3D Printing at Solobo Toys
At Solobo Toys, 3D printing is one of the innovative production processes we use to bring our designs to life. This cutting-edge method, also known as additive manufacturing, builds items layer by layer from digital designs, allowing us to create intricate, unique products right here, in-house. While 3D printing is a big part of how we innovate, we also partner with trusted manufacturers overseas to produce our wooden toys, plush toys, and children’s books— ensuring the same high quality and thoughtful design across our entire collection.
Why 3D Printing?
- Creative Freedom: 3D printing lets us bring detailed, imaginative designs to life without the limits of traditional molds or tools.
- Quick Turnaround: We can go from idea to finished product faster, so you get exciting new toys sooner.
- Small Batches, Big Savings: For smaller quantities, 3D printing is more cost-effective, which means we can create without breaking the bank (or passing on the cost to you).
- Made for You: Every product is designed with care and attention, making it easy to adapt to different needs and preferences.
- Eco-Friendly Production: Unlike some manufacturing methods, 3D printing only uses the material it needs, helping us reduce waste.
Our Material of Choice: PLA Filament
We print our 3D-printed products with PLA filament, a plant-based, biodegradable material made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane. It’s safe for play, kind to the planet, and perfect for creating vibrant, detailed toys.
Why We Love PLA:
- Earth-Friendly: PLA breaks down naturally in industrial composting, making it a sustainable choice.
- Safe & Non-Toxic: PLA is free from harmful chemicals and doesn’t release unpleasant fumes while printing (which is essential for us to print the products ourselves).
- Precision Perfect: Its smooth finish and ability to capture fine details make PLA ideal for creating high-quality toys and educational resources.
- Bright & Beautiful: PLA supports a rainbow of colors, letting us make toys that are as fun to look at as they are to play with.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind About PLA:
While PLA is an amazing material, it has its quirks! With a bit of care, your toys will stay in great shape:
- Avoid Heat: PLA doesn’t love high temperatures. It starts to soften around 131°F to 140°F, so keep your toys out of hot cars, near heat sources, or anywhere temperatures rise above 122°F.
- Water Exposure: PLA is fine with light contact with water, but prolonged exposure to standing water or high humidity can weaken its structure over time. For the best results, keep your toys dry.
- Durable for Everyday Use: PLA is strong and built for daily play, but avoiding excessive, prolonged roughness will help keep your toys looking and working their best-- basically, don’t take a hammer to your toys!
Safety You Can Trust
We understand that your little one’s safety is your top priority—and it’s ours, too. That’s why all of our materials and production processes are third-party tested to ensure they meet or exceed U.S. child product safety standards. From the PLA filament we use to the final product, every step of our process is designed with safety in mind.
By combining innovative 3D printing with eco-friendly materials, trusted manufacturing partners, and rigorous safety testing, we’re proud to bring you toys that are thoughtfully designed, beautifully crafted, and built to inspire a lifetime of play and learning.