Seeing the 3D printer spitting out props is a real treat. The results are utterly stunning. And after months of handcrafting objects, the rapid prototyping machine is a huge help in creating the set I was hoping for.

After getting stuck on creating highly complex metal objects, I had to figure out a way to get them inexpensively done. Just after a couple of prototypes, 3D printing was the obvious way to go.

This noteworthy process is mostly used in the field of industrial design. But also found its way into stop motion productions within the last years, including Henry Selick’s recent film Coraline.

For more information on rapid prototyping, have a look at Wikipedia. And don’t forget to check out your local Fab Lab. Which is a fantastic workshop program, initiated by the MIT, to enable everyone the possibility to create technology-enabled products.