The master's thesis describes the production of a 3D printed puppet for a stop-motion animation.
The intent was to design a 3D model of a puppet and skeleton to test and analyze their most optimal
match, and achieve a way for it to move as optimally as possible in animation. The research was
mainly based on making a skeleton to achieve its optimal mobility in conjunction with the puppets’
anatomy.
The thesis begins with a review of the theory in the field of 3D printing, research in the field of
materials and printing technologies, which would enable the most durable and strong printing of
models. From then on we go through the theory in the field of stop-motion animation.
After completing the theoretical work, we present the methods of work used in the research of optimal
solutions for making a puppet. The research part contains a sketch of the armature, which is followed
by modeling in the Blender program. The models are printed with a Form 2 printer running on SLA
technologies. The skeleton of the doll is made of white resin, which when printed imitates plastic, the
outer part is made of elastic material Elastic 50A. Experimental work came with many challenges. In
the beginning, it is necessary to find the right differences between the size of the joints and spheres
for them to be able to maintain certain poses. In the case of external material, the most suitable wall
thickness had to be found, which allowed the material to be pre-folded and to maintain the pose, while
also having to find a way for the skeleton will be inserted into the outer part.
In the end, an animation of the walking cycle is made to test the function of the puppet. All animation
production processes are described, from planning to post-production. The result of the master's thesis
is 15 seconds long animation of the walking cycle. With that the function of the doll was checked.
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