3D print claws


Claw best STL files for 3D printing・Cults

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Wolverine

€3 -30% €2.10

Lightning claw

€0.59

X-Shot Claw Hunter/Eliminator Dual Shot Enabler

Free

bear paw

€3.28

Army Ant Holster Claw/Wing

€1.50

More Turbans! Desert Wasteland Nomads! - True Survivalists! (15 heads)

€4.67

Allosaurus Claw - Dinosaur

€1

Monster Slash Decorative Pumpkin Jar [SEASONAL]

€1.50

MK1 - Terminators

Free

Falcon

€4

Dinosaur Arm - Allosaurus

€9

eagle on stone

€15

Space Marine Power Claw Female 40000 Poxy One Page Poxy War Games 1-10 Models

€3. 67

Eagle

€6.50

ork hand ork claw

€1

Claw of Fate Dice Vault - SUPPORT FREE!

€5.02

Claw of Fate Dice Tower - SUPPORT FREE!

€7.04

Claw Ring

€0.99

Goblin Ogre w/ Skull Totem

€6.48

tactical shovel v2 claw

Free

28mm ScorpionMech (Base Model)

€20.12

Grimdark Future Crane Base

Free

Roboto MOTU Weapons

Free

Clawdeen Wolf School's Out Claw Ring

€2.90

The Claw 2.0

Free

Paper Claw Business card

Free

claws

€3.02

Ashen Claw Pad IV MK4

Free

Genshin Impact - Dehya Hand Accessories / Claw

€1

Predator claw - Wristblade

€2. 40

my version of Yarrick

€3

Bear claw

€1.64

LT. DAN - HQ COMMAND CANINE VIKING SPACE MAN - MAGNETIZED

€4.02

Leviathan Extra Hand

€1.50

Eagle

Free

Lt. Dan - HQ Command Space Man! - MAGNETIZED

€3.93

Prime Crusader Boi Thunder Talons

€5.03

MugCup

Free

XXL GARRA!!!

€2.25

Eagle

€1.22

Project Raptor- "A" Model Hull/Torso

€5.02

28MM PROJECT RAPTOR FAST ATTACK COMBAT WALKER-RAPTOR K

€9.05

Eagle

€6.25

Claw mug

€3.85

Valorant Oni Claw

Free

Crowbar

€3. 02

Claw hammer

€2.01

Cosplay Paws

€5.03

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Top 30 3D printed Halloween costumes, accessories and decorations

3D printed costumes and accessories

Warhammer Space Marine mask 40,000

masks based on computer and board games, one of which is a scary 3D-printed Chaos Space Marine Mask. The scarred face of a Warhammer 40,000 character is sure to scare your friends.

Gambody offers to purchase the 3D model online for $14.99, a project optimized to minimize 3D printing errors. The mask has holes for the eyes, as well as for breathing - in the area of ​​the nose and mouth. It looks good enough on its own, but those who wish can also color it to match their costume. It is recommended to print the Space Marine mask at a layer height of 0.1 mm and with an infill of 20%. The dimensions of the mask are 163x190x97 mm, it will take from one and a half to three days and about 27 meters of material to produce it. The mask in the photographs was made using stereolithography technology, the result on a 3D printer using the FDM / FFF method may look different.

Pudge Butcher Mask from DOTA 2

Another 3D printed mask from Gambody, this time the character is Pudge the butcher from the online game DOTA 2. don't shudder. The 3D-printed mask was created using Autodesk Maya and is easy to put on by attaching an elastic band or cord to the two side holes.

Like the Space Marine mask, the Pudge mask 3D printable model can be purchased for 14.99 dollars. Designers recommend printing it at a layer height of 0.1 mm and with an inner material filling of 20%. With these settings, 3D printing can take up to three days, so it's best to start preparing for Halloween in advance.

DOTA 2 DOOM Mask

If the previous two masks don't seem scary enough for Halloween, Gambody has another suggestion - the terrifying mask of DOOM, the infernal character of DOTA 2. The complex mask is made up of two fragments - the front part and the likeness of a helmet with horns attached to it. These two pieces are made up of 11 3D printed parts designed with Autodesk Maya.

Despite its complexity, the DOOM mask also costs $14.99. However, due to the many additional details, it can take up to ten days to 3D print a complete mask - with the same settings as other masks (0.1 mm layer height, 20% infill). To save time, you can print a simplified version of the mask without the horns.

