Additive manufacturing offers great design and engineering opportunities for professionals and miniature-making enthusiasts, who will be thrilled to see the designs of their imaginations come to life in a 3D printer.
Global play and entertainment company Hasbro also uses the technology to create Hasbro Selfie Series figures—a groundbreaking endeavor to use 3D printing to manufacture personalized action figures at scale. For the first time, fans are now able to scan their face with a smart device and have a custom-made look-a-like action figure delivered to their door.
A half-scale hand gripping a PlayStation controller designed and printed for an internal awards event at Sony Fabrication Arts.
In gaming, online communities have sprung up around tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, for which gamers use 3D printers to create one-of-a-kind D&D 3D printed miniatures, figurines, terrains, landscapes, and other board game accessories.
“The Demogorgon was one of the first prints that we did. The first results were just amazing. The level of detail was something that I couldn't even imagine that you could get in a printer”
A behind-the-scenes look at visual effects (VFX) and design studio Aaron Sims Creative’s process to design of Stranger Things’ Demogorgon.
The artists from Modern Life Workshop create hyper-realistic sculptures of actor Daniel Craig with ZBrush and 3D printing .
In several industries, 3D printing is emerging as a go-to technology for creating custom models. In the model-making and entertainment fields , 3D printing allows designers to create realistic, detailed, unique, and replicable figurines, miniatures, action figures, character models, sculptures, film props, stop-motion models, art, and decoration, all at a sustainable cost and with a fast turnaround.
This comprehensive guide to 3D printing miniatures and custom 3D figurines will show you how to bring your hyperrealistic digital models to life, which processes to use, how to post-process and paint your 3D prints, and where you can source 3D models for miniatures. Plus, the post will highlight other companies already using 3D printing to bring their digital models to life.
Over the last few years, 3D printers have become more affordable, easier to use, and more reliable. As a result, professionals in the entertainment industry, game designers, and hobbyists have embraced these technologies to create 3D printed miniatures.
All 3D printing technologies use a process called additive manufacturing. 3D printers create three-dimensional parts from computer-aided design (CAD) models by successively adding material layer by layer until a physical part is created. Prop makers, game designers, and hobbyists can use the following 3D printer technologies to create various props, miniatures, and figurines.
Creature and concept designer Jared Krichevsky uses a stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer to facilitate bringing digital models to life at Aaron Sims Creative.
Fused deposition modeling (FDM), also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF), is the most widely used form of 3D printing at the consumer level, fueled by the emergence of hobbyist 3D printers. FDM 3D printers build parts by melting and extruding thermoplastic filament, which a printer nozzle deposits layer by layer in the build area.
Compared to other 3D printing processes, FDM creates larger and more visible layer lines, leading to less-detailed end products. An FDM 3D printer is good for cheaply and quickly 3D printing miniatures for applications where fine surface details are less important.
Depending on your model, post-processing for FDM printing might only require support removal. However, complex figurines printed with an FDM printer require extra support structures, which can be difficult to remove and require sanding to get support marks off finished miniatures.
FDM printers are the least expensive option. A low-end hobbyist desktop FDM printer can cost less than $500, while a more professional FDM printer for 3D printing figurines can cost on average from $2,000-4,000.
A side-by-side comparison on FDM vs SLA 3D printed parts.
Stereolithography (SLA) printers are the most versatile and precise desktop 3D printers on the market. SLA printer technology uses vat photopolymerization, or resin printing, to cure liquid resin into hardened plastic using a laser. Resin 3D printing produces finely detailed miniatures and figurines with high surface quality using a range of advanced materials.
SLA 3D printers can create finely detailed miniatures and figurines with a smooth surface finish. Part printed on a Form 3 SLA 3D printer.
Jaco Snyman, founder of Dreamsmith Studio, shows how he used 3D printing behind the scenes for the HBO Max’s Raised by Wolves series.
“For bigger, less detailed things or as part of mold-making workflows, I use FDM 3D printers. I mostly use Formlabs [SLA] 3D printers to print final parts, because you get such a nice finish.”
—Jaco Snyman, founder of Dreamsmith and lead Prosthetics Designer of the Raised by Wolves series
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White Resin is one of the most popular resins for model making. See and feel White Resin for yourself by requesting a free sample part.
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Selective laser sintering (SLS) uses a high-powered laser to fuse small particles of polymer powder. As the unfused powder supports the part during printing, there’s no need for dedicated support structures. This makes powder 3D printing ideal for intricate models and complex geometries, including interior features, undercuts, thin walls, and negative features.
SLS 3D printing is ideal for intricate models and complex geometries. Part printed on a Fuse 1 SLS 3D printer.
SLS parts have a slightly grainy surface finish, but almost no visible layer lines. The most common material for selective laser sintering is nylon, a highly capable engineering thermoplastic for both functional prototyping and end-use production.
Because SLS printers are industrial machines, the entry price used to be higher, starting at around $100,000 and making it inaccessible for many businesses. However, Formlabs has recently introduced the Formlabs Fuse 1 to bridge this gap with the first benchtop industrial SLS 3D printer that offers high quality at a fraction of the cost of traditional industrial SLS systems, starting at $18,499.
Binder jetting is similar to SLS printing, but uses a binding agent to bond the powder material instead of heat. In model making, binder jetting is most commonly used for creating full-color 3D printed figurines and miniatures out of sandstone material.
Just like SLS, binder jetting requires no support structures, as the surrounding powder provides the necessary model support. However, parts that come off a binder jetting printer are very brittle and have high porosity. This means that the process is not ideal for complex designs, as the parts may fracture in the post-processing due to the brittleness of the material.
Binder jetting 3D printers are expensive industrial machines, with prices ranging from $30,000 to $100,000+.
Figurines 3D printed with binder jetting. (source: Shapeways)
Video Guide
Having trouble finding the best 3D printing technology for your needs? In this video guide, we compare FDM, SLA, and SLS technologies across popular buying considerations.
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When it comes to decorating our homes, one often overlooked aspect is wall decor. However, choosing the right wall decor can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetics and ambiance of a space. Not only does it add character and personality, but it also reflects your unique style. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the various factors to consider and provide tips on selecting the perfect wall decor for your home.
Before diving into the world of wall decor, take a moment to understand your space. Assess the room’s overall style and ambiance. Consider its purpose and function. Pay attention to the size and layout of the wall(s) you wish to adorn. Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions about the type and style of wall decor that will best suit your space.
The world of wall decor offers a myriad of options to choose from. Let’s explore some popular choices:
Several factors should influence your decision when selecting wall decor:
To create visual interest and add depth to your walls, consider these tips for mixing and matching wall decor:
Once you have chosen your wall decor pieces, consider these placement and arrangement techniques:
To ensure your wall decor retains its beauty and longevity, follow these care tips:
Choosing the perfect wall decor involves understanding your space, exploring different types of decor, considering various factors, and applying design techniques. By selecting pieces that align with your personal style, complement the room’s color scheme, and harmonize with the overall theme, you can transform your walls into captivating focal points. Mix and match different types of wall decor, experiment with placement and arrangement, and don’t forget to care for and maintain your chosen pieces. With these tips and guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating a visually stunning and personalized space that truly reflects your style and taste.