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3D printing cartoon
3D Printed Figurines to Make
While mass-market cartoon figurines are always popular among children, adults also like to collect famous heroes from animated films and series. However, they often prefer 3D printed 3D cartoon character models instead of buying something ready to ship. It is a fantastic feeling to make something with a 3D printer, set of paints and a creative mind. DIY projects are unique and priceless to your heart.
You will find some famous 3D cartoon models on Gambody – Premium 3D Printing Marketplace. Download any 3D printing figure in STL format and craft on your affordable 3D printer at home.
3D Cartoon Models
Our selection of the cutest cartoon models for 3D printing includes many recognized characters from various films. From the good old Rick and Morty, Gravity Falls, Futurama, Asterix, Transformers, Pokemon to the latest Cuphead Show from Netflix, there are many projects to 3D print.
Crafting cartoon figure toys at home is a fantastic idea. It has become a hobby for thousands of men and women who get affordable 3D printers to build cartoon models in filament and resin. You can then paint your masterpiece.
It is how most enthusiasts fall in love with this exciting pastime. Once you begin your adventure into the world of 3D printing, it becomes too difficult to stop.
3D Printed Characters: Top 15
Each 3D cartoon model for 3D printing, which STL files you will find on gambody.com, has been checked for errors. You can be sure that your figure would be crafted in the smoothest way possible with the least number of supports and filament required for a good print.
1. Futurama Cartoon 3D Models
The multiple-award winner Futurama has many fans who would like to 3D print cartoon characters from this show. Gambody has a lovely 3D printing figurine of Fry, the main protagonist, available to download in STL format.
Fry is a pizza-delivery man who is a child in his heart in the story. He was born in the twentieth century but got frozen until 2999.
It is when his adventures begin.
The bust of Philip J. Fry looks very similar to the original design. It can be used in your office, at home, in board games, or you can make it a fantastic gift to a friend who is a fan of the Futurama series.
If you have crafted a 3D cartoon character of Fry, you could add another Futurama model to your collection. Robot Bender, who works with Philip J. Fry in the cartoon series, is also available to download as a cartoon 3D model for printing on Gambody – Premium 3D Printing Marketplace.
Bender is a hilarious antihero. His “belly” is a perfect hide-place for drinks and beverages. It works as a squeezer where you can always find a hidden bottle.
The 3D printing figure also has a door in the “belly” with a bottle inside. Besides, it offers several versions of Bender’s hands and two versions of the head. The 23-centimetres-tall (9 inches) statue comes with two accompanies (girlfriends) and a New Year cap.
2. Gravity Falls Cartoon Character Models
Famous twins from the Gravity Falls cartoon, Mabel and Dipper Pines, look impressive as 3D printed characters.
Their summer adventures are fantastic, and your diorama can look just as remarkable.
The cute 3D characters are cut into seven easy-to-print pieces. Assembly will not take too long, and your final project will boast great details. For example, Dipper Pines carries a book and holds a flashlight in his hands. His sister Mabel has her grappling hook. Thus, they are ready for another unforgettable adventure in your collection of famous cartoon figures.
Here is a perfect 3D printed and painted Gravity Falls diorama made by minibricks.co:
Maker: minibricks.coTo make adventures even more impressive, you might like to build the “Mystery Shack” house just like in the story. Mabel and Dipper Pines spent their summer in this tourist trap.
So, hurry to download Mystery Shack cartoon 3D model STL files and run your 3D printer. Let it complete the shop full of mysteries and attract even more tourists.
3. Rick and Morty Cartoon Character 3D Model
Have you watched Rick and Morty animated series? The variety of 3D cartoons characters from this show will amaze you.
On Gambody, you will find individual figures of Morty and Rick and a diorama with both heroes for 3D printing.
You can 3D print a great fight scene from your favourite animated show. These cartoon male characters will protect your shelf with other 3D printed masterpieces because Rick and Morty are both armed.
