Star Lord helmet from Guardians of the Galaxy.
One of the main attractions at this year’s TCT Show was the Star-Lord/Peter Quill helmet worn by actor Chris Pratt in Marvel's summer blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy.
Stratasys has announced that its 3D printing technology played a starring role behind the scenes through its continued use by leading movie costumes and props specialists, FBFX Ltd.
Printed by leading 3D print service provider IPF, the team used Stratasys’s Objet Connex technology to 3D print pieces including Star Lord’s helmet using Stratasys VeroGray material and the entire armour outfit for the character, Korath, played by Djimon Hounsou. This costume was produced almost entirely using Stratasys’ Objet500 Connex technology and is the first time the company has produced a fully 3D printed costume worn in a movie.
Korath’s outfit 3D printed using PolyJet technology.
Grant Pearmain, director of costume and props at FBFX, said: “Quite simply, Stratasys’ PolyJet technology delivers a level of quality with precise detail that is better than anything else available. We no longer have to contend with repeatability issues like variations in skill level from one craftsman to another – we know exactly what the 3D printed piece will look like, regardless of how many pieces we’re producing."
3D printing technology has moved things to a new dimension for his company and 3D printing now plays a vital role in 90% it’s projects – a leap from a mere 10% around only three or four years ago.
Pearmain, adds: “All told, we’re saving at least 50% on lead times, a precious commodity when working on a film, as there’s never enough time. This faith in the 3D printed piece and the speed at which we can have it in our hands, also gives us the flexibility and confidence to regularly experiment and to try new things – something we’ve not always had the time to do,”
3D printed prototype.
In comparison with traditional modelling methods, 3D printing has allowed FBFX to go from design to highly detailed prototypes in a few days, as opposed to a few weeks. This technology also brings seamless transatlantic workflow and collaboration possibilities meaning FBFX can now present pieces to production companies at a much faster pace.
Simon Brandon, UK Marketing Manager at Stratasys, said: “The high quality and precision detail achievable from our 16 micron layer PolyJet-based 3D printers ensures fully-functional props with unprecedented realism, which together with the printers’ high print speeds, fulfill two of the foremost prerequisites demanded by companies like FBFX.”
