PRINT

3D Printing

3d printing is the process of materialising the virtual 3D model into a real world object using a variety of machines and technologies.

The basic process is very similar to a traditional printer but with the difference that the 3D model is built up out of multiple printed layers.

The two main technologies are SLA PRINTERS that use liquid resins and FDM PRINTERS that use plastic thread to print out the models. We have access to sla and pla printers and are comfortable using both.

Multiple Materials

Not only do you have a choice of how the model is printed but you also have access to an ever growing palette of different materials, ranging from regular plastic or resin to more exotic materials like wood, copper, cork, fluorescent materials and even chocolate. We have experience in a wide variety of materials and are always open to trying and experimenting with something new.

Supports

Before being able to print out a model, we will need to prep the model so it is ready for printing. This expertise requires a knowledge of 3D formats, all the different printers and materials, but also a deep knowledge of how to convert the models into multiple layers and how to build a support structure to help the model survive the 3D printing process. These supports are then removed and the surface polished into it's final shape.

Casting & Baking

A lot of the time the printed object is also the final figurine but often the 3D print is an intermediate product and will need further work to get it into it's final shape. There are several options for you to choose from. The first is to hand cast the final model into precious metals like silver statuettes, bronze busts or tin soldiers.

Another is to print it out in clay and than bake it out the traditional way into a porcelain figurine. We have experience on multiple projects using these intermediate techniques and have a close-knit network of collaborators like silversmiths and pottery artists to help us achieve these results.

Milling

A figurine can vary largely in size and it is often limited by the size of the printer. In the case of larger piece, say above 50 cm's we'll make use of other techniques like 3D milling and large bronze casting to achieve life size of larger than life size results. These kind of projects will naturally require a larger budget and more preparation. For each larger piece we will always print out smaller size prototypes to guarantee the design and the success of the end result.

Airbrush & Paint

The final step in getting a final figurines is to paint it, often using an airbrush to fill in the main color gradients and a selection of brushes for the smaller detailed work. Once the main color prototype has been created, we can then fabricate a set of masks that can help speed up the process.

Production

We feel confident and have experience in creating one off pieces as well as low volume runs of figurines up to a fifty pieces. If you require larger amount we will aim to outsource the production part of the process or can deliver you the 3D files and color charts necessary for you to find your own high volume 3D molding facility.