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IPF are widely known for their experience and expertise in rapid prototyping figurines at small scales, using their advanced Objet and Perfactory 3d printing systems. 

So, when Aardman were asked by Nokia to celebrate the technology behind the Nokia mobile phones and Professor Fletcher’s ‘Cellscope’ invention, they saw only one solution - to create the worlds smallest ever stop motion animation and IPF, having worked with Aardman before, were a natural choice to assist them in achieving that goal.

Stop frame animation is a technique whereby a physical object is manipulated in tiny increments and photographed at every change.  When the single images (or frames) are then assembled, the illusion of movement is created.

Aardman have become famous the world over for their stop motion work and are international experts in working with models.  The ambition with this project was to apply that expertise to a microscopic level.  Working at that scale introduces a number of challenges, not least of which is how you repeatedly manipulate a model of that size.

IPF worked closely with Aardman to determine the right choice of 3d printing technology and the kind of materials that would provide the optimal scale, detail and durability that the project demanded.  During the first week, IPF trialed a variety of models and scales for Dot, eventually arriving at the optimum size of 9mm tall.

The Envisiontec Perfactory system produced the best results, using the R5 acrylic based materials.  By using this combination, IPF were able to pay close attention to the orientation of the models during the build process and ensure that the support structures around the ultra fine details of the hands and feet retained intact.  Finished models were built in a resolution of 30 microns, and further refined by the use of Perfactory’s ERM (Enhanced Resolution Module).

By using the Perfactory and R5 combination, IPF were also able to produce models that can be painted easily by hand, using conventional acrylic paints.

In all, IPF needed to produce over 60 different figurine poses for Dot, which would encompass her entire range of movement during the film.  As Dot’s poses were changed during filming, it was crucial that the reproduction of each figurine was precise and exact, so as to allow a seamless transition from frame to frame in the stop motion process.

The actual production output of the film was about 4 seconds every day.  Because of the production time involved, Aardman were keen to start filming as soon as possible.  IPF were able to help Aardman achieve a quick start by handling the evaluation process in less than a week and supply the finished 64 models in 5 days.

‘Dot’ was awarded a world record for the smallest stop motion film ever and on the 17^th March, 2011 added to it’s award cabinet with a Gold award  at the British Arrows Awards.  The video, with over 2.5 million views, can be seen at

For information and advice on how IPF can help with your project, call Gary, IPFs Head of Rapid Prototyping and 3d printing on 01992 893231 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For more information on IPF, visit www.ipfl.co.uk.

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