Autodesk launches Tinkerplay App in hopes of making 3D design and printing fun

3D printing is becoming more and more popular, and our own Russell Holly has been having quite a good time with it, but designing and printing isn't for everyone. The folks at Autodesk have just released a new app for Android, iOS and even Windows Phone that they hope will make the experience much easier.

Based on the popular Modio app, which Autodesk had previously acquired, Tinkerplay will allow users to design and customize characters with the ability to 3D print them afterwards. The various 3D printed parts from within the app can be snapped together for dynamic playing as well.

"Creators, designers and makers from ages five to ninety, have blown us away with their passion for 3D modeling and 3D printing," said Samir Hanna, vice president and general manager, Autodesk Consumer and 3D Printing. "With Tinkerplay, we're providing another great tool designed for kids of all ages, who want to play, create and tinker."

The app available now as a free download in Google Play.

Press Release

Autodesk Launches Tinkerplay App to Make 3D Design and 3D Printing Fun

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar.17, 2015 — Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) announced the launch of Tinkerplay, a free* app designed for kids of all ages that introduces creative play through 3D design and 3D printing.

The Tinkerplay app is based on the popular Modio app, which Autodesk previously acquired, and will join the Tinkercad family of products. The Tinkerplay app allows users to design and customize characters and creatures digitally with the option to 3D print afterwards. The 3D printed parts can also be snapped together for dynamic play. With this launch, new parts, features and functionality have been added to make the world of 3D design simple, fun and engaging.

"Creators, designers and makers from ages five to ninety, have blown us away with their passion for 3D modeling and 3D printing," said Samir Hanna, vice president and general manager, Autodesk Consumer and 3D Printing. "With Tinkerplay, we're providing another great tool designed for kids of all ages, who want to play, create and tinker."

The Tinkerplay app lets users quickly get started by dragging and dropping interchangeable parts to make custom creations. The parts are optimized for 3D printing as fully poseable characters and creatures, and are designed to not require rafting or support material to print. The print function within the app shows the layout of parts for 3D printing and provides an easy way to export print files to a variety of 3D printers.

For users that are inspired to take their design skills one step further to create completely new parts, Tinkerplay connectors can be found in the Tinkercad web app. Autodesk has launched Tinkerplay simultaneously on various mobile platforms including iOS, Android, Windows and Windows phones to better provide users with access on their device of choice. The Tinkerplay app can be downloaded for free* from the App Store, Google Play or the Windows Store for Windows 8.1 users.

About Autodesk Autodesk helps people imagine, design and create a better world. Everyone--from design professionals, engineers and architects to digital artists, students and hobbyists—uses Autodesk software to unlock their creativity and solve important challenges. For more information visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.

Jared DiPane
Jared started off writing about mobile phones back when BlackBerry ruled the market, and Windows Mobile was kinda cool. Now, with a family, mortgage and other responsibilities he has no choice but to look for the best deals, and he's here to share them with you.