BattleTech Atlas BattleMech Mask

Gambody's latest mask for this Halloween is the Atlas BattleMech from the popular BattleTech franchise. Gambody recently presented a whole series of 3D models of combat mechs - users liked them so much that it was decided to create a mask with the same character. The 3D printed mask consists of two separate parts that are easy to connect. Like other masks, this model has been thoroughly tested in terms of 3D printing quality. It will take about 3 days and about 43 meters of material to create the mask. Of course, the finished mask can be processed and painted as desired.

Glowing Mace

This 3D printed glowing mace can be a great addition to your Halloween costume. The model was designed by Ruiz Brothers of Adafruit and requires some 3D printing and assembly skills to make, but the end result is well worth the effort. The mace consists of 28 3D printed parts and fairly simple electronic components (among them Adafruit Trinket, a 2200 mAh battery and a NeoPixel Jewel).

To make the mace look as realistic as possible, the creators used several 3D printing materials such as wood and steel. In any case, depending on the budget, you can choose other materials. The authors have published for everyone a detailed guide to making a mace. For safety reasons, it's important to note that despite the mace's menacing appearance, it's just a costume accessory and can't cause significant damage.

Craftsman Felix Jr's hammer with sound effects

In addition to the glowing mace, Ruiz Brothers introduced several other fun and technical Halloween costume accessories, including Craftsman Felix Jr's hammer from Disney's 2012 Ralph. The 3D-printed hammer houses an Adafruit Audio FX Mini sound card, amplifier and speaker to turn it into a sound effects accessory.

To create the same hammer, as shown by the authors, you will need additional tools and parts, but with proper preparation, the project will not seem too complicated. As for the sound effect, this is WAV or OGG audio (download the hammer sound from the Ruiz Brothers page) uploaded to the Adafruit sound card.

The same principle of sound effects can be used for other projects - the developers have provided a detailed guide to the creation of Master Felix Jr.'s hammer.

Unicorn Horn with LED Lights

A simple but interesting costume accessory can be a glowing unicorn horn from Ruiz Brothers from Adafruit. It's especially easy to make, with a 3D-printed horn-shaped case, an LED, a switch, and a battery. The horn itself can be 3D printed with one or two printheads, with the makers recommending the use of a flexible thermoplastic for ease of assembly. Obviously, the best choice would be a transparent material through which the light will pass.

The printed horn is easy to attach to a headdress, hood or even a headband using the special holes. Before this, an LED must be installed on the base - therefore, the place of fixing must be chosen carefully. On the fabric you need to cut a hole into which the LED will be inserted, and then fix it. The switch can be placed anywhere. In addition, there is also a tutorial on how to create a more complex glowing unicorn horn with NeoPixels and a GEMMA microcontroller.

Star Wars accessories

The Star Wars theme is always a hit on Halloween - this year is likely to see even more such costumes thanks to the release of the newest movie in the franchise. A few 3D printed accessories can help you impress.

One of them is a full size 3D printed helmet inspired by the character Kylo Ren. Although the author notes that the mask is not 100% accurate, its details are very similar to Kylo Ren's intimidating mask - it could be a great accessory for Halloween this year. The helmet should fit most people, but it can of course be made larger or smaller as needed.

Staying on the dark side of the force, you can also 3D print an impressive stormtrooper helmet. It is made up of several parts that can be made on a personal 3D printer. To create and assemble a helmet, of course, you need to be patient - its dimensions are 24 cm wide and 19 cm long. Of course, the parts printed on a 3D printer will need to be further processed, but judging by the popularity among Thingiverse users, this is a fairly successful model.

Another interesting accessory is a realistic 3D printed Sith lightsaber handle. Sean Charlesworth of Charlesworth Dynamics was the author of the design of an extremely detailed handle with the most accurate internal workings. The 3D printable files can be downloaded for free on Pinshape, and the author sells several pre-printed sets on Etsy for $40. This accessory is only a handle, without the sword itself, but you can see the light inside. The creator also provided detailed assembly instructions. Charlesworth printed the details of the pen on a Form 2 3D printer using the stereolithography method, but the files are also suitable for FDM technology.

