Weta’s 3D Printed Hobbit Stuff

By on November 7th, 2012 in Usage

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We’ve just reviewed a report on film studio Weta’s use of 3D printing technology. Weta is the studio responsible for the upcoming movie, “The Hobbit”, as well as the massively successful Lord of the Rings series. 
 
What are they printing? According to the report, they’re making various custom props for The Hobbit, including “helmets, sword hilts and axes”. Why do this? The rapid prototyping tech saves the studio an enormous amount of time and money. 
 
We were curious which 3D printers were in use at the studio. The video doesn’t reveal much, but it does appear Weta is in the business of creating custom 3D printers, including a truly massive 3DP based on a robot arm, which, according to Weta’s Sir Richard Taylor, can “print a car”
  
Pietro Marson of Weta Workshop Animatronics says, “the sky’s the limit!
 
Via YouTube (Hat tip to Gary)

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!