3D printed characters from Rick & Morty by Mac MurrayOne of the show episodes told a story about a scientist whose experiments turned Rick into a pickle. It would not be a big deal if he did not attend therapy that day. His adventures were memorable, and you can also turn your filament into a funny Pickle Rick figure if you wish.
Your figurine will be fantastic, and your friends will surely notice the pickle with guns. The cartoon figure stands tall over 22 centimetres (nearly 9 inches). Pickle Rick FDM 3D print looks fantastic with and without a laser or weapons in his hands because these hands are changeable. Besides, the figure is cut into several parts to result in the best printing experience.
Look at this smooth printing achieved by Nico Skull. It is incredible:
Maker: Nico SkullHere is an excellent example of Pickle Rick character painted by Roman Wolf:
Maker: Roman WolfYour 3D printed cartoon figurine can sometimes look dangerous and horrifying (if needed), just like this model crafted by Sam Fenimore:
Maker: Sam FenimoreYou can ‘grow’ your model from 22 centimetres to 40 centimetres by scaling the STL files if you wish. RCLifeOn took such a step and achieved excellent results:
Maker: RCLifeOn RCLifeOn’s video about making Pickle Rick4. Asterix & Obelix 3D Printing Characters
Popular comics are often turned into cartoons and movies. The story about two Gauls, Asterix and Obelix, began as a series of French comics, The Adventures of Asterix.
But it was so much loved by people that the village of Gauls was depicted in several animated films and live actions.
If you remember the show and wish to 3D print these famous cartoon character figurines, you can begin your collection with a cute Asterix figurine. This fearless and innovative Gaulish warrior is nearly 11 centimetres (4 inches) in height if you choose to craft it on any inexpensive FDM 3D printer. The assembly of twelve parts is relatively simple and allows you to paint each piece separately to achieve the best result possible.
Look how cute the painted Asterix figurine looks (Thomas Kunert did this project):
Maker: Thomas KunertIf Asterix is tiny but smart, Obelix is much bigger than his friend and possesses superhuman strength. Who would not like to add such an exclusive and the most powerful member of Asterix’s village to their collection of famous cartoon characters?
Luckily, Gambody has a fantastic Obelix 3D cartoon character for printing that you can craft yourself after getting the STL files.
Cut into thirteen parts, this model is one of the most effortless 3D prints for beginners, which is simple to assemble and turns out beautiful even if you are not a pro artist yet.
A tiny white terrier dog loves to accompany his master Obelix. Dogmatix makes a beautiful addition to your Asterix diorama.
You can find STL files of this cartoon dog 3D model with a stand, Romans armour and a tree trunk to create a lovely scene from the animated film. Your 3D printed project will be of 16 cm x 32 cm x 32 cm (6 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches) size without Obelix. It can be slightly taller if you add this famous Gaul and an Asterix figurine to finalize the scene.
The painted Dogmatix figure is genuinely fantastic. Well done by 3D printing enthusiast Thomas Kunert:
Maker: Thomas KunertIf you decide to 3D print cartoon characters one by one, you can complete a beautiful Asterix and Obelix diorama. Here is a fantastic project completed by maker Thomas Kunert:
Maker: Thomas KunertEnjoy another Asterix cartoon diorama made by Matthew Nicholas at an incredible 300 per cent scale:
Maker: Matthew Nicholas5.
Cuphead Character 3D Models Sometimes cartoon collectable items emerge from computer games. Cuphead is a great run and gun game introduced in 2017 and found millions of fans by 2019. Its creators chose to follow the animation cartoon-like style of the 1930s, and this idea has proven to be brilliant.
The game became so popular and recognized all across the globe that Netflix released The Cuphead Show, an animated cartoon series based on the game, in 2020. It should be fun to 3D print Cuphead and Mugman cartoon characters from this series.