Wolverine's Claws

Ahead of the release of the new X-Men Wolverine movie Logan, this character could be a good choice for a Halloween costume - and his image is impossible without powerful claws. The 3D printed claws from Le Fab Shop have a telescoping mechanism that makes them easy to extend and retract. Wolverine's 3D-printed claws are designed to be 3D printed as a single unit and can then be further polished. In addition, they can be printed in any color material, since the finished claws can be coated with silver paint for maximum realism. 3D print settings - 0.2mm resolution and 10% infill, 3D printable files available for free.

Also worth noting is the addition of Wolverine's claws for children's prosthetic hands - this model was developed by AxisLab for the Cyborg Beast's 3D printed prosthetic hand, and they can be easily connected together. Wolverine's simple claws make a great accessory for a prosthetic kid who wants to dress up as the character for Halloween.

Rick and Morty accessories

Rick and Morty from the animated series of the same name can become one of the most popular pair costumes for this Halloween. In addition to the white lab coat and blue wig, realistic 3D printed accessories may be required to complete the look.

First of all, Rick Sanchez's costume is unimaginable without his trusty portal gun - a similar one can be printed on a 3D printer. Designed by Mike Moss, the model features not only a green light bulb, but also a switch, screen, and sound effects. To create such a gun, you will need quite a lot of parts, including an Arduino Pro Mini, a sound card, a joystick, LEDs, a lithium-ion battery, a speaker, and much more. However, those who put the time and effort into 3D printing and assembling the Portal Gun from Moss's model and instructions will surely end up with the ultimate Rick suit. As a simpler option, another non-working model of a 3D printed portal gun without electronic components will do.

Another interesting accessory can be a 3D-printed two-piece magnetic Council of Ricks badge. In addition, many more accessories based on the popular animated series are available for fans of 3D printing.

Demon Child

To really scare people on Halloween, you need to get serious. One example is the 3D-printed Demon Baby by Thingiverse user Taikonaught, perfect for pregnant women. The details are simply placed under a tight-fitting tank top, giving the impression that a demonic child is trying to get out of the womb. The three parts of the costume are the child's face and hands and can be printed without support elements with a resolution of 0.3 mm and 20% infill. Taikonaught printed these accessories on an Ultimaker 2 3D printer.

Chest-bursting alien

A 3D-printed chest-bursting monster based on the 1979 movie Alien can be a scary Halloween accessory. An amazingly detailed monster grimace model can be downloaded from Thingiverse. Holes are provided in the base to sew the Alien to a T-shirt or to a ribbon on the chest. You can print a monster on a 3D printer without supporting elements, and then process and color it as you wish - for an example, you should look at the work of users who have already made this accessory. The author of the model, a user under the nickname Geoff.W, also presented the second version - a completely out of the Alien's chest. This option is suitable for those who do not want to spend the entire Halloween party with an Alien attached to their chest.

Brain Hat

This 3D printed accessory is both scary and simple - it can be worn with normal clothes or with a ghost costume, as suggested by the author. This 3D-printed brain hat was introduced by Thingiverse user romroig, and it's arguably one of the best simple Halloween accessories.

The 3D print model is just one STL file, and the dimensions can be changed depending on who the accessory is intended for. The author even advises to print several layers of the base to try on the hat before printing it completely. Thus, you can make sure that the accessory will fit perfectly in size for adults, children or even pets. On the sides of the 3D model, there are small holes for a cord or ribbon to, if desired, secure a hat with a brain on the head.

To save time, you can print the brain hat in pink material, but the best effect can be achieved by coloring the finished model, as romroig did. The cap can be printed without supporting elements, with a resolution of 0.2 mm and without padding.

3D Printed Decorations

Twitchy Body Bag

For fans of 3D printing and dark humor, Thingiverse user Nick Rusen has published files for 3D printing of a twitchy body bag. It is enough to close the device with motors with black material and hang it on a tree to get the full feeling that a person is trying to get out of the bag. Rosen plans to publish a tutorial on how to make this spooky decoration on Instructables and has already released a video showing the creation in action.

The 3D printed twitchy body bag was inspired by a servo block from Thingiverse user Joel Hackett. The model consists of eight vertebral discs, a servomotor and two servo blocks - two Futaba S3004 servos are responsible for the movement. In addition, a few more details are required. The author recommends printing with supporting elements, 0.2 mm resolution and 25% infill.

