Plastic Print Outs by Playing Mantis

3D printers are an engineering marvel. In a short period of time, you can create a mock up of your design, done using a 3D software like Autocad or Maya, straight from your desktop screen. During ToyCon 2013, I was able to see this amazing machine in action at the Playing Mantis booth.

Playing Mantis is a group of game and toy designers based in the Philippines. They design and produce ideas for original or customized toys. And, they use 3D printers as a means to materialize their designs to something you can actually hold, feel, and manipulate. Yes, manipulate. If your design is composed of moving parts, the printer will print them also as moving parts. This is similar to the inner frame runner of a real grade Gundam model kit.

3D printer in action

The 3D printer Playing Mantis featured at ToyCon is the hobbyist-friendly model. It uses ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, the same type used in gunpla, to produce its output. The finished product is a bit rough and needs needs a little sanding but the ability to produce custom designs with a push of a button is rewarding enough.

Before you go running off to buy a 3D printer, there is a bit of a catch. It may say hobbyist-friendly but this little contraption costs about 70,000 pesos. High-end models, which are usually used for advance engineering, costs up to more than 3 million pesos.

Playing Mantis designer holding a Zaku head 3D print out

Although the machine comes with a printing software, it doesn't come with a 3D designer software. This means, you will have to have a 3D designer software as well as knowledge about creating 3D designs. But don't fret, Playing Mantis offer design and printing services. They also have access to the high-end 3D printers which can use other types of plastic, such as silicone and clear plastic. A five inch figure usually costs 4,000-10,000 pesos, depending on the complexity of the design.

So what's the relevance to us gunpla modelers and customizers? If you can imagine a one of a kind weapon, backpack, a replacement or custom part, or even your own gundam, a 3D printer can materialize your design. As Playing Mantis puts it, "If it doesn't exist, we can help you produce it."

For more information about Playing Mantis, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/playingmantisphilippines