6. 3D Printed Pokemon Figures
The history of the Pokemon franchise boasts many fantastic moments for the fans of Pikachu and other creatures. It all started as computer games but later grew into a big project with anime cartoons, films, books, comics, music, and much more.
Anyways, if you love to collect famous 3D printed anime figures and other Japanese figurines, you will find some excellent 3D cartoon models for printing on Gambody marketplace.
This site has many fantastic cartoon-inspired statues and figurines to enjoy. Pokemon Charizard vs Pikachu is a diorama you are to like a lot if you are fond of anime characters.
The dragon and Pikachu are in a fight. You can see electricity strikes and dragon fire in the scene that reaches the size of 25 cm x 42 cm x 30 cm (10 inches x 16 inches x 12 inches). It contains all the fun elements of a real battle, including thunder and fire and two cartoon figurines.
Here is this ideal scene “captured” by 3D printing enthusiast Pipier Michel who downloaded Charizard vs Pikachu STL files:
Maker: Pipier MichelThe models look stunning even before being painted by Nyby Perez:
Maker: Nyby PerezOf course, colour adds more fun to the battle scene. Here is a great Pokemon diorama shared by Bro Makers 3D:
Maker: Bro Makers 3DMisty, a smiling anime character, is a Water Pokemon Master. She is training the famous creatures and is always accompanied by her best friend, Togepi.
Being a gym leader, this girl likes to wear sneakers, shorts and a yellow t-shirt. Her bright red hair and a ponytail make her look beautiful. The Misty cartoon 3D model you can download from Gambody is 22 centimetres (9 inches) tall. It is simple to 3D print and assemble. Misty and Togepi, whom she holds in her hands, are cheerful and happy together.
Look at this fantastic girl Misty who is a Pokemon trainer that Alex Cruz created on Zortrax M200 FDM 3D printer:
Maker: Alex CruzJust like Misty, Ash is also a Pokemon trainer. His story begins in Pallet Town and offers him many adventures as he wishes to become a Pokemon Master. His first creature friend is Pikachu, and Misty is one of the girls he meets on his way.
If you already have Misty and Pikachu fighting Charizard in your collection of famous cartoon characters, you might also like to make Ash Ketchum figurine. This way, you can expand your Pokemon series of 3D prints. The size of this model is 22 centimetres (9 inches) in height, just like the one of Misty.
There are ten parts to make. Still, Gambody team finalized everything to ensure your printing process will be easy, fast and smooth.
Here is a perfect 3D print of Ash Ketchum character crafted by Zach Kirk:
Maker: Zach Kirk7. Bob’s Burgers Cartoon Figurines
Have you watched Bob’s Burgers? This Fox animated series is devoted to the family of a restaurateur by the name of Robert or shortly Bob Belcher. Bob runs his Bob’s Burgers with his wife and three kids.
This 3D cartoon character is pretty good at cooking burgers. However, his business skills are weak, and various life situations often challenge his luck. Overall, it is a positive person that looks impressive as a 3D print.
The model is depicted in his apron and a burger in his hands. Bob Belcher 3D printing figurine seems to shout his favourite phrase, “Oh My God.” He is shocked by something unexpected that could ruin his business. The height of this statue is 23 centimetres (9 inches). There is also a stand to support the figure.
8. Lucky Luke Printable Cartoon Characters
Even though the Lucky Luke animated TV series was broadcast in 1984 in France, its main character is still loved by many today. Based on comics, Lucky Luke has conquered the hearts of both comics and cartoon fans. This cowboy represents the 20th century and describes the Far West culture through his adventures.
Since the cowboy travelled on his horse and was accompanied by a dog in the show, the Lucky Luke cartoon 3D model you can find at Gambody marketplace also comes with additional characters. Lucky Luke, Jolly Jumper and Rantanplan are willing to begin a new adventure in your collection of cartoon figure toys.