Skull Lamp

A more relaxed take on Halloween decor is the Victorian skull lamp from MakerBot. Such a detail will be a great addition to a costume party - the body of the lamp looks like metal, and instead of a candle, there is a glowing green skull inside. Ashley Markowitz of MakerBot used Rhino and ZBrush to create the project. To create such a lamp, you will need to print five fragments with a resolution of approximately 0.2 mm and 5% infill - glue is required for assembly. In addition, those who wish can order a ready-made version directly on the Thingiverse website.

Skulls

As for skulls, the assortment of such decorations is, as usual, quite wide. Examples include a 3D printed skull inspired by Shakespeare's Hamlet, an extremely detailed skull from SkullWorks, and a box of Boneheads from 3DKitBash (with a hideous brain included). For a fun Halloween game, you can use the skull set, which can be dressed up in different looks.

3DKitBash's Boneheads box is especially easy to make as it prints as one piece. You can fill it with candy or a 3D-printed creepy brain that fits perfectly in the skull. Another interesting model, the skull play set, comes with 3D printed accessories such as mustaches, eye patches and roses.

Pumpkins and Jack O'Lanterns

It's impossible to imagine Halloween without a pumpkin, but thanks to technology, you can no longer get dirty by carving a crooked grin on a real vegetable. Instead, you can try to print a pumpkin on a 3D printer - such a lamp will not go out, and next year it can be used again. There are several options for 3D printing pumpkins - Kitronic has already introduced a damn good pumpkin (as well as a bat and a skeleton), besides this, there are stylish models from David Hageman, a 3D print enthusiast from Germany, and tiny "jack-o-lanterns" from 3Dmakerspace. Hageman presented nine 3D printable pumpkins that can be connected to each other. To make them glow, there is a hole for LEDs at the bottom of the pumpkin. Models from 3Dmakerspace are compatible with LED lights from IKEA, which makes the assembly process even easier.

Ghosts

White or translucent 3D printable material makes great ghost decorations. Brooklyn-based 3D printer manufacturer gCreate has unveiled an adorable, huggable ghost that features a Microsoft witch hat. If that's too cute for you, Murray Clark offers a quivering 3D printed ghost. These embellishments are printed as a single piece and the spring inside makes them shake from side to side. The author presented two versions of ghosts, with and without arms, but both models are mostly hollow, so very little material for 3D printing is required to create them. Developers Adafruit have also unveiled a ghost decoration inspired by the ghosts from Super Mario Bros. This 3D printed model called Boo is also hollow inside, so you can put candies in it too.

Bats

Despite their amazing qualities and cute appearance (up close), bats still scare people in vampire stories and remain a classic Halloween theme. There are several different 3D printable bat models on the internet, but one of the best options is YEG 3D Printing's Vampire Mouse created with ZBrush. There are several holes in the back of the model so that it can be hung straight, upside down, flat and in other ways. Decorate your home for Halloween by 3D printing mice and then using push pins and string. The model is printed as a single unit, ideally with supporting elements, 0.25 mm resolution and 6% infill. The "night mouse" model is more anatomically realistic, while the "ghost mouse", printed in translucent white material, is a frightening flying ghost.

Candlestick and bowl with cobwebs

The spider is another animal associated with scary stories, which is why it was given due attention on Halloween. One option for 3D printing is an LED candle holder from Briton Mark Durbin. Printed in translucent material, this candle holder can be a great porch decoration, while the tiny spiders can be printed separately and attached for the ultimate intimidating effect. It is important to remember that the candle holder can only be used with LED candles, as real ones will melt the plastic.

Another option from Durbin is a 3D printed bowl that is not decorated with cobwebs, but consists entirely of it. You can put spider toys, candy, or any other large item in the bowl that won't fall out of the holes. The base of the bowl is designed in such a way that the smallest items do not fall out of it. In addition, by turning the bowl over, you can get a spooky headdress.

