By 3dzyk It is considered a new business: 3D printing Figurines
I have to say, I’ve discovered a new business opportunity. And this time, the barrier to entry is even lower—almost anyone with a multi-color 3D printer can do it.
The story starts with everyone on Xiaohongshu showing off their “realistic” figurines.
I have to say, I’ve spotted a new business opportunity. And this time, the barrier to entry is even lower—just one multi-color 3D printer, and almost anyone can do it.
It all started with everyone on Xiaohongshu showing off their “super realistic” figurines. My first thought was: these couldn’t possibly all be physical objects—they’re probably just images. After some digging, sure enough, most of these figurine models were created using an image generation tool called Nano Banana (under Google).
To verify this, we also generated an AI image with it. It can even produce a 5-second video clip that looks like it was filmed in real life.
Once the “lie” was uncovered, many might question: can personalized figurines still be a viable business?
Indeed, this technology has long been realized. However, the common approach is not through a single photo but relies more on matrix 3D scanning pods to capture complete human data, followed by production using industrial-grade full-color 3D printers.
So, with just one photo, what can AI modeling actually achieve? Below is a real-life figurine model I generated using Tencent Hunyuan 3D and printed.
Whether it’s the pose, expression, or clothing details, the resemblance is quite impressive. Of course, if the face could be more accurate, it would hold greater commercial value.
Today, however, our focus is on cartoon-style figurines. Now, with just one photo, a model can be quickly generated, and the process is much simpler than imagined.
Here are two practical tools currently available for free:
One is the “Print You(印你）” tool launched by Bambu Lab under the MakerWorld platform in MakerLab, and the other is “CubeMe” launched by Creality Cloud’s MakeNow. Both tools collaborate with Tencent Cloud and integrate the Hunyuan 3D technology, allowing users to quickly generate cartoon-style 3D figurine models by uploading photos.
First, let’s take a look at the operation process of “Print You（印你）”:
Step 1: Upload a Photo
Choose a clear portrait photo and select your preferred style and pose.
Step 2: Generate a Concept Image
Click “Generate 2D Photo” and wait about 2 minutes for the system to generate a concept image. If the result is unsatisfactory, you can regenerate it for free once.
Step 3: Generate a 3D Model
Select the concept image you are satisfied with and click “Generate 3D Model.” After patiently waiting for 4 to 5 minutes, you will receive a complete cartoon-style 3D figurine model.
Once the model is generated, you can further adjust the colors, choose the corresponding materials and printer model. The final export is a 3MF file ready for direct 3D printing.
Next, let’s examine the workflow of “CubeMe”:
Step 1: Upload a Photo
Choose a clear portrait photo, ensuring the image quality is as high as possible.
Step 2: Generate the Original Art
Click “Generate Original Image,” and the system will prompt a style selection window. After choosing your preferred style, begin generating the original artwork.
Step 3: Select the Artwork
Wait approximately 1 minute, after which the system will generate an original artwork and allow two additional free regenerations. Once you are satisfied with a version, click “Generate Model.”
Step 4: Generate the 3D Model
Wait about 4 to 5 minutes, then click “Confirm Generation.” The system will proceed with color mapping for approximately 30 seconds, after which you will obtain the complete 3D figurine model
On the model editing page, just like with “Print You,” users can adjust colors, select a base, and finally export the 3MF file.
This time, we didn’t have the chance to personally print the models generated above, but coincidentally, we attended Creality’s offline flagship store event at the “Bay Area Eye” in Shenzhen’s Bao’an district and received a small gift.
Coincidentally, it was an actual physical object printed using a model generated by CubeMe.
In fact, besides free tools like “Print You（印你）” and “CubeMe,” there are also semi-paid tools available for generating figurine models.
For example, the WeChat mini-program “Second Life（第二人生）” allows users to generate models for free, but the models themselves cannot be downloaded—they can only be printed for a fee through the platform.
We also placed an order to print a full-color cartoon model. Everyone can take a look and compare the final product’s effect.
Recently, we came across a touching short video: a volunteer teacher spent four months 3D printing custom figurines for every student in his class.
Originally, he bought a Bambu Lab H2D 3D printer just to make toys for his own child at home. Unexpectedly, on the first anniversary of his teaching stint, he decided to use this printer to create unique figurines for the entire class as a special commemorative gift.
Perhaps in this AI era, when modeling is no longer a challenge, simply using a photo can effortlessly generate and print your own cartoon figurine.
With a bit of business acumen, this might not just be a new form of entertainment—it could also be an emerging business opportunity.