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Pick your dream date with 3D printed Model Males from Match.com

In a twist reminiscent of classic 90s board game Electronic Dream Phone, or its precedent Mystery Date, Match.com’s latest campaign is asking women to pick their dream dates from a selection of 3D printed Model Males.

The figurines are available for a limited time from a pop-up store in Marylebone, London, promoting guys “who don’t believe in ghosting but do believe in making a date special”.

The Match.com pop-up store at 34 Thayer Street, Marylebone, London. Photo by Kia Kurita for 3D Printing Industry
The Match.com pop-up store at 34 Thayer Street, Marylebone, London. Photo by Kia Kurita for 3D Printing Industry

Why ‘ghosting’ and ‘breadcrumbing’ are no fairytale

Though online dating has its fair share of success stories, a number of trends have started to give the sites a bad name.

For those unfamiliar with the terminology, ‘ghosting’ is when a person suddenly cuts off all contact, even after a series of apparently successful dates.

‘Breadcrumbing’, on the other hand, is when someone leads on contact through a series of noncommittal, but flirtatious, messages.

With Model Males, Match.com is sending out the message that the online dating climate isn’t always so bleak. And seven men have volunteered their time and likeness to prove it.

Dating profile of one of the seven Model Males. Image via Match.com
Dating profile of one of the seven Model Males. Image via Match.com

The ultimate selfie

The 7 inch tall figures of the Model Males have been 3D printed by “3D selfie” company Mini-You.

Craig and Ross models of the 3D printed Model Males by Match.com. Photo by Kia Kurita for 3D Printing Industry
Craig and Ross models of the 3D printed Model Males by Match.com. Photo by Kia Kurita for 3D Printing Industry

First, the seven romantic volunteers were 3D scanned inside a specially designed photogrammetry frame. Installed with 52 DSLR cameras, the kit takes multiple photos of the volunteers from every angle.

These photos are then digitally stitched together to make a 3D model of each man, who has an active profile on Match.com.

From the data, they are 3D printed in full-color using 3D Systems binder jetting technology.

Declan Carrier's ideal date is "a night of getting sweaty and dancing to disco music!". Photo by Kia Kurita for 3D Printing Industry
Declan Carrier’s ideal date is “a night of getting sweaty and dancing to disco music!”. Photo by Kia Kurita for 3D Printing Industry

The finished models have a solid and rough-surface quality to them as they are made from gypsum sand.

Visitors to the store are free to take them home, and also encouraged to send a message if they like the sound of their profile.

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If you’re looking for a special date for your calendar, check out our 3D printing events page for all the latest dates near you.

Featured image: 3D printed Model Males from Match.com and Mini-You. Photo by Kia Kurita for 3D Printing Industry