Aida Legrand, MatterHackers' November Hacker of the Month, has only been 3D printing since January of 2016. Legrand's husband bought the self proclaimed "technical geek" and software engineer a Robo 3D R1 Plus to kick off her 3D printing obsession, which has now become her full blown hobby. She has since upgraded to the BCN3D Sigma, and her prints are stunning - Legrand creates 3D printed ball-jointed dolls.

Patriotic doll in red, white, and blue tulle dress with Uncle Sam hat

One of Legrand's 3D Printed Ball Joint Dolls

For those that don't know, a ball jointed doll is any doll that is made using ball and socket joints, which are commonly used in the design field. Ball and socket joints are in our bodies, like where the femur meets the pelvis, or in your shoulders and knees, so it's fairly obvious why artists like Legrand use them to create their dolls.

Sketches of a circular joint mechanism on graph paper

Legrand's sketches of her doll's joints

Legrand prints her dolls using PLA filament on the BCN3D Sigma printer, which offers dual extrusion, so she can use support material and multiple colors for her prints. The Sigma is capable of achieving fantastic prints, but Legrand has fine-tuned her printer, producing some of the best prints that we have seen. 

Resin 3D printer curing a detailed doll head model

The dolls are printed on the BCN3D Sigma printer

3D printing has made Legrand's doll production much easier and faster, especially when it comes to prototyping new models. The accuracy and resolution provided by the BCN3D Sigma printer is key to Legrand's prints - the fine layer height provided by the Sigma allows her to do minimal sanding to her prints.

3D printer printing a pink prosthetic leg model on the build plate

Fine layer height from the BCN3D Sigma for one of Legrand's doll feet

Legrand uses specialty 3D printed sanding tools, which she sells on her site (along with her ball-jointed dolls), Legrand Doll. The sanding tools are designed to fit the fine contours of the 3D printed dolls, especially in small grooves, like between the fingers. 

Hands using a 3D printed sanding bow on a small white part

Legrand's custom 3D printed sanding tools

Legrand uses zbrush to design her 3D printed dolls. The ball joints are connected and stabilized with elastic cords. She paints features on the sanded dolls, and she also designs and sews clothing and costumes for the dolls as well.

Take a look at some of the other 3D printed ball jointed dolls and parts that Legrand has created below, or visit her site or Instagram. 

Red-haired doll wearing a blue and purple flower crown

3D printed prosthetic limb and body part models on a build plate

Legrand's doll parts from the print bed

Miniature 3D printed hands held in a palm

Tiny, detailed doll hands

Want to be our next Hacker of the Month? Email rhonda.grandy@matterhackers.com, and tell us about your 3D printed creation - you could be featured in our next newsletter. Hacker of the Month wins 3 free spools of PRO Series PLA or ABS filament to further their pursuit of 3D printing greatness.