LAIKA company uses ProJet 660 color 3D printing technology to change 3D animation facial stop motion animation

By using a color 3D printer, we can not only promote the performance of facial expressions to a new level, but we can also achieve the level of details and subtle changes in the characters' faces. Brian McLean-If you have ever wondered how much work is required to build a 3D animation production, the answer is "a lot, a lot"-especially if the work relies on a technique called stop motion. Stop motion animation requires an animator to capture each manipulated modeling character to piece together a smooth and natural movement. For example, it is only a one-second facial expression action, maybe 12 to 24 different model changes are necessary.
The traditional way to realize one-stop motion facial expression animation is to write clay models by hand, but it is limited to a range, and most subtle expressions cannot be expressed. For this reason, many traditional stop-motion action movies feel like overall pantomime. However, by introducing 3D Systems' full-color ProJet 660 Pro, the final product achieved by animators is more realistic than ever before.

Using ProJet, LAIKA can print more than 8000 unique expressions. The accuracy of the 3D printer not only gives the characters’ expressions vivid, believable, and subtle, but also the features that are used in eye-catching details (such as thousands of freckles) can be clearly presented, but in the past such features , It is hard and unimaginable for painters and coloring workers. The accuracy achieved by ProJet is incomparable to the manual products of general studios. For example, from a key frame to a continuous part of the frame, the slightest difference between the frames will make the film obviously inconsistent, so ProJet is a good choice.
Although in the past different 3D printers have been used for animation projects, it gives animators the benefit of extraordinary copying ability to print in color. Using Photoshop cross lines and shadows, animators can produce rich and vibrant colors, directly from the machine through the stack of plaster-like powder and spray colored liquid binder. The depth of the color (approximately 0.025 inches). Through experiments, the animators’ craftsmanship is innovative, and new technologies are incorporated and presented on the screen. They explored various printing techniques, and animators realized that they could print two faces in a simulated fast movement. ProJet also simplifies Laika's difficult and time-consuming hand engraving several times.

According to Travis Knight, President and CEO of Laika, "At Laika, we have cultivated a culture that emphasizes creativity and technology to achieve 3D animation development. Leading 3D printing technology is the tip of innovation. Projet has been used to improve the animation industry.