Less Than a Month! The Classic Shark from Jaws

Home > Applications

Less Than a Month! The Classic Shark from Jaws "Brought Back to Life" with 3D Printing

March 23, 2026 Applications 9902

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles is hosting a special exhibition.

But the real "star"—the nearly 8-meter-long original Bruce model—can only be suspended from the ceiling, available for viewing from afar.

How can visitors get hands-on with this classic? Special effects studio KNB EFX took on a challenge: create a quarter-scale, interactive animatronic shark in less than a month.

3D Scanning + Printing: Rapidly Recreating a Classic

The team first performed a 3D scan of the original Bruce to obtain a precise digital model, then scaled it down and divided it into printable components. All parts were printed using Formlabs' Form 4L large-format resin printer, with locating keys预留 for easy assembly.

The printed model served as the foundation for creating molds, which were used to cast the shark's "skin" shell. This was then combined with the internal mechanical structure. Finally, painting and adding 3D printed teeth brought a lifelike Bruce to life.

Pore-Level Replication, Zero Error Margin

Greg Nicotero, founder of KNB EFX, marveled: "A week later we had complete components that matched the original perfectly, with no margin for error. 3D printing allows every pore, every fang to be precisely replicated—this is revolutionary for us."

In fact, 3D printing has become the norm in the special effects industry. From the lifelike dummies in Stranger Things to the miniature models in Frankenstein, its presence is everywhere.

From viewing from afar to touching up close, 3D printing brings classics within reach.