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Modus V3 Pro Built Stop Motion Animation Armature
Description
The most comprehensive , feature packed stock Animation Armature in the world...........
MODUS V3
NEW universal size!
the Modus V3 is perfect for 230mm/9" scale puppets plus FREE custom design and fabrication
*UPDATE
Improved design changes as of December 2023:
- Revised torso and spine core armour
- Small changes to forearm and spine dimensions
- Revised hip rigging points
- Updated images to follow
Each Modus V3 Armature is personally designed and built by Julian Clark, armature fabricator for Aardman and supplier of thousands of armatures worldwide to students, enthusiasts and professional studios in the past 13 years.
ALL PRE-MADE ARMATURES ARE PROFESSIONALLY SILVER BRAZED/SOLDERED AND READY TO ANIMATE
"Silver brazing is the strongest method of fabrication for stop motion animation armatures, primarily joining multiple metal parts together to form a solid, strong connection to endure the stresses that stop motion animation can cause on puppets. Anything less, such as threadlocker, dramatically increases the risk of armature failure during animating.
Imagine spending numerous hours and material costs fabricating your puppet, to then have to dissect limbs to make repairs on failed joints in the middle of an animating session, with the only option of using the same method of repair that failed to begin with. The biggest mistake in Puppet fabrication is to underestimate the importance of the armature."
Julian Clark 2020
Features:
- 17 Precision Points of Articulation - beautifully smooth with plenty of resistance to material
- NEW stainless steel Hinge Jointed Leg - super strong precision tension and control, plus threaded pickups for armour etc
- NEW 3D printed resin "Armour" and fully articulated hand sets
- Perfect for 230mm/9" Scale puppets
- FREE custom design and fabrication for all other sizes*
- New Stainless Steel CNC 3mm and 6mm Ball Joints
- Torso Section includes multiple threaded pick-ups for body armour and extensions
- 4 integrated rigging points with M3 threaded 45° & 90° lock-offs - covers front-to-back and side-to-side axes.
- Interlocking forearm joints for easy and secure replacement of hands
- Natural and anatomically correct shoulder and torso joints - perform "shrug" and front-to-back shoulder movements with precision and control
- Interlocking neck section - easily attach and detach your puppet head, complete with integrated M3 lock off.
- 10mm Heavy Duty Double back ball joint for strength and fluidity in the lower and upper back.
- Ball jointed foot set with individual tension points for heel and toe, plus triple M3 threaded tie down points in both heel and toe plates
- Made with over 44 precision steel parts, utilising the latest Laser Cutting and CNC technology
Ball Stem Technology with traditional silver solder techniques
Developed by Julian Clark Studios in 2010, Ball Stems are 6mm balls with an M3 threaded 70mm stem precision made from a single piece of hard wearing stainless steel, completely solving the age old issue of balls being ripped from rod ends during lengthy animation.
These Ball Stems are used where appropriate throughout the construction of this pre-built armature.
Silver Brazing is a process of joining metal through a heating technique along with the addition of a "filler" metal, this technique is used to permanently secure a stainless steel ball to a stainless steel rod, joining lock-off points to brass tubing (lock-off's are used to secure rigging points or interlocking tubing) and to join steel components.
This armature has silver brazed brass interlocking rigging points, interlocking wrist sections, interlocking neck section, shoulder ball joints, lower back section and foot components (one of the most important areas for strength on an armature).
Integrated Interlocking Rigging points
So, this armature comes equipped with FOUR integrated, interlocking rigging points to cover all possible points of connection, all positioned in the torso and hip, along with 45 and 90 degree lock-off's to secure the corresponding "rig arm".
You simply insert the rig arm (normally square metal bar with a steel ball attached) into the rigging point and tighten the M3 grub screw down onto the arm.
There are many rigging solutions available in the "Rigging" section of this site.
Interlocking Wrist Joint and Replacement Hand Capability
Build your puppet like the pro's - by using the replacement hand technique! This armature comes as standard with interlocking lower arm sections that enable easy replacement of hands.
Each forearm section is engineered to accept 3.18mm (1/8") square tubing, square bar or even armature wire.
On most stop motion productions, each puppet will have a selection of spare hands and different style hands ( for example, it is fairly difficult to make a convincing "fist" shape with an open hand armature, so alternatively modelled replacement fist shaped hands are made). Also, the most commonly used material for fingers is aluminium armature wire, which after prolonged use, will break and need replacing. Duplicates are made for the duration of the animation to replace when a breakage occurs, or even when the hand material (silicone, latex etc.) starts to wear and split.
Easy Interchangeable Head Connection
Another useful addition to make puppet construction more effective, and to detach the puppets head easily during animation, is the Interchangeable Head Connection - engineered to slot into 3.97mm (5/32") square tubing.
The ability to remove your puppet's head during animation is a must if you are using replacement mouth sets, or to sculpt different expressions if you are using clay.
Technical Information
Technical Drawing and actual size print sheet are available to download HERE
Type: Ball & Socket, Hinge
Material: Brass, Mild Steel and Stainless Steel construction
Weight: 140 Grams including armour and hands
Ball size: 6mm diameter stainless steel
Rod size: M3/3mm stainless steel
Tie Down: M3 tie down in toe and heel plate, Magnetic compatible
Rigging: K&S type square brass tubing in Torso & Hip Joint, will accept 3.18mm (1/8") square tubing. All with 45° and 90°, M3 threaded lock-off points
Contents:
1 x Pre-Built Armature
1 x Allen Key Set (1.5mm,2mm & 2.5mm Allen Keys)
1 x Spares Bag (Bolts, Nuts etc)
Specifications
Customer reviews
High Quality Armature
Very well made armature with high quality parts. Shipped immediately and arrived in a timely manner. Julian was helpful with any question we had. The armature is smooth and moves like a dream! All joints are tweakable, very happy with how much control we have.
Alex | BC, Canada | June 2023
EPIC!
Julians quality of work and attention to detail is second to none!!joints are buttery smooth and the parts are top notch. This is not a generic ball and plate armature this is a professional armature. In fact its so beautiful it hurts to encapsulate it😢lol!! Amazing product amazing customer service amazing ship time!! Julian rocks!!
Chris Rumfield | Usa | September 2022
