The indications are clear: LEGO items spread all over the floor or on the table. Wish lists stuffed with new toys and pieces. Be careful when walking through the room of your child to avoid landing on those tough plastic bricks which seem to blend into the carpet.
If any of these sounds like something you’ve experienced, it’s likely that you’re the parent of the LEGO(r) child, also called a brilliant, imaginative child who loves to create. If you’re in a place where LEGO(r) is unfamiliar to you, then it’s possible that you’re not familiar with the terms used to describe LEGO(r) bricks as well as the other elements.
In addition to being a great method to have a conversation with your child’s fan as well as a great way to learn what the officially recognized LEGO(r) Brick names, along with other components that are that go into making them, are useful when looking to purchase additional pieces or to replace an item which has been stolen.
Let’s start with our quick and simple LEGO(r) bricks dictionary.
What are the Bumps on LEGO(r) Bricks Called?
The bumps that appear on the LEGO(r) brick are known as “studs.” These are the components of the brick that permit it to join with other pieces. Studs are also useful to identify bricks while ordering specific parts or asking for a loaner item.
LEGO(r) bricks, usually described in terms of the amount of studs they possess. For instance, a piece that has two studs on the short side and four studs along the long side is described as”2×4″ “2×4” brick. If you’re in need of a brick similar to this, you’d look on the internet for its dimensions. Bricks, even tiles without studs on the top, frequently referred to by the number of studs which can be inserted into their surfaces.
On the bottom of the underside of a LEGO(r) Brick, you’ll see an “anti-stud,” which is the tube that acts as a receptacle to the studs that are on the brick you’re connecting. LEGO(r) Bricks can be joined by inserting the studs from an individual brick inside the anti-studs in another brick. They are made to be locked together with a secure lock to prevent them from coming unglued later during the building process.
What are Some Common LEGO(r) Elements?
Understanding the word “stud” is the first step to understanding LEGO(r) terminology, However, you’ll need to broaden your vocabulary beyond the stud. In terms of the terminology to describe LEGO(r) Bricks, There’s more to it than the studs. Understanding the various categories for LEGO pieces is crucial for purchasing — and building any kind of design.
1. Element
If you encounter an LEGO(r) builder use the term “element,” they’re talking about a specific piece of LEGO(r) that is, for example, bricks or tiles of some sort. As an example, the child may be searching for a 2×4 in blue piece, which is that it’s a brick of 2×4.
2. Brick
Bricks are the fundamental building block in LEGO(r). Bricks differ in both size and color, based upon the set you have. If you’re talking about multiple LEGO(r) Brick, the plural refers to “LEGO,” not “legos” like many people think.
3. Baseplate
A baseplate can be a base that can be used for each LEGO(r) design. It’s the thin piece of plastic that the builder uses to build whatever they’re planning to make. Baseplates don’t have bottom connections. They only have studs on the surface. They’re designed to remain in a level position on the floor or table the child uses to create a space for creativity. It is possible to find basic baseplates or, for an added challenge, you can buy bases with designs or elements to make the things you’re making appear more authentic.
4. Plate
“Plate” is the term that refers to any connectable LEGO(r) piece which is 1/3 the size of the LEGO(r) brick.
5. Tile
A tile is an LEGO(r) brick which doesn’t have the appearance of studs. It’s used as a finish element to improve the appearance model by smoothing areas on top of building, or floors within the structures.
6. Jumper Plate
Jumper plates are one that is equipped with just one stud in its center. It’s commonly used to build half-stud offsets, which is utilized when an architect wants to be able to design without being restricted by the conventional spacing of studs in traditional plate and bricks.
7. Cheese Grater
“Cheese Grater “Cheese Grater” looks like the shape of a cheese grated. It is approximately 2/3 of a block that is two plates high The Cheese Grater features an 18-degree slope, and 1×2 studs.
8. Minifig
Minifigures, also known as minifigs, have been the most loved element of LEGO(r) sets for more than 40 years. They are miniature figurines that come with numerous sets.
9. Duplo
Duplo is an excellent opportunity for your kid to be introduced with LEGO(r) before they’ve got the skills or the willingness to work playing with less sized LEGO(r) parts. Duplo bricks have many of the same characteristics as LEGO(r) pieces, however they’re bigger and easier to put together and take apart. They’re a great choice for children who are building their first Lego.
What is LEGO(r) Bricks Made Of?
Anyone who has ever stepped on the LEGO(r) brick has experienced that they’re extremely painful. What makes walking on the LEGO(r) brick cause such pain?
LEGO(r) Bricks manufactured of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) which is an industrial strength plastic that is also used for luggage parts and car interior components. The plastic isn’t prone to warping or fading in time, and it maintains its shape and color well. The addition of dyes to the bricks in order to give the ABS in a variety of colors. The strength of the material is what makes it difficult to work with.
LEGO(r) Bricks were made to withstand being stepped upon by children. LEGO(r) has a number of tests to ensure the quality of its bricks, including a testing that mimics the impact of an 110-pound kid stepping onto the LEGO(r) Brick. The main goal has been and will always be to make components that are able to endure almost everything. In order to can do this, the material must be durable. There’s no room for error in LEGO(r). Therefore, when you step onto it, you’ll experience its howling resistance every time.
LEGo-Bricks-and-STEM
In case you’ve got a tiny builder in your house, look into an area-based Bricks 4 Kids program. In Bricks 4 Kids, our mission is to demonstrate to youngsters that learning can be enjoyable. In order to achieve this, our educational programs are designed to blend LEGO construction with STEM principles — engineering, science, technology and mathematics, with the goal to stimulate learning in a stimulating and relaxed environment. We provide a variety of after-school classes, workshops and camps, all of which are geared to children aged 3-13.