3D printing takes bespoke toys to a new level
With 3D printing literally picking up speed, Diane Vu from Melbourne decided to create the ultimate personalised gift using the latest technology.
Raised by her single mother, a Vietnamese immigrant to Australia, Vu says she was inspired by her childhood as she spent most of her time challenging the perceptions of Western beauty.
“The world is moving in a more diverse direction and we should have products that represent all ages, races and sexes,” she says.
It took Vu 18 months to perfect her product, a superhero model dubbed HeroMods, and it was launched in 2015. The lifelike figurines are now sold in more than 50 countries.
Basically buyers supply Vu with a photo of themselves, select from a range of male or female armours and name their Mod. Vu and her business partner James Boldiston then use 3D printing to cast the buyer’s own face and personality on to the lifelike figurine. Packaged in a magnetic base capsule it is then delivered to the customer’s door.
“I wanted to create HeroMods for all people neglected in society and media representation. The technology of 3D printing means we can manufacture without having to worry about what is trending in the masses.”
Vu’s business is currently the only company producing customised figurines using 3D printing. HeroMods’ production is expected to boom this year.
By Marion Gerritsen