Darth Vader Mask Prototyped with Roland SRP™ Technology

Hamamatsu, Japan, July 7, 2005 – The Roland MDX-20 desktop milling device has gone to the "Dark Side," prototyping a new Darth Vader mask with better fit and symmetry for the upcoming Star Wars Episode III, Revenge of the Sith.

Industrial Light & Magic, the studio famous for its brilliant special effects, used a MDX-20 to custom make the mask especially for actor Hayden Christiansen's head. "This is the first time we've ever seen a symmetrical Darth Vader," said Ivo Coveney, ILM Studio costume props supervisor.

Capable of 3D scanning and milling, the MDX-20 helped ILM in several ways. After the studio created a life-size mold of Christiansen's head, it fitted the desktop device with its touch probe sensor and scanned one side of the face. They created the other identical side by simply reversing the digital file in the software. Then, they attached the MDX-20's spindle tip to mill both the right and left sides of the mask.

"We are thrilled that ILM used the MDX-20 for this menacing and legendary mask," said David Olson, Roland ASD Marketing Manager. "It's a huge testament to the quality of Subtractive Rapid Prototyping technology."

Roland SRP Technology

Subtractive Rapid Prototyping (SRP) has several advantages over traditional additive rapid prototyping. SRP devices cost significantly less while producing prototypes out of a wider variety of non-proprietary materials with greater precision and better surface finish. Roland SRP devices include the MDX-650, the MDX-500, the MDX-40R, the MDX-20 and MDX-15.

Industrial Light & Magic

Founded by George Lucas in 1975 to create the special effects for the original Star Wars film, ILM has produced on-screen magic for a string of blockbusters from Ghostbusters and Indiana Jones to Pearl Harbor and Harry Potter. For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.ilm.com.

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