LEGO Unveils New 3D Printed Element

LEGO has been investing in 3D printing and recently released a new 3D printed LEGO part, a functional train element, as part of the Holiday Express Train set. The part was produced using the EOS P5 FDR platform, showcasing high accuracy and quality. This move demonstrates LEGO's ability to use additive manufacturing for new design possibilities. The company is utilizing powder bed fusion technology and exploring sustainable materials like PA11 derived from castor beans. Despite challenges like porosity, LEGO's confidence in polymer LPBF suggests a cost-effective future for consumer applications. The new 3D printed part will be available for purchase on October 7th for $130, marking a significant step towards making 3D printed parts more accessible to a wider audience.