This case study of 3D printing services showcases how advanced full-colour 3D printing can bring animated characters to life. Working alongside puppet makers Mackinnon and Saunders and animation production company Passion Pictures, 3D Print Bureau helped create the characters for Sainsbury’s 2016 Christmas advert, The Greatest Gift.

Using the Stratasys J750 PolyJet 3D printer, we produced hundreds of highly detailed, full-colour face masks to animate 27 characters. Each mask featured a different facial expression, allowing the animators to use replacement animation techniques to create lifelike movements and emotions. The combination of colour, fine detail and material versatility helped achieve a level of realism that would have been difficult and time-consuming to replicate using traditional methods. The project demonstrated how 3D printing can significantly accelerate production timelines while opening up new creative possibilities for the media and entertainment industry.

At 3D Print Bureau, our capabilities extend to supporting creative projects across a range of industries through innovative materials and advanced 3D printing techniques, helping bring complex concepts and creative visions to life.