It seems fair to say that pinball machines are among the most universally loved gaming systems known today, yet the full-sized ones are both very expensive and very large, while even the good quality table-sized ones tend to be on the expensive side. That raises the question of whether a fully 3D printed pinball machine could at all be fun and not just feel like a cheapo toy? A recent video by [Steven] from [3D Printer Academy] on YouTube makes here a compelling argument that it might actually be worth something to consider.
In addition to being fully modular and customizable the most compelling element is probably that the design supports two- and four-player multiplayer. This sees the metal balls leaving at the rear and from there entering the playing field of another player’s machine, which can probably get pretty chaotic.
Unfortunately this is part of a Kickstarter campaign, so you’ll have to either shell out some cash to get access to the print files or DIY your own version. We’d also be remiss to not address the durability concerns of a 100% plastic pinball machine like this, plus the lack of serious heft to compensate for more enthusiastic playing styles.
If you are more into traditional DIY pinball machines, we have covered these as well, along with small screen-based machines, and their miniature brethren for when space is really at a premium.
No.
For those without a 3D printer, a hammer some nails, a sheet of plywood or similar, elastic bands and clothes pegs for flippers. Such a pinball machine was fun to play and build.
Or… Mix the two.
Build the main chasis with all those flat pieces from plywood or better yet mdf. You can go quick and dirty or find one of those mirror-finish painting tutorials on the web somewhere to make it look really good. Then 3d print the other parts. Best of both worlds!
Reminds me more of Gnip Gnop…a good term for typing
I thought I was the only one left living who would remember that game. ;-)
What an awesome use of a 3D printer. Love the creativity and modular design to fit in smaller printers.
I was interested in this project but 60$ for the files and NOT getting the cad files is entirely too much imo. I’m personally not a fan when the files for something exceed 30% of the total project cost.
Betteridge’s law of headlines in full effect.