Stratasys, a leader of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, said its Objet Connex technology has played a starring role in one of this year's biggest movie blockbusters, through its continued use by leading movie costumes and props specialists, FBFX.

FBFX was part of the team behind the off-beat science fiction adventure movie, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ a role which saw it create various 3D printed pieces including the entire 'armor' outfit for the character, Korath, played by Djimon Hounsou, said a statement.

Grant Pearmain, director of costume and props at FBFX, said this was produced almost entirely using Stratasys' Objet500 Connex technology and represents the first time the company has produced a fully 3D printed costume worn in a movie.

The same Objet500 Connex technology was employed to produce the Star Lord helmet worn by lead-actor, Chris Pratt.

Several prototype versions were 3D printed, as well as vacuum-cast versions created from a 3D printed mould. The actual prop worn in the movie featured 3D printed interior and exterior detailing using Stratasys' VeroGray material, said the statement.

The 3D printing technology has moved things to a new dimension for FBFX, specifically in quality and turnaround times in comparison to traditional methods involving model makers working with clay, said Pearmain.

Underscoring the rapid advance of digital technology within FBFX's operations, the company now utilises 3D printing in 90 per cent it's projects - a leap from a mere 10 per cent around only three or four years ago, he 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," said Permian.

"All told, we're saving at least 50 per cent 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 remarked.

“We will often receive digital files from concept designers in Los Angeles that we finalise and 3D print via our service bureau IPF, with whom we've collaborated on a number of major motion pictures," he said.

"Similarly, we might send concept files to the team there to tweak and return for outputting here, so it's all about a fast, seamless operation that again helps us save time,” he added.

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.” - TradeArabia News Service