Project Idea
«Wild Form» is a collection of keychain charms featuring animals from the Madagascar Zoo, created using 3D printing from recycled plastic. Bright colors, expressive silhouettes, and rounded shapes give the figures a friendly character and make the animals instantly recognizable. The uneven texture of the recycled material highlights the manufacturing process and lends a unique quality to every charm. The collection brings together the zoo’s inhabitants in a series of small souvenirs that allow you to take a piece of your encounter with these animals home with you.
Animals with Character
Transforming Animals into Souvenirs
The collection is based on the real residents of the «Madagascar» Zoo, reimagined as vibrant outline keychains. Simplifying the animals' characteristic features allows us to preserve the recognizability of the image while giving it an expressive souvenir quality.
The bear motif demonstrates the principle of stylization: the animal’s characteristic silhouette is conveyed through concise lines and smooth curves. It sets the visual direction for the collection, which continues in the imagery of the ostrich and other zoo inhabitants.
General Series Rules
All keychains share a unified line thickness, rounded shapes, and the absence of intricate details. Bright, pleasing color combinations emphasize the characters' friendly nature, while the varied texture of the recycled plastic makes each item visually unique. Rope rings and ball chains are used for hanging, completing the design and allowing the keychains to be carried on a bag or backpack.
The Second Life of Plastic
For the production of keychains, we plan to use rPLA with uneven coloring, which creates vibrant color gradients and a unique material pattern. An alternative is to print directly from recycled plastic flakes, which are processed into filament for the 3D printer. This approach clearly highlights the use of secondary raw materials.
The distribution of keychains is planned in a blind box format, so the packaging must be opaque and maintain an element of surprise. Recycled cardboard and paper can be used to manufacture it, reducing the need for additional materials.
Small format—big collection
Estimated keychain size: up to 8 cm on the longest side. The aspect ratio varies slightly depending on the animal but does not exceed this size. Line width: 4 mm. Keychain thickness: 5 mm.
Production Sequence
FDM printing technology is used to manufacture the keychains, a method well-suited for creating large, simple-shaped items. The primary material is PLA, including recycled filament intended for use.
Production Stages
First, a 3D model is prepared, after which the file is sliced and sent to the printer. Due to the unique construction, support structures are not required because the object is printed «flat.» After printing, any defects must be cleaned up and the surface sanded, if necessary. The final stage involves attaching a metal cable ring and a decorative chain made of beads.
Form designed for use
The keychain is printed as a single piece, without separate parts or integrated hardware: the keyring attaches directly to the figure’s perimeter. The product’s thickness provides the necessary durability—this was confirmed during prototype 3D printing.
The ring-cable is complemented by a chain of beads, which serves as a vibrant decorative element and expands the possibilities of the keychain. You can hang additional charms from it or clip the keychain onto a bag or backpack.
separately, rather than manufacturing it on a 3D printer. This way, the printed model remains simple and cohesive, and the finished product achieves a functional and decorative attachment.
