This article first appeared in 3D World (opens in new tab) issue 183. It is quite amazing to hold a real part in your hand that you know you built using computer software. I'd say to anyone who is interested in 3D printing, just jump in and try it. They often give you very strict rules to follow, but as long as you do not have any holes in your CG model, pretty much any model will print. What advice do you have for someone experimenting with 3D printing?Ĭreating a CG model that is printable is actually a lot easier than 3D printing service bureaus will tell you. 3D printing is still relatively cost prohibitive when the price comes down, smaller independent studios may be more likely to try it out. Both media are now able to tell complex stories with incredibly subtle and naturalistic character performances. Will 3D printing lead to a more level playing field in animation?ģD printing has really levelled the playing field between stop-motion and CG animation. We can get around this by greatly exaggerating detail in the computer model knowing that the printer softens things, but there are some details that no matter how much you exaggerate the printer cannot print, for example thin facial hair.

The colour 3D printer softens edges and washes out detail. One of the limits with the 3D colour printing technology we are using is fine feature detail. Are there limits to what you can achieve on a 3D printed model? Whether that physical model is used for lighting reference, or in the approval process, having a tangible object is always important. As the VFX industry moves to having more objects exist only in the digital realm, I think the ability to take that digital model and 3D print it out as a real, physical model will become more essential. Over 53,000! How do you think 3D printing is going to impact on animation in the future?ģD printing has already changed the way stop-motion animated films are produced. Yes! We have created more animated faces than ever before on The Boxtrolls (opens in new tab).

Animate zbrush model