Using advanced 3D digital modeling technology to design and produce 3D models of animation figures, combined with 3D printing technology, this is a new digital way of designing and producing animation figures. Compared with traditional figure prototype production methods, there are some advantages to digital design. Promote the innovation of animation figure production methods and the improvement of the design level. Realistic models provide unique opportunities for the animation and entertainment industries. In the animation and entertainment market segment, how to create the most realistic prototype to reflect the designer’s original intention is crucial.
The production of traditional figure prototypes for dolls is limited by the characteristics of materials and production tools. It is difficult to meet the increasingly stringent industrial needs in terms of talent needs and design and production methods. This is a pain point in traditional figure production.
(1) High requirements for technical talents. The design and production of traditional figure prototypes have too high requirements for talent.
The work of a figure prototype artist is equivalent to that of a traditional sculptor, using sculpture materials and techniques to create characters in animations. The nature of their work determines that the prototype artist has the professional skills of a sculptor, and at the same time he is very clear about the charm of animation images. Traditional hand-made production mainly uses some sludge or clay as materials. Although Japanese prototype designers have invented the clay materials they think are most important in decades of production, compared with the “clay” in digital modeling software, “virtual clay” still has many disadvantages. For example, it is almost impossible to make major modifications after the clay material dries and hardens. Traditional clay materials require prototype designers to be extremely experienced, and no obvious mistakes can be made during production. The high demand for technical talents is also reflected in the meticulous production. When using traditional clay materials to make character figures more than 10 centimeters tall, the face of the character is often only the size of a thumbnail. Its tiny size will also bring huge problems to the production. challenges. All of these are due to the difficulties caused by traditional materials. Therefore, for a long period of time, it was difficult for college students in our country to enter the figure industry. There is no such problem when designing using digital modeling technology in computers. Due to its ease of modification, it will relatively reduce the requirements for talent.
(2) Difficulty in modular design and production
A large number of figures include different costumes and dynamic shapes of the same character. If modular design and production can be realized, efficiency and production quality will be greatly improved. Modular design and production refers to a design and production method in which different model parts can be reused. For example, body parts, hats, clothing, accessories, etc. can be used directly in the next design. Obviously, the prototype of a figure made with clay cannot be directly made into another set of figure shapes. In other words, using traditional methods, each figure must be remade almost from beginning to end, which will undoubtedly increase the cost. This increases the difficulty of production, especially the production cost.
(3) Some materials are highly toxic
Traditional hand-made shapes are made using fine carving clay (used more in China), American soil (expensive), stone powder clay (used more in Japan), atomic ash (used more in Japan), AB clay, etc. Among them, atomic ash and some inferior fine carving sludge are highly toxic. Under long-term exposure by prototype designers, toxic ingredients will enter the human body through the skin and respiratory tract, causing serious harm to health.
Advantages of 3D digital modeling and 3D printing technology in figure prototype production:
Japan and the United States have the most advanced technology and experience in figure production, and their products also occupy the largest market share. In recent years, some Japanese and American figure prototype makers have gradually abandoned the traditional clay handicraft method and switched to using 3D digital modeling to design and produce figure prototypes. They have achieved great results both in terms of product effects and market response. The success has opened up a new path for hand-made prototype production.
3D digital modeling technology is a technology that uses 3D modeling software such as 3dsmax and Zbrush to design and produce 3D models, and then uses DLP red wax and SLA 3D printers to print physical figures of resin materials. Since the model material in 3D digital modeling is a digital virtual material (we call it virtual clay), this material has some unspecific characteristics and advantages of real clay materials. Taking advantage of these features can make figurine prototyping more efficient. In the research and practice of the author’s team, the following characteristics and advantages of digital modeling technology have been summarized:.
(1) No longer limited by size
(2) Not limited to the physical properties of real materials
(3) Non-linear production process
(4) Modular creation
(5) The advantages of making hard surfaces are obvious
When there is hard-surface machinery, armor, and other models in the figures, it is often difficult to make perfect edges and corners using clay, but using 3D digital modeling will get twice the result with half the effort. Mainly using Zbrush and Maya software for modeling and production, the 3D printed armor is rich in details and has good edges and corners.
The main advantage of the above points is that it breaks the limitations of traditional production processes, making the design and production of hand prototypes more efficient. It also enriches the production effects, reduces design and production costs, and improves product competition in the market. force.