These three friends, even not yet painted, look fantastic in diorama created by Ronny Raimondi:
Maker: Ronny RaimondiThe scene finalized by Stampa 3D Art is astonishing:
Maker: Stampa 3D Art9. 3D Print Robot Character
Actual toy lines influence some cartoons. It happened to Transformers animated TV series that aired in the 1980s and was based on Hasbro’s toys.
The giant robots were initially introduced in Japan by toy manufacturer Takara. They became trendy worldwide, and the “metal characters” were depicted in cartoons and movies.
Optimus Prime is one of the leading 3D cartoons characters of the original story. He has many fans among kids and adults. Adding his 3D printed version to your collection of cartoon figurines is a great idea.
The Optimus Prime 3D model you can 3D print boasts a height of nearly 33 centimetres (13 inches). It has a platform, locks, and a total of 17 parts. All details are simple to craft on your own.
This freshly built Optimus Prime looks very detailed even without the paint. However, when Nicolas Dafnis painted his project, it became fantastic:
Maker: Nicolas DafnisMegatron is another famous character from the Transformers franchise. It is often turned into cartoon figure toys and used in animated series and movies. While the Hasbro Megatron Transformer toy exists, it could be more enjoyable for you to add this model to other 3D printed characters on your shelf instead of getting the mass-market figure.
You will have much fun making the character from Transformers: The Last Knight film. While it is a little bit different from the cartoon version of Megatron, your project will look life-like and exclusive to your collection of Transformers figurines.
The model stands at over 20 centimetres (8 inches) tall. With the base, it is slightly taller. It is cut into nine parts plus has connectors that have to be 3D printed to assemble the figure. Wayne Auditore printed this incredible Megatron 3D model on Shining Elite resin 3D printer:
Maker: Wayne AuditoreIron Giant is another fantasy robot you can recreate using your 3D printer and Iron Giant STL files. This kindest character is happy to befriend Earth residents. And a little boy Hogarth is ready to protect the giant robot from police, soldiers and anyone wishing to destroy the invader.
Anyways, 3D printing cartoon robots is a lot of fun, especially when you have premium STLs of a 3D cartoon character you wish to add to your collection.
An iconic trash compactor, WALL-E, is among the cute 3D characters to build with an affordable 3D printer at home. The adorable thing knows how Earth could look when polluted and deserted, and he wishes the Planet to be live again.
Your squad of 3D printed characters from animated stories and cartoons surely misses WALL-E. But thanks to highly detailed WALL-E STL files for 3D printing, you can now create this great friend for yourself and your family.
WALL-E 3D printed characters by Daniel Godin and Carlos Díaz10. Grinch & Max Cartoon Character
Every year thousands of families turn on their TV on Christmas Eve to watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” The main holiday meanie is greedy and wants to have all his gifts, although holidays are not only about presents.
The homes of Whoville are safe from the famous creature dressed like Santa Claus if you download Grinch & Max cartoon character STL files and 3D print him.
The iconic troublemaker & his cartoon dog 3D model look highly detailed. This static piece is fun to build and assemble.
11. Disney Cartoon Character Figurines
Aladdin animated film, released in 1992, became a classic about magic lamps, Genies loosely based on Middle Eastern folk tales. It introduced the world to the beautiful princess of Agrabah and magical lamp resident.
After downloading these STL files, you can 3D print cartoon characters Jasmine & Genie. These two figurines are super cute and lovely.
Freeing the wish-granting Genie out of his lamp, Jasmine looks astonished. And the magical carpet following the two cartoon characters completes the scene.
Another beautiful 3D cartoon girl from Disney stories is Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Many people still love this underwater princess from the 1989 animated film. And now you can bring her from the depth of the sea to your table or shelf.
The seashell bikini, a magnificent marine throne with a seashell backrest with a precious pearl inside and waves add stunning detail to this Ariel 3D printing cartoon project.
The first thing you imagine when you hear the name Scrooge McDuck is his gold treasures. The Scrooge 3D cartoon character STL files depict the world’s richest duck in all his glory, ready to jump into the money “ocean” built of golden coins.
