necessary. Ensure you have the correct settings for your 3D printer before proceeding. If you’re using Fusion 360, you can export your model directly to the slicing software with a simple click of the Make icon.
With your model sliced and ready, it’s time to print! Load the G-code into your 3D printer and start the printing process. Be patient, as some toys may take a little while to print, depending on their size and complexity.
Once the print is complete, carefully remove the model from the printer bed. If the toy was printed in multiple parts, assemble them together. If the joints are too tight, you can lightly sand them for a better fit. On the other hand, if they’re too loose, applying a coat of primer or paint can help close the gaps and make the joints snugger.
The moment of truth: give your child their very own 3D printed toy made from their own drawing! Whether it’s a creature from their imagination or a mini version of themselves, they’ll be amazed to see their artwork transformed into a real, tangible object.
This process can be the start of something special — you can create personalized toys for your kids, or even make a whole line of custom action figures, each inspired by their drawings. It’s a great way to nurture their creativity while introducing them to the world of 3D design and printing.
Turning your child’s drawing into a 3D printed toy is not only a fun activity but also a wonderful way to inspire creativity and spark an interest in technology. Whether it’s a custom action figure, a character from their favorite game, or a unique creation of their own, 3D printing offers endless possibilities.
I hope this simple guide helps you get started on your own 3D printing adventure. Remember, the process can be as enjoyable as the end result. If you’d like to try more fun 3D printing projects, check out my other work and start creating!
Ready to give this project a try? Grab a drawing, fire up your 3D modeling software, and turn your child’s imagination into reality with a 3D printed toy. Happy printing!
If your child has a unique drawing that you'd like to turn into a 3D printed toy, we offer personalized 3D printing services tailored to meet your needs. Whether you're looking to transform their artwork into a one-of-a-kind toy or need custom designs, our team is here to assist you. With advanced 3D printing technologies and a wide range of materials to choose from, we can bring your ideas to life with precision and quality. Feel free to reach out to us to discuss your project—we're ready to help you every step of the way!