Ghost Table

A 3D printed ghost table that lights up and makes sounds when people pass by can also help create a spooky atmosphere at a Halloween party. The model was created by Thingiverse user Mike Rigsby and his wife Annelle. The table consists of three 3D printed glowing legs and a small glass top, of course not made using 3D printing. To design the legs, Rigsby scanned a ghost figurine his wife had created and scaled up the model in Tinkercad. Each leg is printed in four parts, and it will take approximately 50 hours and 1.2 kg of material to create the entire table. In addition, the legs must be printed with support elements, 0.3 mm resolution, and 10% infill.

Figuratively speaking, in order to breathe life into the table, you will need a few additional parts, among which are the Arduino UNO and Genuino UNO, a relay and an LED. Assembling the table is quite simple - the developers also provided detailed instructions.

Witch's Cauldron

The Spooky Witch's Cauldron is a halloween party staple, thankfully it can now be 3D printed. An example of such a model is a fairly simple boiler published by Thingiverse user Makies. The original design is relatively small, but in another version it was scaled up by 400% and slightly edited to make the 3D printing process easier. You can put sweets in the cauldron or install a smoke machine to turn it into an intimidating decoration - in any case, it will be a great addition to the holiday.

There is an even creepier version of the witch's cauldron, remade from an ashtray with snakes. You can also put sweets in it, and the cauldron itself can be painted as desired.

Purple People Eater Bell

A more interesting Halloween project could be a 3D printed Purple People Eater bell made by Adafruit's Ruiz Brothers with Philip Burges. The inspiration for this project was a classic children's song - it may be more cute than scary, but it really is a worthwhile decoration. The bell consists of several parts, including an Adafruit 1.44” TFT display, Teensy, Adafruit Lipoly Backpack, a lithium polymer battery, purple LEDs, a button, several 3D printed parts, and other components. The bell has electronic components such as a moving eye (it also doubles as a bell button), so programming skills will certainly come in handy to create it.

As for the 3D printed parts, they are specially designed to be compatible with other components, so if the electronic components are changed, the parts will also need to be slightly edited before 3D printing. Ruiz Brothers recommend using a few different materials, like making the wings out of NinjaFlex, the horn out of GlowFill, and everything else out of purple PLA plastic. Of course, the materials can always be changed at will.

In addition to the guidelines, Adafruit has published a detailed step-by-step guide to making a 3D printed bell in the shape of a Purple Man Eater.

Movable Assembly Skeleton

The 3D printed assembly skeleton designed by David Hageman is clearly a hit on Thingiverse with over 35 users already making the model and it has a lot of positive reviews. The movable skeleton, which can be assembled without glue, ropes or screws, is a great combination of fun and intimidation, and can certainly be a great Halloween decoration.

The skeleton consists of several 3D-printed parts that are assembled by snapping together built-in fasteners. Hageman recommends printing the ABS skeleton with a resolution of at least 0.2mm. The submitted STL files should already be ready for 3D printing, as the author has optimized them for maximum mount stability. Hageman also published a simple graphical guide for assembling the skeleton.

The skeleton figurine can be seated, hung, turned into a movable doll or fixed in an upright position. Like other models, if desired, it can also be painted.

Tombstones

Halloween is also All Saints' Eve, when the dead are remembered. There are many ways to remember, but 3D printed tombstones are one of the unusual ways to emphasize the transience of human life.

Thingiverse user Trey Snyder has posted a 3D printable model of his favorite tombstone from Disney's Haunted House. The inscription on the tombstone reads: "Here lies the good old Fred, a huge stone fell on his head." MakerBot has also unveiled several tombstones that can be resized if needed before 3D printing. Tombstones from Snyder are recommended to be printed with supporting elements, 0.2 mm resolution and 15% infill. Models from MakerBot are printed with 10% infill.

Trick or Treat Sign and Cookie Molds

If not enough kids begged for candy last Halloween, you can now invite them with a 3D printed trick or treat sign. treat). Designer Dan Porter designed the plaque for 3D Systems' Cube 2 3D printer, but it can be resized to suit your needs.

Having decided to attract the attention of candy hunters, you need to prepare for their arrival - what could be better than homemade cookies? Designer OogiMe proposes to 3D print a cookie cutter in the form of candy wrappers measuring approximately 8.5 cm - each mold will require only 11 grams of material to make. The author recommends printing forms with a resolution of 0.2 mm and 10% infill.

Hand trap

Those who don't want to just part with Halloween sweets can 3D print a hand trap. The coffin-shaped candy bowl is guarded by a bloody severed hand, which can be printed from a flexible material - it is controlled by tensioning the parts at the bottom of the coffin. Perfect to scare the candy hunters!