If you miss DuckTales, 3D print Scrooge McDuck model. Let this 3D printed figurine be your talisman of financial luck.
12. The Flintstones Cartoon Figure
Get ready to Yabba-Dabba-Doo with 3D printing cartoon characters from the Flintstones 1960 broadcast. This animated TV series brought us into the Stone Age lifestyle and introduced next-door neighbours who were great friends.
Flintstones 3D print by Kyle J ShuttyThe Flintstones 3D cartoon model’s STL files depict the two friends racing an iconic Canopysaurus vehicle with the Flintstones’ pet dinosaur Dino accompanying them.
And such a peaceful scene can easily capture your heart!
13. Looney Tunes Cute 3D Characters
Meet Looney Tunes character who also became a star of Space Jam movie. The cutie cannot wait to join your squad of 3D printed characters from iconic cartoons.
If you are looking for a 3D cartoon girl playing basketball and love good old animated films and new sports movies, get Looney Tunes STL files to transform this adorable cartoon 3D model into a 3D printed figurine.
14. The Nightmare Before Christmas Cartoon Male Characters
Even though The Nightmare Before Christmas is mainly associated with Halloween and not Christmas, this stop-motion animated film has some stunning cartoon models you can 3D print any time of the year.
Zero cartoon dog character 3D printed by Joe GarmerJack Skellington and his best dog friend Zero are great company to any 3D printed figurine in your collection. You can make the cartoon dog 3D model in glow-in-dark filament so that Zero shines the way for the cute skeleton at night.
15. Bonus 3D Printer Cartoon Ideas
It is fun to own a part of a scientist’s soul by 3D printing cartoon characters from Stitchpunk. For example, number 8 is super strong and can use his power and impressive combat skills in the Machine War.
Download Stitchpunk “8” STL files to bring this cartoon figure into our 3D printed world.
Choosing your favourite 3D printed cartoon character among many great masterpieces might be a real challenge. But you can always 3D print something yourself and post the photos of the figures to Gambody Facebook Group. This community is beneficial for sharing tips, tricks and experiences between hobbyists who are most interested in 3D printing.
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Gambody – Cartoon Characters 3D Printing Figurines
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Size of Files: 1164.
07 MB Optimized Print Size:
24.4 cm x 20.1 cm x 39.9 cm
9.61" x 7.91" x 15.71"
(6)
EVE 3D Printing Model | Assembly + Action
type Cartoons by Teo Torriatte
$24.99
Size of Files: 2502.03 MBOptimized Print Size:
26.8 cm x 20.1 cm x 27 cm
10.55" x 7.91" x 10.63"
(2)
Grinch & Max 3D Printing Figurines in Diorama | Assembly
type Cartoons by Ranger
$24.99
Size of Files: 2782.75 MBOptimized Print Size:
38.2 cm x 45 cm x 31.8 cm
15.04" x 17.72" x 12.52"
(1)
The Flintstones 3D Printing Figurines in Diorama | Assembly
type Cartoons by Jerry
$24.
99
Optimized Print Size:
30.9 cm x 26 cm x 33 cm
12.17" x 10.24" x 12.99"
(3)
8 Stitchpunk 3D Printing Figurine | Assembly
type Cartoons by Juan Velez Zambrano
$19.99
Size of Files: 1541.03 MBOptimized Print Size:
20.8 cm x 30 cm x 14.6 cm
8.19" x 11.81" x 5.75"
(1)
Ariel 3D Printing Figurine | Assembly
type Cartoons by Carlos
$24.99
Size of Files: 910.91 MBOptimized Print Size:
25 cm x 21.1 cm x 18.7 cm
9.84" x 8.31" x 7.36"
(2)
Scrooge McDuck 3D Printing Figurine | Assembly
type Cartoons by Foxgraph
$16.
