The market for action figures has developed rapidly. As shown in the “Generation Z Consumption Big Report” released in 2019, figurine lovers have an “out of control” desire to collect, which has led to explosive growth in blind box consumption. Interestingly, Gen Z also has a strong thirst for science and technology and is keen to realize the application of technology products in daily life.
Mr. Wu is such a figure lover and technology enthusiast. In addition to personal collection models, he also designs and manufactures various miniature action figures for other players and customers. Recently, a client from the construction industry hoped that Mr. Wu could make 100 sets of construction scenes in a sandbox in a short period. Among them, 10 different sets of construction worker models were required, and each set needs 100 pieces. In this case, neither manual production nor mold making could meet the tight schedule and cost requirements. Mr. Wu decided to try to complete the project with 3D printing.
Production process
- Building a high-precision 3D model
- Sampling, data adjustment, and optimization
- 3D printing with photosensitive resin
- Support removing, sanding, and painting
Step 1: Model Building
Since our customers only have design drawings, we need to reconstruct high-precision 3D models based on the original drawings.
Step 2: Sampling
We optimize and adjust the 3D data after several times of samplings to achieve the best results.
The designed drawing
Building 3D models
Step 3: 3D Printing
As the zoom scale is 1:64, the miniature is small and needs to have rich details. The SLA 3D printing technology can ensure high-quality details while printing in low-volume. Using a light-curing 3D printer for low-volume printing greatly improves production efficiency compared to hand-making, and the printed miniature can clearly display the characters’ features and other details.
3D printed 1:64 miniature
SLA 3D printer
Step 4: Post-Processing
After a series of post-processing such as support, sanding, and coloring, the first set of sandbox scenes was completed. Customers are very satisfied with the overall effect.
The first set of miniature construction scenes
3D printed miniature model of workshop
3D printed miniature model of truck
Strength of 3D Printing
- Improved efficiency
3D printing can be used to low-volume customization, and professional 3D printers can print high-detail and smooth surfaces, which requires only simple cleaning, grinding, and coloring. The delivery speed can be improved 2-3 times compared to the traditional handmade method.
- Reduce costs
Compared with open mold production, the cost of 3D printing can be reduced to a half. In the production of miniature models, plastic or resin materials are mostly used, and the cost of materials is relatively low.
- Modify in time
3D printing needs to import CAD models of objects, which also means that designers can be more flexible and free to modify the design and can be adjusted on the model based on customer feedback at any time, and the model can be exported t different scales without re-production.
