NEW in the LEGO House 3D printer!
We have already reported several times about the new 3D printer in the LEGO Store in the LEGO House in Billund. For the first time in October 2023, when the printer was set up, but without knowing exactly what it was or what fans could print on the device. As of November 1, the secret has finally been revealed: this is a new machine for printing LEGO keychains.
A teaser from the LEGO House team on Instagram threw some light into the darkness shortly before the starting gun and we had already received a tip from a LEGO fan in Asia that this would most likely be a 3D keychain printer, as the same device has already been tested at the LEGO Store in Shanghai.
3D printer for key rings
On November 1, as part of the LEGO Inside Tour, there was the opportunity to be there and try out the 3D printer. Fun fact: there wasn't much to see yet. Only when asked did an employee explain the device and how it works.
Print or imprint?
Currently it is only possible to have 2Ă—4 LEGO key rings printed with the 3D printer. If you expect a large wall with all different colored 2Ă—4 key rings, you will be disappointed. There are currently only four colors to choose from: black, blue, sand green and red.
LEGO HOUSE 3D printer: test print and price
Because the price of the printed key ring is not yet visible anywhere, the question is what it costs: Just like with the minifigure factory, you have to pay in advance. 99 Danish kroner (approx. 13.35 euros) are payable at the cash register. Then you can choose the color of the key ring. There is no request for a color for the actual printing, it is currently only printed in yellow.
But before it really starts, you have to wait. The 3D printer must first be warmed up.
Only after the printer has warmed up can you design the print using touch on the display. You can choose from various templates or a free entry. In addition to numbers and the alphabet, some icons are also available.
Meanwhile, an employee wearing gloves took a red key ring made of 2×4 bricks out of the packaging, so that the brick would not get “dirty” (greasing fingers and all). This is then attached to a holder and screwed into the 3D printer.
The printing itself takes about two minutes and is printed in three layers. It was also interesting to note that it was the same granule (ABS) as the LEGO brick.
After the 3D printer was ready, the print is checked again and the key ring is handed over.
To conclude on 3D printing on a keychain, it must be said that this is another way to customize a LEGO brick (in this case a keychain). Laser engraving or normal printing is now much more common. We assume this machine won't hit every LEGO store and may only be a highlight in select locations.
What do you think of the new offer at LEGO House in Billund?