99
Optimized Print Size:
12.1 cm x 11.4 cm x 25.5 cm
4.76" x 4.49" x 10.04"
(3)
Lola Bunny 3D Printing Figurine | Assembly
type Cartoons by Herb HARURU
$16.99
Size of Files: 2510.05 MBOptimized Print Size:
34.5 cm x 34.2 cm x 27.2 cm
13.58" x 13.46" x 10.71"
(5)
Jasmine & Genie 3D Printing Figurines in Diorama | Assembly
type Cartoons by Carlos
$24.99
Size of Files: 1621.26 MBOptimized Print Size:
19.9 cm x 20.4 cm x 24 cm
7.83" x 8.03" x 9.45"
(7)
Jack Skellington & Zero 3D Printing Figurines in Diorama | Assembly
type Cartoons by BODY3D
$24.
99
Optimized Print Size:
23.2 cm x 15.7 cm x 21 cm
9.13" x 6.18" x 8.27"
(5)
Jack Skellington Bust 3D Printing Figurine | Assembly
type Cartoons by BODY3D
$12.99
Size of Files: 924.72 MBOptimized Print Size:
22.2 cm x 17.6 cm x 25 cm
8.74" x 6.93" x 9.84"
(10)
WALL-E 3D Printing Model | Assembly + Action
type Cartoons by Teo Torriatte
$24.99
Size of Files: 1169.02 MBOptimized Print Size:
24.2 cm x 25.7 cm x 30.2 cm
9.53" x 10.12" x 11.89"
(5)
Rick & Morty Fight Scene 3D Printing Figurines in Diorama | Assembly
type Cartoons by Solid Maker
$24.
99
Optimized Print Size:
32.5 cm x 32.5 cm x 33 cm
12.8" x 12.8" x 12.99"
(4)
Obelix vs Roman Legionary 3D Printing Figurines in Diorama | Assembly
type Cartoons by Foxgraph
$24.99
Size of Files: 1029.98 MBOptimized Print Size:
23.4 cm x 18 cm x 26.4 cm
9.21" x 7.09" x 10.39"
(10)
Morty 3D Printing Figurine | Assembly
type Cartoons by Dario
$16.99
Size of Files: 1115.24 MBOptimized Print Size:
23.4 cm x 18 cm x 28 cm
9.21" x 7.09" x 11.02"
(5)
Rick 3D Printing Figurine | Assembly
type Cartoons by Dario
$16.
99
Optimized Print Size:
8.4 cm x 9.5 cm x 23.1 cm
3.31" x 3.74" x 9.09"
(3)
Bob Belcher 3D Printing Figurine | Assembly
type Cartoons by VironusD
$19.99
Size of Files: 93.02 MBOptimized Print Size:
21.4 cm x 8 cm x 31.2 cm
8.43" x 3.15" x 12.28"
(11)
The Iron Giant 3D Printing Model | Assembly + Action
type Cartoons by Teo Torriatte
$24.99
Size of Files: 248.3 MBOptimized Print Size:
12.6 cm x 12.2 cm x 22.3 cm
4.96" x 4.8" x 8.78"
(15)
Pickle Rick With Guns 3D Printing Figurine | Assembly
type Cartoons by Solid Maker
$14.
99
Optimized Print Size:
4.6 cm x 5.2 cm x 10.8 cm
1.81" x 2.05" x 4.25"
(4)
Asterix 3D Printing Figurine for Diorama | Assembly
type Cartoons by Jerry
$19.99
Size of Files: 81.71 MBOptimized Print Size:
11 cm x 16.3 cm x 27.1 cm
4.33" x 6.42" x 10.67"
(4)
Obelix 3D Printing Figurine for Diorama | Assembly
type Cartoons by Jerry
$19.99
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3D Printed Cartoon Characters
How many times have you dreamt to have your favorite cartoon character toy? Every release of a cartoon movie has always been accompanied by companies putting cartoon toys on the market.
