3d print Archives - Punch Digital

Combining 3D printing, VFX / CGI animation and of course a great tune, The new Chemical Brothers new music video is here, and is certainly one to watch!

The video features a dancer, who gradually transforms into a 3D printed exoskeleton. It's a superb video, beautifully choreographed, animated and produced!

As a CGI and 3D printing enthusiast, the video really grabs my attention. I'm not exactly sure how the video and CGI were produced. My thinking and logic would be that the dancer is shot either in front of a green screen, or in the warehouse, and then the warehouse is in fact either entirely CGI, or a mix of real and CGI. Markers on the dancers body may also have be used to track the dancer, and allow the animators to sync the footage of the girl with the computer generated exoskeleton. No matter how it's done, it's no easy job!!

The visual appearance of the exoskeleton reminds me of Cortex Exoskeleton, which was designed to replace the traditional cast for broken bones. This style of 3D form has also been used in films, architecture and product design, and is a fascinating mix of organic and rigid shapes.

Towards the end of the video, the girl is transformed entirely into the mesh form. At this point (and this is my only tiny criticism), the girl / character is entirely CGI, and perhaps the fabric on her t-shirt isn't quite as natural flowing as it looked previously in the video. I'm being really nit-picky here, but when you work all day with CGI, it's hard to not be critical, and see the small tiny flaws. I'm still massively impressed with the video though, and I can't wait to see a VFX breakdown, which according to comments on the Vimeo page, will be with us shortly!

One part of the video I love, and had to re-wind several times was the moment the dancer performs in front of the mirror, and behind the dancer we see the reflection of the girl. Are we supposed to be seeing the dancer from the point of view of her self, perhaps as a ghost, or something more spiritual? The video is already amazing, and throwing in these little things is never a bad thing!!

And here is the full video! Turn up the volume, go full screen, and enjoy!

Dean

Published by Dean in 3D Printing, Animation, Video

Tags: 3d, 3d print, 3d printed, 3d printing, animation, cgi, chemical brothers, exoskeleton, music, vfx, video

As part of the constant tinkering and testing with 3D printing, I have released a free download of 2 little characters I have created. "The Blanks", as I've named them, are two little characters, 10cm in height, with no real distinguishable features, perfect for a blank.

The 3D models have been uploaded to Thingiverse, click to go to the website to download them for free.

But what is a blank? MakerBot released Zee Blank, and the concept is to 3D print your own blank, and modify it however you please. Some of the creations on the Makerbot site are brilliant! The concept behind The Blanks is the same, print the 3D models, and then modify, paint, customize to your hearts content, then share your creation with the world.

The Blanks, 3D printed and awaiting customization.

I wanted to create The Blanks as an alternative to Zee Blank, as I felt Zee Blank is just too big, and very masculine in form. I created the couple as a male / female combination, but either could be modified to what ever gender you like.

the_blanks_screen_grab_01
The 3D model is set-up ready to print.

The Blanks are printed in several parts, which then fit together perfectly without the need for glue. Ideally the prints need to be sanded first, then painted to give a nice finish, or alternatively you could use a high build-up primer to give a smooth finish. The choice really is yours, and I can't wait to see how The Blanks will be modified. I will be having a go myself very soon, please don't laugh at my below average painting skills, I'm far more capable with a mouse and keyboard than a brush and paint!!

In the future I plan to release "add-ons" for The Blanks, maybe some new shoes, different heads, and possibly other props too. Let me know what you'd like to see added, and of course let me know if you have any comments! Follow me on Thingiverse here and of course sign up to the mail list to hear of the latest releases and info.

Also send me pictures of your creations, I'd love to feature them on the blog too!

Dean

Published by Dean in 3D, 3D Printing, Freebies, Modelling

Tags: 3d, 3d print, 3d printing, characters, download, free

The Chemical Brothers new 3D printed exoskeleton music video is AMAZING!

The Blanks ready to download and 3D print on Thingyverse

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