3D Magic 3D Creator - Cheap 3D Printer for Kids
STEM Skills targeted: Design, Engineering, Physics
Recommended age range: 5-15 years
3D printers are slowly (or quickly, depending on your point of view!) moving out of the realm of sci-fi films and into our present day reality, however I thought it would still be some time before they were affordable enough to rival our normal ink jet prints and make them accessible to ordinary families.
Well, I was wrong!
Ok, this isn’t technically a 3D printer, however it’s a great way to introduce the concepts to kids and allow them to make some impressive 3D creations. Even better it’s available at a ridiculously affordable price point of around $30
How does it work? Basically you use a gel that is squirted into molds provided in the kit, or you can make your own molds to create your own designs. The gel is then cured with the included 3D light and you can remove the solid result.
The possibilities of what you can create with a kit like this is only limited to your imagination – toys, models, vehicles and jewelry are all possible and the gel comes in various colors and a glow in the dark version for extra fun!
As well as the basic kit which comes with the UV light and gel pens, there are also several different sets available with themed molds:
3D Magic Building Activity Pack
The building kit includes molds that enable you to build the Eiffel tower, a house and a helicopter.
Kit includes:
- 3 gels
- 3 3-D molds
- free play stencil
- instructions
3D Magic Fashion Activity Pack
Create your own jewelery and accessories in different colors and decorate with jewels.
Kit includes:
- 3 magic gels
- 3 x 3D molds
- free play stencil for creating your own designs
- sheet of plastic jewels
3D Magic Creation Kit – Princess
Includes all you need to create a magical castle and carriage.
Kit includes
- 3 magic gels
- 3D molds
- free play stencil
- instructions