How they are made
Below are a series of pics that show the process I use to create, print and then paint each design
I create each design on a computer using the "ZBrush" software. This step can take up to 30 hours to complete for each bird. The picture above shows the "Kingfisher on Stick" being made. The bird is done but the sticks and base are in progress
This image shows the completed Kingfisher design being prepared in 'Slicer' software called "Lychee".
This is a step that is required so that the model adheres to the printer properly during the printing process. The long lines are called "sprues". These act to ensure that the model design parts hold in place during printing.
This step can take over an hour to do properly. Once done it is saved and reused for each print.
This is a step that is required so that the model adheres to the printer properly during the printing process. The long lines are called "sprues". These act to ensure that the model design parts hold in place during printing.
This step can take over an hour to do properly. Once done it is saved and reused for each print.
This image shows the design being printed. My printer is a "Phrozen Mini 8k resin printer".
Note that the print is done upside down, hanging above the resin bath. It prints each 0.5mm layer from the bottom up, which is why it is so important to ensure that the model parts are well anchored and sprued during the slicer stage.
Each print can take up to 6 hours each, depending on size.
Note that the print is done upside down, hanging above the resin bath. It prints each 0.5mm layer from the bottom up, which is why it is so important to ensure that the model parts are well anchored and sprued during the slicer stage.
Each print can take up to 6 hours each, depending on size.
A successful print! The print is well adhered to the printer base-plate and requires some fiddling to get it off. Once free, the sprues must be removed carefully so as to not damage the bird.
This takes about 10 minutes to clean off the excess resin and remove the print from the base-plate
This takes about 10 minutes to clean off the excess resin and remove the print from the base-plate
All cleaned up and ready for painting. Once the sprues are removed, some "fettling and chasing" are required to get the print ready for painting.
This step takes about 15 minutes per model to remove sprues and all the bits not wanted for the final product
This step takes about 15 minutes per model to remove sprues and all the bits not wanted for the final product
Here is a close-up of a Kingfisher having black acrylic paint applied around the eyes. This is very intricate work!
