As managing editor of Rapid prototype specialists from Phoenix Proto Technologies LLC of Centreville, Mich., got a taste of Hollywood this summer when parts it produced for "Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen" were featured on one of the "hero cars" of the film.
"Bumblebee," is disguised as a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. (Bumblebee is an autobot, which is an alien race, who come to Earth in search of the "All Spark" and ... yeah. It's a summer movie. Don't think too much.)
Phoenix Proto has produced rapid prototypes for a variety of industries. For "Transformers," the company was asked to make a center stack console gauge for Bumblebee's instrument panel along with two other parts that were not seen.
"It's always exciting to see a component you've been part of the creation process on functioning in the market place," said Phoenix Proto's Scott Lammon in a news release. "It's even more exciting to see it on the big screen in a major movie."
The company created a prototype aluminum mold and center stack consoles using black ABS and a white Noryl GTX resin.
While summer has come and gone, Bumblebee -- and Phoenix -- get another moment to shine in the spotlight Oct. 20 when "Transformers 2" is released on DVD.
And thanks to Rhoda Miel, Plastics News' Detroit-based staff reporter, for this item.