The LEGO Store in Copenhagen has debuted a new “Minifigure Factory” prototype, an in-store custom minifig-printing apparatus that will be available only this Tuesday and Wednesday for a test run. The machine allows guests to customize several designs and print them directly on a minifigure torso for 30 DKK (around $5 USD).
Designer Jens Hjoth has been working on the project for a year and a half, according to a Facebook post (including providing the pictures in this article). There is no word on when or if the machine will be rolled out globally, nor what the cost might be if it does see wider distribution (though we personally hope that the trial run is a success and that the machines get put into every LEGO Store).
Guests reportedly have the option of selecting several pre-made designs on a touch-pad screen and then can customize the colors, text and some aspects of the design on both the front and back of the minifigure torso. (While it would be nice to be able to upload your own complete designs, we don’t expect that capability to be enabled due to many complicated copyright issues–but we can hope!)
The designs are printed on white minifigure torsos and appear to have a high level of detail and edge-to-edge printing. The machine itself looks like it can print up to 40 minifigures at a time, operated by a single individual. The set-up also includes a large red number display, perhaps some kind of count-down or a queue for customers to take a number to use the machine.
What do you think of the potential to print your own minifigures at the LEGO Store? We would love to hear your comments below. And if you are lucky enough to be around Copenhagen through Wednesday, we would love to hear your first-hand experience with the new Minifigure Factory.
