So while we’re releasing super serious, completely unfun technologies like The Mixtape, because we are a very serious company, there are artists and toy designers out there making toys on a MakerBot. Can you imagine that? Toys? On a MakerBot?!

Ron English’s “Fat Frankenberry” toy, made into 3D by Dave Bondi

MakerBotted toys, including Dave Bondi’s “Akashi” (in front of The Replicator)

Oh yeah, forgot to mention: they’re gorgeous toys.

This post at Jeremyriad talks about our appearance at San Diego Comic-Con earlier this month, and shows some nice shots of toys designed by our friends Ron English and Dave Bondi.

In distilled essence: MakerBot allows you to think of an object you need (“I just cracked my iPhone inCase case again!”) or come up with your own unique idea (“Ron English-style vinyl toy mascot for Kashi cereal”), bring it into 3D physical reality and multiply it. Whoa.

Collectors of designer toys have been tepid on this technology, but consider the fact that the Replicator lets you print in either ABS (like LEGOs) or PLA (a bio-material made from corn). Not only that, but you can easily replace broken parts and even mint your own accessories. Imagine if your basic ink jet printer laid down fine powder and glue instead of ink and moved vertically instead of horizontally, and you’ll have a simplified understanding of “additive manufacturing”. Vinyl is so Toy Art 1.0.