ComplexCon Hong Kong 2026：Bringing IP Characters to Life with 3D Printing
- HK3DTech
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
As "Art March" concludes, Hong Kong has once again solidified its position as a global cultural hub. Among the month's highlights was ComplexCon Hong Kong 2026 (held March 21-22 at AsiaWorld-Expo), a premier event for global street culture and trendsetters.
We were delighted to be a part of this vibrant event, we provided our specialized expertise in 3D printing IP characters to produce a set of exhibits for HSBC’s booth: the popular character "BUCKET MAN," designed by the renowned Stephen Fung.
From Concept to Reality: The Challenge of 2D-to-3D Precision Modeling
The core of this project involved producing the BUCKET MAN model in two different sizes—a compact 80mm version and a larger 300mm display piece. These figures served as visual representations for an HSBC activity, acting as props for guest photos and representing "HSBC One+ x BUCKET MAN Gold Figurine Lucky Draw" prize items.
The primary challenge was the starting point: the project began without an existing 3D file.
Our engineering team worked exclusively from 2D illustrations and verbal descriptions to build the 3D model from scratch. To accurately capture the "soul" and proportions of BUCKET MAN, we engaged in multiple rounds of deep communication and fine-tuning with the client. While the modeling phase was labor-intensive, it provided the essential foundation for a perfect final product.
Racing Against Time: The "Final Boss" Production Phase
By the time the 3D files were finalized, we had only one week remaining until the delivery deadline. We immediately entered what we called the "Final Boss" stage of production—a series of high-pressure, interconnected professional processes:
High-Precision SLA 3D Printing: To achieve a flawless surface finish, we utilized industrial-grade SLA (Stereolithography) technology. The 300mm model was a particular test of machine stability due to its size and the lengthy print time required.
Meticulous Post-Processing: Once printed, the models underwent rigorous cleaning and secondary UV curing.
Artisanal Polishing and Painting: To replicate the texture of pure gold, the surface had to be polished to a mirror-like smoothness. While the printers were running, our team worked around the clock to prepare various gold color samples, ensuring we could apply the perfect metallic finish the moment the models were ready.
Embracing the Character’s Spirit: Courage and Evolution
In researching the story behind BUCKET MAN, we found that our production journey mirrored the character's own philosophy. Faced with a tight timeline and technical hurdles, our team demonstrated the same relentless perseverance that BUCKET MAN represents. While we always strive for even greater perfection, these challenges serve as the fuel for our continuous growth.
Looking for 3D Printing Business Solutions?
Whether you need large-scale exhibition props, high-precision IP models, or 2D-to-3D product development, our team offers the advanced equipment and experience to deliver one-stop solutions.
Ready to bring your creative vision to life? Contact us today to discuss your next project or browse our portfolio to see more of our work.
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