Designer Gyrobot chose to print the coffin in MakerBot Translucent Purple, the blood in MakerBot Translucent Red, and the hand in Filaflex. Of course, any similar materials will do. The trap consists of ten parts and six 3D printing STL files. The largest part of the trap, the coffin itself, can be 3D printed with a minimum printable area of ​​195 x 160 x 50 mm. The controls will require a fishing line, cord, or something similar.

Glowing Brain

The completely anatomically correct model of the brain was not originally intended as a Halloween decoration, but it will undoubtedly fulfill this role perfectly - it can be placed in a dark room or on a porch. Each of the hemispheres of the brain can be printed on a 3D printer from a transparent material, and three LEDs of any color are used for illumination. Other parts include wires, batteries and a switch.

A simpler and specially designed for Halloween version of the brain - a 3D printed head of Frankenstein's monster, along with a brain that can be taken out. You can put sweets, toys or just car keys in an empty head. The author of Yeg 3D advises printing with a resolution of 0.25 mm and infill of 7-8%.

Fearful Candelabra

Another model from the experts at MakerBot is the 3D printed Chandelier of Fear, an eerie and beautiful ceiling lamp that can be hung with a 3D printed circuit printer. Small decorative details such as tiny pumpkins and dripping wax can be printed in different colors or dyed. In addition, the pumpkins can then be detached and the candelabra can be used as a stand-alone decoration after Halloween.

This giant 3D printed chandelier comes in 13 parts that require no support to print (chain only). All fragments are printed with a resolution of 0.2 mm. The model is popular in the Thingiverse community and has been downloaded over 5,000 times.

Toothy Venus Box

The 3D printed Venus Box got its name from its resemblance to the carnivorous plant Venus flytrap. It can be used all year round, but the 3D printed teeth make it much creepier. For sharp teeth, author Marcin Jedinak recommends printing at 0.2mm resolution and 33% infill. For the box itself, it will be enough to set the filling to 20%. The model can be assembled without glue, and the four-door mechanism is a truly amazing piece of work.

Bonus: Cat Armor

Not strictly speaking a decoration or costume, but 3D printed cat armor is a really fun way to get the whole family involved in Halloween celebrations. The Print That Thing armor was first unveiled a year ago when designer Jwall decided his cat Bobo could also enjoy Halloween. You need to print a costume for a pet with supporting elements, a resolution of 0. 1-0.4 mm and a filling of 5-15%.

90,000 manufacturing miniatures 28mm, dioram, gaming locations using 3D printer

09.03.2022

Content

    • How to choose a 3D printer for miniatures for the manufacture of miniatures
        9033 FDM 9033 FDM 9033 /DLP
    • Printing examples
    • Best printer rankings
      • FDM
      • LCD
    • Totals
3D printing finds its application in various fields, not only as a production machine, but also as a reliable hobby assistant.

Miniature figurines with amazing detail attract the eye. A little grotesqueness and slightly wrong proportions (otherwise it would be inconvenient to play or transport such a “little one”) are more than compensated by detailed elaboration and an abundance of small, at first glance, insignificant details. These are no longer just small table soldiers, but heroes with their own unique history.

Warhammer 40k 9 miniature soldier0370

Miniatures come in different sizes: from 6mm and more. The most popular today is the 28mm format. The creation of such figurines is really almost jewelry work.

A 3D printer will help not only in the production of miniatures, but also in related areas, such as the creation of figurines, details of game locations, or, for example, elements of dioramas. To understand the advantages of 3D printing over classical manufacturing methods, it is worth remembering how such models are usually made at home.

Advantage of 3D printing for miniatures

Not everyone was ready to shell out a substantial amount for the purchase of a set of table soldiers, and sometimes the necessary heroes simply were not on sale. Then baked and self-hardening plastics for modeling were used.

First you need to make a wire frame, so the finished figure will turn out to be more durable, and it will be much easier to keep all the proportions. The wire frame can be attached to the stand, which will make the miniature statue more stable, and it can be easily fixed in any position without fear of smearing small parts with your fingers.

Wire frame for miniature

Gradually, layer by layer, the volume of plastic increases on the frame. Each layer must be baked or dried well, depending on which plastic is used - self-hardening or baked.

