Digital Craftsmanship: The Art and Precision Behind the Sculptures.

This section dives into the digital side of the build process, where creative vision meets technical execution. From the first rough shape to the final high-detail pass, digital sculpting is where the foundation of every 1/6 scale figure is formed. It's a stage that demands both artistic intuition and engineering precision.

Blocking out / basic shapes

The sculpting process begins with establishing the basic shapes that define the overall silhouette and proportions of the figure or prop. This initial rough stage is crucial for visual and physical balance, especially at 1/6 scale. By focusing on these fundamental forms early on, the team ensures that the piece will have a strong, cohesive presence before moving into finer details.

Refining anatomy & proportions

Depending on the subject, the team at onesixthjay places a strong emphasis on achieving accurate anatomy or precise mechanical structures. Careful attention is given to limbs, joints, and modular components—such as armour or gear - to ensure they are both functional and true to scale. This step is essential for maintaining realism while guaranteeing that all parts work seamlessly within the final build.

star craft armour concept

Layering in Surface detail

''this is where the fun begins'' as the sculpting process moves into adding intricate micro-details. Elements such as skin texture, individual hair strands, scratches, dents, and fine mechanical features are carefully crafted to elevate the model’s realism. It is through these subtle yet impactful details that the sculptures truly come to life, capturing the essence and character of the subject.

shadow lord maul concept

Hard surface modelling

When designing weapons, armour, helmets, and other gear, focus shifts to clean hard-surface modelling techniques. Utilizing precise edge loops and Boolean operations, they craft sharp, crisp lines and functional forms that combine visual accuracy with build practicality. This approach ensures that each piece maintains both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of the model.

Jim Raynor Concept (Star craft)

Breaking down for printing

The digital model is carefully segmented into multiple parts according to the requirements of 3D printing and assembly. This stage involves designing practical features such as clips, joints, keys, and internal pins to ensure easy alignment and secure fitting during the final build. Thoughtful segmentation is essential for both the structural stability of the figure and a seamless assembly process.

Darth Jar Jar Concept

Detail optimization for scale

To ensure that fine details remain visible and impactful at 1/6 scale, the team strategically exaggerates or reworks elements that might otherwise be lost during printing and painting. This careful adjustment guarantees that every texture and feature reads clearly on the final figure, preserving the intended depth and realism.

shadow lord maul concept

Exporting & slicing for 3D print

Once the model is segmented, each component is exported in standard 3D file formats such as STL or OBJ. These files are then imported into slicing software—commonly Chitubox, Lychee, or PreForm—where settings like layer height, support structures, and print orientation are carefully adjusted. This preparation step is critical to achieve the highest possible print quality and structural integrity for each piece.