Display Models

Large Scale Velociraptor: 3D Printed and Hand-Painted

A velociraptor at 60″ long and 30″ tall, 3D printed and hand-painted in full detail.

Large-scale, highly detailed display models can be challenging to produce when complex organic forms, multiple components, and a polished finished appearance all need to come together. 3D printing makes it possible to create intricate custom geometries at an impressive scale, while combining multiple printed components with skilled assembly and finishing can transform the raw prints into a professional, presentation-ready piece. This approach opens up opportunities to produce everything from large-scale sculptures and display models to prototypes, exhibits, and custom visual assets with a level of detail and finish that would be difficult or costly to achieve through conventional fabrication.

Technology

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Material

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Size

72" long x 33" tall

THE CHALLENGE

Creating a six-foot model with complex organic geometry required more than simply producing a large print. The size and intricate shape made printing the dinosaur as a single piece impractical, while extensive support structures could damage important surface details and create significant finishing work. The model therefore needed to be divided into multiple sections that could be produced accurately, assembled into one cohesive form, and finished without visible seams or print artifacts. Achieving a polished, sculpture-like result at this scale requires careful planning across the entire production process.

Divided the Model for Large-Scale Production: Split the digital dinosaur into 12+ individual sections, creating a practical assembly strategy while preserving the overall shape and detail of the model.
Optimized Each Print for Accuracy: Carefully oriented the individual components to reduce support requirements and minimize scarring on visible surfaces and complex organic features.
Produced the Components in Parallel: Ran FDM production across multiple machines to efficiently manufacture the large number of sections while maintaining consistency across the complete model.
Transformed Prints into a Finished Display Piece: Assembled the sections, filled and reinforced the seams with automotive fillers and epoxy, then progressively sanded, primed, and hand-painted the model to create a seamless, professional finish.

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why it worked

Producing the dinosaur as a series of carefully planned components made it possible to achieve a six-foot scale without the limitations of trying to print the entire model as one piece. Each section could be oriented to reduce support material and protect the model’s visible surfaces, while parallel FDM production kept the manufacturing process efficient. This approach also provided greater control over the accuracy and consistency of each component, making the final assembly easier to align and finish.

The printing process was only one part of achieving the final result. By combining large-format FDM production with extensive post-processing, we were able to overcome the layer lines, seams, and surface imperfections that would normally make a large 3D print look unfinished. Automotive fillers and epoxy were used to blend the individual sections, followed by sanding, high-build primer, and hand-painting to create a cohesive surface. The result demonstrated how 3D printing can be taken beyond a raw prototype and developed into a large-scale, fully finished display piece suitable for professional presentation and client-facing applications.

Where a model like this fits

Large-scale 3D printing is well suited to custom art pieces, sculptures, installations, and display features where intricate forms and a polished finish need to come together at an impressive scale. This approach can be used for public art, themed environments, retail and branded installations, museums, exhibitions, entertainment, and other creative projects that require a unique physical centerpiece. Complex organic shapes can be produced in multiple sections, then assembled, smoothed, primed, and painted to achieve a finished appearance that goes far beyond the look of a typical 3D print. For artists, designers, brands, and creative teams looking to bring ambitious digital concepts into the physical world, we offer a flexible way to create highly customized pieces without the cost and limitations of traditional sculpting and fabrication.