Gradually, we begin to add small details and work out the details. In fact, this is a very painstaking process that requires perseverance and some sculpting abilities. For a convenient study of small details, you may need special stacks for modeling, but they can be successfully replaced with improvised tools.

Sculpting tool set

The result is such a miniature statue.

Miniature 28mm baked plastic

By the same principle, large table figures, or some elements of dioramas, can be made.

Sometimes a sculptor is more accustomed to working with plasticine. Then, after sculpting, the stage of preparation and casting of the figurine into a silicone mold is added. This method is suitable for small-scale production of a small desktop army.

But it is necessary to properly prepare the figurine for casting. The finished "warrior", most likely, will have to be divided into several parts, so that it would be more convenient for the caster to remove the molds and make castings. During the cutting process, it is worth adding a few locks so that the finished castings can be easily assembled, like pieces of a puzzle.

Molded figurine against silicone mold

Some craftsmen have learned to cast metal copies. Such soldiers are usually made of low-melting metals (for example, lead) and cast in plaster molds. Sometimes a special silicone is used, but it is a little more difficult to achieve good shedding of a small product in a silicone mold.


Cast metal soldier

In addition to making figurines from scratch, some craftsmen remake ready-made miniatures. This is called conversion.

Conversion in miniatures is a refinement, stylization or alteration of a finished figure. Unfortunately, not every hobbyist has good sculpting skills, and this alteration helps to achieve good results regardless of artistic skills. The main thing is to act very carefully.

Conversion helps enthusiasts achieve amazing figurine detail, add some detail, change the pose, or create a new character that is not yet on sale.

Lord of the Astral Claws turned to Chaos

In addition to making the figures themselves, modelers create colorful locations to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite game. This is true not only for 28mm miniatures, but for example for DND games. Such voluminous locations allow you to immerse yourself in the world of your favorite game much better and make the game more exciting.


Game location for board game Warhammer40k

The creation of such locations is painstaking work, and both improvised and special equipment are used as material.


Role play location

A 3D printer allows you to produce miniature figures and game locations much faster. On the Internet you can find many paid and free models of 28mm figures from different universes or various elements of locations - houses, fences, mechanisms, etc. Adapting or slightly changing the finished 3D model for yourself is much easier than cutting and gluing a finished figure. And creative people with modeling skills are unlikely to have difficulties with the transition to “digital clay”.


Warhammer40k universe 3D miniature model

And of course, dioramas are worth noting. This is a separate art form with a scene or location frozen in time. Dioramas come in different sizes, but each of them impresses with its detail and careful study.


Diorama based on the game STALKER

Each diorama is unique, so the craftsmen use improvised materials to make it. Everything is limited only by the imagination and ingenuity of the artist.


Diorama “Desert Hero”

The main advantage of 3D printing is high detail and repeatability. If you need to make a small batch of miniatures, it will be much easier to print them than to cast, for example. Casting small items is a painstaking process that requires some skill and equipment. It is very difficult to achieve good pourability of small products the first time.


From model to finished figure

And for the manufacture of piece products, such as a diorama element, a 3D printer can replace many materials and tools for modeling. In addition, by using and combining different materials, it is possible to create models that are difficult or almost impossible to create manually. For example, using a special polymer, you can print optically transparent products that can imitate glass.

Which technology to choose


To begin with, it is important to determine the requirements for the printer - will it be used only for the manufacture of 28mm personal army or should it be a universal printing machine? It is important to understand what size the finished model will be, how detailed it should be, and how much time can be spent on post-processing.

Depending on this, it is worth deciding on the technology by which the 3D printer will work. You can choose one of two technologies - FDM or photopolymer printing (there are several technologies, but DLP and LCD printers are currently popular).

FDM

FDM 3D printers use a plastic filament as a material. In a heated extruder, the filament is melted and extruded through a thin nozzle, so layer by layer, a three-dimensional model is grown.


Working Principle of FDM 3D Printer

Layer thickness and nozzle diameter can be changed in some printer models. The minimum layer is usually 0.1 mm. In some models of 3D printers, a layer of 0.05 is available, but for printing with such a layer, it is important to choose the right many settings and the print speed will be quite slow.

