Hasbro Shows Off New DohVinci 3D Printer for Kids at 2014 Toy Fair in NY

Just last week we learned that Hasbro had teamed up with 3D systems, in order to bring 3D printing to kids. This week at the Toy Fair in New York, Hasbro is showing off a new 3D printing like device, targeting kids aged 6-12 years old.

It’s called the DohVinci, and it works similarly to the 3Doodler, which is a handheld 3D printer that functions like a glue gun. However, instead of extruding glue, PLA or ABS plastic, the DohVinci extrudes a Play-Doh-like substance.

Of course Hasbro is known for their Play-Doh, which kids have been playing with since the 70’s. However, as many of you probably know from experience, Play-Doh does not hold up well when dried. It cracks and crumbles like an over cooked chocolate chip cookie. However the new patent-pending formula used in the DohVinci hardens, and holds its shape when dried.

Hasbro, which applied for the trademark on “DohVinci” back in April of last year, won’t be replacing their traditional Play-Doh with this anytime soon. However, it is a way to show kids how fun 3D printing can be, even though the similarities to traditional 3D printers are few and far between.

The DohVinci works like a glue gun. You load in the color you wish to print with, and then simply pull the trigger to make it print. There is no heat involved, just a Play-Doh-like substance that is extruded from the tip.  Like traditional 3D printers, the DohVinci has its flaws. In order to print in layers, you must wait for the previous layer to dry first. So unless you want to spend days printing one object, your kids will probably only be printing 3-dimensional objects with very little height in the ‘z’ direction. Another words, the objects will be 2-Dimensional with some texture.

This is expected to be available in stores starting this Fall.  What do you think? Would you buy this for your kids? Discuss at 3DPrintBoard.