Meet Thomas

Thomas with his 3D printed creations
13 Years Old

Thomas's Story

Young entrepreneur with big dreams

Thomas, the young entrepreneur behind Toys By Thomas, began his journey into the world of 3D printing in 2020. At just 13 years old, his passion for this innovative technology started when he received his first 3D printer as a Christmas gift.

What began as a curious exploration quickly evolved into a creative outlet. Thomas spent countless hours researching 3D printing techniques, watching tutorials, and experimenting with different designs and materials.

His first creations were simple figures, but as his skills improved, he began designing more complex, articulated toys that could move and bend. Friends and family were amazed by his creations, encouraging him to share his talents with a wider audience.

With the support of his parents, Thomas decided to showcase some of his custom prints at one of the local craft markets where his mom was a vendor. To his delight, his creations were a hit! This success motivated him to continue pursuing his newfound hobby, and for the past two summers, Thomas has been a regular at various markets, selling his unique 3D printed toys and items.

Today, Thomas balances his time between school, designing new toys, and fulfilling orders. His creativity knows no bounds, and he's constantly pushing the limits of what he can create with his 3D printers.

Thomas's Journey

From first print to young entrepreneur

December 2020

The Beginning

Thomas received his first 3D printer as a Christmas gift and immediately began learning how to use it.

January 2021

First Successful Print

After several attempts and learning from mistakes, Thomas completed his first successful 3D print - a small dinosaur figure.

March 2021

Learning Design

Thomas began learning 3D modeling software to create his own unique designs rather than using pre-made models.

June 2021

First Market

Thomas sold his creations at a local craft market for the first time and was amazed by the positive response.

September 2021

Expanding Collection

After a successful summer, Thomas expanded his collection to include articulated animals, mystery eggs, and custom figures.

January 2022

Second Printer

With growing demand, Thomas invested his earnings in a second 3D printer to increase production capacity.

May 2022

Website Launch

Toys By Thomas launched online, allowing customers to purchase Thomas's creations even when he wasn't at markets.

Present

Growing Business

Now at 13, Thomas continues to grow his business, create new designs, and inspire other young entrepreneurs.

The 3D Printing Process

How Thomas brings imagination to life

1. Design

Every toy begins as a digital 3D model. Thomas uses specialized software to design each creation, carefully considering both aesthetics and functionality. For articulated toys, he ensures that joints move smoothly and pieces fit together perfectly.

2. Prepare

Once the design is complete, Thomas uses slicing software to prepare the model for printing. This involves setting the print resolution, determining the fill density, and generating the code that tells the printer exactly how to create each layer.

3. Print

The 3D printer brings the design to life layer by layer. Thomas uses high-quality PLA filament, which is both durable and available in vibrant colors. Depending on the complexity, a single toy can take anywhere from 2 to 20 hours to print.

4. Post-Processing

After printing, each piece requires finishing touches. Thomas carefully removes any support structures, sands rough edges, and ensures that moving parts work smoothly. For multi-part toys, he assembles the pieces with precision.

5. Quality Control

Before any toy is ready for sale, Thomas thoroughly inspects it for quality. He tests articulated parts, checks for any imperfections, and ensures that each creation meets his high standards. Only then is it ready to bring joy to its new owner.

3D Printed Dragon Toy
100+
Unique Designs
1000+
Hours of Printing
5
Different Filament Types
30+
Vibrant Colors

Materials We Use

Safe, durable, and environmentally friendly

PLA Filament

Our primary material is PLA (Polylactic Acid), a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch. It's non-toxic, produces minimal fumes during printing, and comes in a rainbow of vibrant colors.

PETG Filament

For toys that need extra durability, we use PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol). This material offers excellent strength, flexibility, and impact resistance while maintaining good printability.

Specialty Filaments

For unique effects, we occasionally use specialty filaments like those with glitter, glow-in-the-dark properties, or color-changing capabilities. These add an extra element of wonder to select creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you want to know about our 3D printed toys

Yes, our toys are made with PLA filament, which is a non-toxic, biodegradable material derived from plant sources like corn starch. However, we recommend adult supervision for children under 3 years old, as some toys may contain small parts.

Our 3D printed toys are designed to be durable for normal play. The layer-by-layer printing process creates strong bonds, and we use appropriate infill densities to ensure structural integrity. While they're not indestructible, with proper care, they can last for years. For toys that need extra durability, we use PETG filament which offers enhanced strength and flexibility.

Absolutely! Thomas loves creating custom designs. Whether you want an existing design in different colors or have a completely new idea, we're happy to work with you. Custom orders typically take 1-2 weeks depending on complexity and current order volume. Please contact us through the Contact page to discuss your custom request.

The time varies depending on the complexity and size of the toy. Smaller, simpler designs might take 2-4 hours to print, while larger or more intricate designs can take 10-20 hours. After printing, each toy undergoes post-processing and quality control, which adds additional time. This is why each toy is truly a labor of love!

Currently, we ship within the United States. We're working on expanding our shipping options to include international destinations in the future. If you're outside the US and interested in our products, please contact us, and we'll see what arrangements can be made.

To keep your 3D printed toys looking their best, we recommend gentle cleaning with a damp cloth when needed. Avoid submerging them in water for extended periods or exposing them to high heat, as this can affect the material. Store them away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading over time. With proper care, your toys will maintain their vibrant colors and functionality for years.

Ready to explore Thomas's creations?

Browse our collection of unique 3D printed toys and find something special!

Visit the Store