Children became hysterical whenever going into a store and seeing the shiny toys and parents were facing a tough choice: to have one additional play item in the house or to hear their offspring’s sobs for the next couple of days, until their kid’s interest into the cartoon faded away.
Of course, those marketing cartoon toys were and still are expensive and not everyone can afford to buy them. However, with 3D printing technology turning your children’s wishes into reality has become easier.
How 3D Printing Cartoon Miniatures Are Created
They come in STL files format that you download on your computer and start 3D printing. Every file is adapted to be printed on any type of 3D printer. For accurate results, you will get full 3D printing instructions and recommendations.
The best part about 3D printing a cartoon figurine is that you can involve your kid in the process. Give them some brushes and paints and let their imagination and artistry bloom.
You buy once the STL files of 3D printing cartoon miniatures but you can have as many figurines as you want.
The Choice is Limitless
Browse through our large variety of Cartoons 3D printing miniatures. You can find the famous Asterix and Obelix, the evil Bender, the funny Pickle Rick and many more are to join them. Check the category frequently as additional 3D printing cartoon miniatures are added on a weekly basis.
Enjoy having any of your dream cartoon characters near you.
Film industry
3D PRINTING - A REVOLUTION IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
Recently, there has been more and more talk about the vast possibilities that 3D printing opens up. 3D printers allow you to minimize manual labor, reduce financial costs and increase production speed. They are used to make a wide variety of things. 3D printers are also being used more and more actively in the film production process. 3D printing began to be used in cinema in the second half of the 90s.
Notable films that have used the power of 3D printing include Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World, Terminator Salvation, Avatar, Real Steel, Iron Man, Prometheus , "007: Skyfall coordinates". In these and other paintings, 3D printing was used to create a variety of props, costumes and their details, interior parts, scenery layouts. An example of a company successfully mastering 3D printing technologies is the British FBFX, one of the world's leading manufacturers of costumes and movie props. In the mid-2000s, FBFX invested in the development of the Objet30 Desktop printer. This Stratasys 3D printer allows you to quickly design and print a 3D CAD file.
Objet30 Desktop was first used on the set of Ridley Scott's sci-fi film Prometheus. To create the space helmet of the heroine Noomi Rapace, difficult-to-manufacture fasteners were needed. Under the normal procedure, the production of these parts would require outsourcing, and the process would take several weeks.
Making the necessary elements on a 3D printer took several hours.
Another example of the use of 3D printing in filmmaking is the costume of Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man. To determine the necessary parameters, the actor's body was scanned. In accordance with the data obtained, a suit model was created in a special editor. Next, using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), the required suit was 3D printed and then painted. While handmade costumes usually have to be remade many times because they either differ from the authors’ intentions or do not fit the actor, restricting his movements, 3D printing has made it possible to produce the desired item the first time, and at the same time costing little.
In addition to costumes and their details, 3D printers are used to create various props. For example, in 007: Skyfall, 1:3 copies of the Aston Martin DB 5 were made to shoot the car explosion scene. On a VX 4000 3D printer manufactured by Voxeljet, 18 parts were printed, including a roof, hood, doors, etc.
, which were then assembled into a car. The painted model is almost indistinguishable from the original up close. Of course, it was much cheaper to blow up a printed car than if a real one were used for this. The choice of materials from which a 3D suit can be made is practically unlimited. These can be polymers, plastics, ultra-thin metals, and different materials can be combined in one suit. Among the existing shortcomings of 3D printing, filmmakers call horizontal stripes barely noticeable on the surface of the printed object - traces of printed layers. However, it is unlikely that this disadvantage, which is corrected by manual grinding and polishing, will become an obstacle to the further use of 3D printing in film production.
3D printed cartoon
Chase Me - "Catch Me" (translated by Losprinters.ru) embodies the magic of puppet animation, almost completely created on a modern 3D printer Formlabs Form1+. The picture tells about the adventures of a young girl who runs away through a dark forest from her own shadow.
