Mattel and Autodesk are re-launching the ThingMaker retro toy as an affordable kid-safe and family-friendly 3D printer. The toy and software companies had teamed up in early 2015 to develop a ThingMaker Design mobile app to allow children to design 3D models.

Kids and their parents can download iOS or Android versions of the ThingMaker Design App. It was created by Autodesk.

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The mobile app includes templates, and drag and drop parts so children can choose from pre-made designs and then customize them based on size, shape, and color.

ThingMaker Design works with other 3D printers. It can also help kids to get started with 3D modeling.

The original concept of a ThingMaker dates back to Mattel's Vac-U Maker set unveiled in 1963. It involved using the gadget to heat thin plastic sheets into new molds with shapes of objects such as bugs, flowers, and Hot Wheels toy cars.

Kids then poured the melted plastic "Plastigoop" into the molds, and baked them in the Vac-U Maker oven at 390°F (199°C) to form the 3D toys. In 1964 Creepy Crawlers that featured 3D bug-like creatures was launched.

The new version of ThingMaker will use Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament. Mattel has not announced which branded colors would be available.

This is not the first 3D printing product developed for kids. Last October Qubea launched a Kickstarter campaign for its Rever 3D printer, and 3Doodler recently unveiled its child-safe Start 3D printing pen.

Mattel is hoping to bring its toy-making experience to the market. The company's senior director Aslan Appleman explained it could integrate some of its famous toy brands into 3D printing products.  

About a year ago the toy company also teamed up with tech giant Google. The toymaker launched a new version of the ViewMaster viewer that is based on the Google Cardboard VR headset.

Mattel made the announcement about ThingMaker just before this weekend's Toy Fair trade show, according to USA Today. It will be held in New York City.

The ThingMaker 3D printer can be purchased at Amazon later this year, according to 3ders. It will have a price tag of about $300.

Here's a retro ThingMaker commercial: