14 DAY TRIAL // Desktop 3D printing still has some way to go before catching up to the hype (and it may never do that), but there is 3D printing technology out there that anyone can use to create wonderful stuff.
One example of a company actually pushing 3D printing into the mainstream is AMINIMAL Studio, which has just launched a new Kickstarter campaign for Inkimals, cute 3D printed animals and monsters that you can design for yourself.
"Inkimals are 3D printed, collectible designer toys made in just three simple steps -- you color it, scan and send it, then we print a solid, three-dimensional version of your digitized work of genius," the company wrote on its campaign page.
There are four models to choose from, and beyond the basic shapes, everything is customizable. Not only that, but it's quite easy to do – you just draw whatever you want your Inkimals to look like and then have that converted into a 3D model automatically.
A key component of this is the software, which is why the company is turning to Kickstarter. There's a web app for the model creation already, but it still needs some testing and improvement. The team also wants to create more character models. Finally, with enough funding, there are also plans for a mobile app for the design process.