Director and designer Gilles-Alexandre Deschaux spent 2 years to create the cartoon, modeled and printed 2500 parts on a 3D printer.
According to the director – “The peculiarity of traditional puppet animation is that the characters are made of plastic material that can be bent and moved for each frame. We went a more complicated way and for each new frame we printed a separate model. Traditional technology does not allow us to create such tiny figurines with such high detail, but with the help of the Form1+ 3D printer, we have succeeded.”
The project started with a simple storyboard of the plot and characters, then we created a virtual model of the character and printed it on a 3D printer. For every second of the film, up to 15 versions of the models of the main character were created. All elements are printed with a resolution of 100 microns. To save time, we independently calculated and designed the support elements of the model.
For general scenes, the main character was modeled and printed 3 cm high and 7 cm close-up.
Some parts were created from several printed parts and then glued together. For example, we assembled a giant tree from 22 separate parts.
Catch Me is a story that captures our fears and turns them into something beautiful,” says Gilles-Alexandre.
Gilles-Alexandre Deschaux, has been working for the last 7 years in a special effects company for cinematography and computer games, as a digital artist and animator. Throughout his career, Gilles-Alexandre has experimented with various methods of creating effects, such as using a hybrid of painting and drawing combined with 3D animation. His experimentation with new styles led him to 3D printing technologies.
Freelance artist makes a puppet cartoon using Form1+ 3D printer
Creativity
The use of additive technologies for animation is no longer a novelty, but the high cost of producing thousands of detailed 3D printed models prevents this method from becoming widespread among amateur animators.
Sufficiently large studios like Laika, which created Coraline in the Land of Nightmares, Paranorman and The Monster Family, are able to use 3D printed models for frame-by-frame reproduction thanks to a budget backed by a financial guarantee of wide distribution of the finished product with reimbursement of filming costs from sales. But despite the complexity and cost, a French artist ventured to independently shoot a short film using as many as 2,500 models printed with a Form1+ stereolithographic 3D printer and a generous infusion of 80 liters of photopolymer resin. The name of our hero is Gilles-Alexandre Deschaux.
Gilles-Alexandre is no stranger to cinema, being a professional CGI and special effects artist. Of course, his profession requires good imagination and ingenuity, including the desire and ability to explore new methods.
“When I first saw the Form1 3D printer on Kickstarter, I knew right away that this was what I needed to create a 3D printed cartoon,” recalls Gilles-Alexandre.
"I decided to try out 3D printing in puppet animation for my own film."
After two years of painstaking work, Gilles-Alexandre has achieved the result of his first 3D printed cartoon, Catch Me, which will premiere at the prestigious Annecy International Animated Film Festival. In addition, the picture was selected for display at the International Festival in Cannes.
The plot begins with a little girl walking in a fairy forest. Then, her shadow turns into a monster that starts chasing the heroine. What's next? We will see when the official premiere takes place.
“Catch Me is a story about fighting your own fears and turning them into something beautiful,” says Gilles-Alexandre. Perhaps it is appropriate to draw an analogy here with the difficult task of creating a cartoon from 2,500 parts, which can instill in any artist at least self-doubt.
Each frame of the cartoon was first created using computer graphics and then used to create physical models.
Each second of the finished film contains fifteen frames. Note that not only the figures were printed, but also the background in each frame. Printing was carried out in layers of one hundred microns and with minimal post-processing, which actually amounted to only the removal of support structures after printing. “Without the Form1, I would not have been able to produce such small but complex and detailed models,” says Gilles-Alexandre. Some larger objects, like a large tree, were broken up into several parts, up to twenty-two maximum, due to the limited volume of the printer's working chamber.
“Users like Gilles-Alexandre doing extraordinary things with our printers inspire our team. Catch Me is full of beauty and inspiration, both in terms of aesthetics and meticulous attention to detail,” said Max Lobovsky, co-founder of Formlabs, which makes Form1 3D printers.
You can follow the development of the project on the film's official website.
