We’ve got it covered! Missing LEGO parts is no longer an issue

Woody64 is a graphic designer, who is into creating 3D printable LEGO parts. He was initially inspired by the lack of available LEGO parts for Napoleonic times. Woody64 claims that his LEGO items are not only for children, his target audience ranges from 15 to 60-year-olds.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got into the 3D printing industry?

I've started 3D printing more then 6 years ago as a simple solution to the question: "How to replace a LEGO part only available in limited numbers within a customer acceptable pricing range - without the need to invest thousands of dollars - available to everyone in the world and without building up a logistic supply chain?". 3D printing was the answer.

This was still not that easy back then, since I needed a few months to get the first result. Now I'm able to achieve that in a few hours having the product in hand within several days.

How do you approach a project? Where do you get inspiration from?

After the replacement part of an existing design was done, I simply took further input from historical uniform plates. I was interested in Napoleon times and there were a lot of interesting items missing from his era.

Later on, a lot of input also came from the community or by requests of single persons.

What kind of research process do you have?

For the design process there is the study of pictures, drawings, etc.

But more challenging was the question of choosing the best suitable material, sticking to the design guidelines (since I'm on the minimal level of some restrictions) and dealing with cost targets, since the price has to be in an acceptable user range predefined by the injection of mold pieces.

What are your daily challenges as a 3D designer and what are the best parts of the job?

Advertising, costs and finding the right supplier for the best possible material (this journey still hasn't ended yet).

What do you feel are the most important lessons you have learned during your time in the industry?

The unexpected always happens... 3D printing in an evolving technology, which is able to destroy or boost your business within few days.

Who are your customers or clients? Do you design with a particular customer profile in mind?

My customers are unknown. The age range is from 15 to 60. They seam to be individuals mostly interested in history. Using Google Analytics I know that my visitors come from the whole world covering nowadays nearly every country on the world map.

What kinds of objects have you 3D-printed for your personal needs?

Some gifts like cufflinks or statues. These items are currently under examination if they are suitable for a broader market and a new design line should be established.

Collector Series August/September 1914 - brass/silver

What’s your favourite thing about 3D printing?

You can make it real within a few days. I created items in less then an hour, ordering them and receiving the prints within several days.

What do you feel are the most important tools for young designers trying to break into the industry to learn today?

For design tooling I use Blender. But there are also other important topics like photography, rendering, advertising, blogging, web design, etc.

What software do you use?

Blender, Povray, Python Scripts ....

Michaelozzie: French troops using Woody’s custom items

Do you believe in 3D printing revolution? Why?

Do you remember star trek with their “replicator” for creating foods? We are very close to that now. In general, I think a 3D printer will be as normal as a desktop printer within 3-5 years.

If you take a look at Kickstarter, you will find dozens of projects dealing with the 3D revolution.

How do you see 3D printing changing people’s lives in a decade?

3D printing will be used in making spare parts, food, clothes, shoes, and other daily items. People will be downloading or buying the design and simply printing it on their home printer.

Any last bits of advice for designers just embarking on a 3D career path?

Product idea, design, business case, market research, advertisement, product placement, choosing the right supplier, order and supply chain…