Jan 1, 2015 | By Simon
When 3D printing first hit the mainstream market, a large population began their journey into at-home manufacturing by printing one-piece, non-moving objects such as toys that stand on a base but have no movable features. Since then, as 3D modeling tools have become easier to use and 3D printers easier to control, many people have been exploring the possibilities of creating objects with movable joints, such as doll toys with movable joints.
One of these doll designers, Spanish artist Sonia Verdu, has created some of the cleanest and well-executed 3D prints with movable joints in recent memory.
Before learning how to move her craft into 3D printing, Sonia previously created her highly-intricate and articulated dolls using the same techniques that professional toy designers use for creating prototypes for molds: with polymer clay and then finishing the one-off designs with paint.
With a degree in Fine Arts and Sculpture from the Official School of Ceramics in Madrid, it's not surprising that Sonia's skills have produced some amazing work both with clay and in additive manufacturing. She also spent a few years as a graphic designer and digital painter before picking up the clay again; time that was surely well-spent considering the computer design skills required to produce the 3D printed dolls and accompanying props.
While Sonia isn't -- understandably -- able to establish the same amount of detail into her 3D printed dolls as she was previously able to with her polymer clay dolls, her ability to maintain strong design sensibilities in creating movable joints has still managed to shine through:
In order to create the movable joints, Sonia designs and tests each of the components in CAD before sending them off to the 3D printer. Once all of the pieces have been printed and finished, she uses thin, rubber band-like elastic cord to thread the joints together... similar to existing and mass-produced action figures with movable joints.
Sonia is currently offering her existing 3D printable doll and prop models over on MakerBot's Thingiverse for free. If you would like a pre-made Jointed Robot doll personally made by Sonia, she is also selling them on Etsy.
For those a little more adventurous, Sonia also creates custom dolls in the case that you want a Mini-Me to hang out with you on your desk. Find out more over on her blog.
Robot woman "Robotica"
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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I am interested in the kind of 3d printer as well. Perhaps Sonia has them produced for her ? Anyhow she is a terrific sculptor and her work is lovely.
Booblick wrote at 1/4/2015 12:46:55 PM:
I printed one of her earlier designs and it's absolutely adorable!
Andreas wrote at 1/4/2015 10:41:42 AM:
On her thingiverse profile she has a Prusa i3 listed as her printer. Maybe there is some more information on her website, but i don't understand spanish, so it's kinda hard for me to find more information about her printer.
JC wrote at 1/1/2015 7:14:21 PM:
Quite nice. I was wondering which 3D printer she used.
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