3D Printers

Turns Out the Guardians Of The Galaxy Had a Little Help from 3D Printing

Cinematic special effects (FX) continue to amaze audiences at threatres everywhere. And for some years, 3D printing technologies have supported the developments of some of the most eye-catching effects, costumes and props. Most notably the work of Legacy Effects in CA using a range of 3D printing processes, but also PropShop in the UK (Thor’s hammer was a highlight), which was recently acquired by voxeljet. Now another UK special effects company — FBFX — has revealed its dependence on 3D printing to fulfill a number of FX for 2014 hit film “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Guardians-of-the-Galaxy-Trailer-Korath-Gun

FBFX was part of the team behind the MARVEL adventure movie, that has raked in over $700 million at the box office to date. Within its remit on the team, FBFX created various 3D printed pieces, including the entire ‘armor’ outfit for the character, Korath, played by Djimon Hounsou. According to Grant Pearmain, director of costume and props at FBFX, this was produced almost entirely using Stratasys’ Objet500 Connex 3D printing technology and represents the first time the company has produced a fully 3D printed costume worn in a movie. The 3D printing was fulfilled in the UK by IPFL.

The Star Lord helmet features Stratasys 3D printed partsThe same Objet500 Connex technology was also employed to produce the memorable Star Lord helmet worn by Chris Pratt. In this case the 3D printer was used to iteratively prototype the helmet and then supsuequently produce the mold that would produce the vacuum cast versions. However, some of the final interior and exterior detailing was 3D printed using Stratasys’ VeroGray material and added to the helmet you see in the film.

3D printing is a no brainer for this application, with the complexites and low volumes involved.According to Pearmain, 3D printing technology has moved things to a new dimension for his company, specifically in quality and turnaround times in comparison to traditional methods involving model makers working with clay. Underscoring the rapid advance of digital technology within FBFX’s operations, the company now utilizes 3D printing in 90% of its projects – a leap from a mere 10% just three years ago.

Using Stratasys 3D printing, FBFX produce realistic props in days

“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,” he explained.

“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,” he continued.