In traditional dinosaur model making, there is a step that involves manually attaching "nylon stockings" to the dinosaur's body.
How can nylon stockings and dinosaurs be related? Is that what you're thinking right now? That was also the question I had when I first saw the manufacturing process.So, I consulted a master craftsman with many years of experience and received a surprising answer.
The "silk stockings" used in the production of simulated mechanical dinosaur models in Zigong are actually high-elasticity knitted mesh fabric (commonly referred to as "elastic mesh" or "shaping mesh" in the industry), not the daily-worn silk stockings. Choosing this type of material is one of the core steps in Zigong's dinosaur model production process, with the following main functions:
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Shaping Support & Fixing the Base Form
The interior of a simulated mechanical dinosaur consists of a steel frame structure + mechanical transmission system, and the exterior is first covered with a layer of sponge (to shape the undulating contours of muscles and skin). Sponge is soft and prone to deformation; pasting high-elasticity mesh fabric can
firmly wrap the sponge layer, fix the dinosaur's body curves, prevent the sponge from shifting or collapsing during subsequent painting, transportation, or use, and make the dinosaur's appearance more three-dimensional and durable.
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Enhancing Toughness & Protecting Internal Structures
Dinosaur models in theme parks, museums, and other scenarios frequently perform actions such as shaking their heads, wagging their tails, and roaring. The surface material needs to have tensile and wear-resistant properties. The mesh structure of the fabric has high toughness, which can
disperse the tensile force caused by mechanical movement, avoid direct stress cracking of the outer silicone or resin, and extend the model's service life.
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Assisting in Painting & Improving Skin Texture
The pores of the mesh fabric allow subsequent sprayed materials such as silicone and resin to adhere better, forming a uniform "skin layer". At the same time, the mesh texture leaves subtle lines on the coating surface,
simulating the rough texture of dinosaur skin and making the simulation effect more realistic. If scales, wrinkles, and other details need to be created, the mesh fabric can also serve as a base for craftsmen to add shaping materials.
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Lightweight Treatment & Reducing Mechanical Load
Compared to directly shaping with thick silicone or fiberglass, the combination of mesh fabric + thin sponge is lighter in weight. This can
reduce the load on the internal mechanical transmission system, making the dinosaur's movements more flexible and smooth. It also reduces the bearing pressure on the steel frame structure, improving overall safety.
As "China's Hometown of Dinosaurs", Zigong has a very mature production process for simulated mechanical dinosaur models. This technique of "using mesh fabric as a base" is a key skill summarized by local craftsmen through long-term practice, balancing realism, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
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