Fan 3D Prints Incredible Pokemon Poke Ball

A creative Pokemon enthusiast has built and painted a functional Poke Ball replica, using a 3D printed mannequin.

A dedicated Pokemon devotee, well-known for his painting skills, has crafted a stunning Poke Ball accessory. He acquired the design blueprints, built the object using a 3D printer, then applied his own custom paint job to make the final product look authentic. This is another fan-crafted Pokemon item now completed and on display.

Poke Ball is a device used by Trainers to catch their Pokemon, always carried handy in case of need. Though they come in various designs and colors, most Poke Balls share a common size and shape. At the press of a button, it opens into two halves unveiling the power inside.

The fan, known for his fantastic hand-painted creations, showed off his custom 3D printed Poke Ball. The 3D design blueprint he used for the traditional Poke Ball could be purchased online. From many available Poke Ball designs, he chose the standard red and white design for his first replica. There were in total nine pieces that needed to be printed, sanded, and primed before painting. Four pieces form the top and bottom domes with a button as the lock. The final design replicates a real Poke Ball with a magnetic seal that opens when a button is pressed and a hinge that connects the two parts.

This Handcrafted Poke Ball Is A Functional Replica

While many fan-made Poke Balls exist, this project involved a painstaking process. The airbrush spray paint used takes days to dry in some cases. Once all is set, assembly takes place (additional purchases include the hinges and magnets used to create the opening and closing effects). The masterpiece is a typical Poke Ball with meticulous paintwork inside and out, featuring metallic hues.

This fan, who is also known for his Pokemon-themed art, regularly custom paints his 3D printed models of Pokemon. Unlike many of his contemporaries who paint Pokemon using watercolors or acrylics, his joy comes from painting resin models, both big and small, which fit perfectly inside his 3D designed Poke Ball.

With the design blueprint available for purchase, anyone can recreate this exact Poke Ball. A 3D printed version of Cynthia and Garchomp caught some attention last year and is also available for purchase. Yet, his eye for detail and the excellent paint job places his Poke Ball high among Pokemon fan creations.

Pokemon

Pokemon, a brand that needs no introduction, is one of the most successful media franchises ever. Its productions range from video games, television, movies, manga, merchandise, to music, and more.

Created by S. Tajiri.