3D Printing in TV and Film
Save time and money on prop design and manufacture.
Prop makers across the world are using 3D printers to turn ideas into film-ready designs for use on set - from glasses and jewellery to armour and weaponry.
How important is 3D printing in TV and Film?
Head of Props at Marvel Studios, Russell Bobbitt explains just how integral 3D printing has become to his extensive prop design and manufacturing operation. He has over 8x 3D printers working 24/7.
“A new prop can be in use right off the 3D printer 24 hours after the director has an idea. It can easily be reprinted bigger or smaller, making it easy to achieve the perfect scale for the actor.” Every prop manufactured has to pass the “Russell test” for reliability (it’s thrown 20 feet in the air before it drops to the ground) to avoid expensive hold-ups.
Russell embraces new materials. He prints with Formlabs’ harder resins which can easily be painted, and in softer resins for things like stunts.
How does 3D printing fit in the creative process?
Typically, designers model in CAD from a colour concept drawing, used for both 3D printing and CNC machining. Multiple prototypes can be quickly iterated before the final production phase – whether that be 3D printing as well, or something like casting from a 3D printed mould. Making subtle changes to your design is a rapid process – make your prop bigger or smaller, or make larger changes to your design and produce it much faster than regular manufacturing methods.
Why printing over conventional manufacturing?
3D printing is an iterative process – going from idea to physical object in as little time as possible is perfect for the creative industries. Printers are also cheap labour, working 24/7 so that new props and other pieces can be ready and in use 24 hours after a new idea is born. It doesn’t stop with props either – pieces can be printed for costumes or even the sets themselves.
Considering which 3D printer to buy?
The Formlabs Form range is a favourite within the TV and film industry. It can create high quality, detailed prints in a range of materials – soft or rubber-like, hard or tough. The printers are affordable and accessible, and they can be combined with ingenious software and post-processing options to tailor to specific needs.
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Ideal for TV & Film Printing
Formlabs Fuse 1
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3D Success in Videos
