Lego has become a brand synonymous with fun and creativity and while originally it was meant for kids, those young at heart have grown to embrace it whatever their age. In fact, I probably know more adults than kids who enjoy building all sorts of things with the blocks and creating pop culture stuff through the various geeky sets available. Minifigs or minifigures are part and parcel of the Lego craze and we see characters and even customized ones added to scenes and spaces. What if these minifigs can have their own toys as well?
Designer: Lego
Lego has begun experimenting with other manufacturing techniques aside from their time-tested but expensive and time-consuming molding machine process. 3D printing is of course one of the things that they have been toying around with so they will soon be able to create smaller and less-expensive production runs. Back in 2019, they created their first 3D-printed element with limited quantities but only distributed it to those who took the annual Lego Inside Tour. Now they’re making it available to a relatively wider audience and it’s a real cutie: a tiny toy duck for your minifigs.
The small plastic red duck is actually a replica of the wooden toy duck that was created by Lego’s founder Ole Kirk Kristiansen. It’s actually not just an “ordinary” pet duck for whatever minifig you’re using. When you roll it on a surface, its beak opens and closes. This is because it uses a selective laser sintering process that allows it to have functional, mechanical elements. This is hopefully the first phase towards Lego being able to create more building elements in smaller numbers and at a more affordable price.
For now, the 3D-printed plastic red duck will only be available purchase them for a limited time at the LEGO House in Billund, Denmark for around $12. You need to book a visit to the Minifigure Factory though and also answer a survey or give quick feedback about the toy. If you’re a huge fan of Lego and you’re in Denmark or planning a trip there soon, this is probably something that will be worth your while. We can’t wait for what other 3D-printed Legos we’ll get in the future.
