But once we got our in-house machine, which was a Stratasys Eden 350V - it changed our manufacturing pipeline completely. Before that we were using a lot more hand-crafted and subtractive manufacturing techniques and only outsourcing parts for 3D printing if it was necessary. That’s when we got our first reliable in-house machine.
TCT: Can you talk about how long Wētā Workshop has been using 3D printing for model making and what machines you’re currently using? Is there any 3D scanning involved?ĭD: We have been utilising 3D printing since before I arrived at Wētā Workshop back in 2009 but it's only been an integral part of our pipeline since about 2013. Here, Duke (DD) talks us through the development process, the tools used and where 3D printing makes sense. Speaking to TCT, Duke shared how his role within Wētā Workshop collectibles segment functions as a “translator from digital to physical”, working with in-house sculptors, model making and moulding/casting teams to figure out how a digital 3D asset can be broken down into pieces for manufacturing and assembly, layout the build platforms to get the best print results, and deliver precise representations of the artists' original sculpture.
Sure enough, in a short video from renowned special effects and prop company Wētā Workshop showing the development of the 1⁄4 scale statue titled ‘Lara Croft The Lost Valley’, Senior 3D Printer Operator David Duke explained how the technology was used to bring this dynamic model of the iconic video game adventurer to life. When this (slightly) Lara Croft-obsessed Editor got wind of a new collectable being developed to celebrate Tomb Raider’s 25th anniversary, the second most immediate thought after ‘I’ve got to have one of those’ was, ‘Surely, they used 3D printing somewhere?’
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