Lab-Control

If you have ever seen the movie hit The Martian or binged fantasy or action shows on Netflix, then you have probably seen many of Lab Control’s amazing work, you were just not aware of it! I visited them in their workshop where using FDM 3D printers, resin 3D printers and latex printers, the movie magic is made.

Lab Control Ltd. started out as a set design and decorations company and their first major job in the film industry was back in 2005 with the movie Munich. As the business grew, they realized that in order to create even better and more realistic props, they needed to upgrade their machine collection and introduce some new techniques. This is how they were introduced to the world of 3D printing roughly 7 years ago.

Currently they have 8 Craftbot Flow XLs, 2 Craftbot Flow Wide XLs, two older Craftbot XL models and the original Craftbot Plus. Of course most of the work nowadays is done on the Flow generation machines, the older legacy printers are mostly like appreciated, retired friends now.

I’m told the creative process starts when they receive a 3D model with the plans which is often more like a draft than a done deal and the first task usually is to turn the 3D model into something that can be 3D printed. Then they divide the 3D model into smaller parts that the printers can actually handle – paying attention to making the divisions in places where they will be the least visible in the final product.

The prints are made from light gray PLA because any errors or irregularities are most visible in this color and material. Once the 3D printing process is done, the guys glue them together, polish and smooth out the parts and then the paint job is what makes the product look realistic. After the product is finished, it is usually another team’s job to pick up the result and build it into the movie set.

Lab Control also works at exhibitions or for the sets of advertisements, but orders made by average citizens are not uncommon either – if you’d like a realistic miniature made of your favorite building or vehicle, you know where to turn to!