Pros:

  • Large print area

  • Many different materials are available for every “taste and budget”

  • Inexpensive Consumables

Cons:

Of course, FDM printers are hardly suitable for making miniature figures, but they can be successfully used to print large souvenir figures, create game locations and some parts of dioramas.

LCD/DLP

The principles of operation of LCD and DLP printers are very similar. The material used is polymers that harden under the action of UV light. The only difference is that an LCD printer uses an LED matrix in conjunction with an LCD screen as a source of UV radiation, while a DLP uses a projector.

Working principle of photopolymer 3D printer

Pros:

  • The ideal surface of the finished figure

  • Many different materials available

  • High print accuracy even for the smallest items

Cons:

Photopolymer 3D printers are able to create miniature products that cannot be made using FDM technology. This technology will be an ideal choice for creating miniatures, small poster models, etc.

Print examples


Robot printed on Asiga Pro 4k


Figurine made with Phrozen Sonic Mini 4k


28mm 3D printed miniatures

3D Printed Halloween Miniature

3D Printed Game Models


FDM Cube Thrower


Figure making process from 3D model to painting

Best Printer Ranking

FDM

Creality3D Ender 3 (Build Kit)

Features:

Print technology: FDM/FFF

Working area size: 220x220x250 mm

Number of extruders: 1

Max. extruder temperature: max. 255℃

Closed Camera: No

Heated table: Yes

Plastic type: ABS, PLA, PETG, Flex, Decorative plastics, others

A popular and unpretentious 3D printer that many makers liked. Creality3D Ender 3 is sold as a kit (assembly kit), but thanks to the detailed instructions, there should be no problems with assembly.

Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus

Features:

Print technology: FDM/FFF

Working area size: 200*200*180mm

Number of extruders: 1

Max. extruder temperature: max. 260°C

Closed Camera: Optional

Heated table: Yes

Plastic type: ABS, PLA, PETG, Flex, Decorative plastics, others

Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus is an updated version of the Duplicator 6. The new modification adds automatic calibration, printing resume after a power outage, and others. You can immediately purchase a printer with a closed case, this will allow you to easily print with composites. Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus will become a trouble-free workhorse, and thanks to the “omnivorous” extruder, even a beginner will be able to print exotic materials without any problems, such as soft flexes or rubbers.

FlashForge Creator Pro 2

Features:

Print technology: FDM/FFF

Working area size: 200x148x150 mm

Number of extruders: 2

Max. extruder temperature: max. 240°C

Closed Camera: Yes

Heated table: Yes

Plastic type: ABS, PLA, PETG, Flex, Decorative plastics, others

FlashForge Creator Pro 2 is an almost professional dual extruder 3D printer. Thanks to the closed body, Creator Pro 2 has no problem even with composite materials, and two extruders allow the use of soluble support for complex models. Moreover, FlashForge extruders are independent, this allows you to print 2 mirror or identical models at the same time. This allows you to speed up the production of the same type of models. FlashForge Creator Pro 2 will not only be a good home printer, but also a great helper for a workshop or small production.

LCD

Anycubic Photon Mono 4K

Features:

LCD display resolution: 3840x2400 (4K)

UV wavelength: 405 nm

Working area size: 132x80x165 mm

Layer thickness: 0.01-0.15mm

Inexpensive, but fairly modern 3D printer with a 4K monochrome display. Anycubic Photon Mono 4K will be a good tool for printing miniature models.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K

Features:

LCD resolution: 6.1" 4K Mono LCD

XY positioning accuracy: 35 microns

UV wavelength: 405 nm

Working area size: 134x75x130 mm

Layer thickness: 0.01-0.30mm

The Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K is a compact high resolution 3D printer. It allows you to get accurate models even with an abundance of small details. Sonic Mini 4K is a good choice for those who need to print quickly and accurately.

Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K

Features:

LCD resolution: 9.3" 4K Mono LCD

XY positioning accuracy: 52 microns

UV wavelength: 405 nm

Working area size: 200x125x220 mm

Layer thickness: 0.01-0.3mm

With a larger work area, the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K allows you to quickly produce large models or small batches of small items. Such a 3D printer will be a good help for a small workshop or a hobby circle.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K

Features:

LCD resolution: 7.1" 8K Mono LCD

XY Positioning Accuracy: 22 µm

UV wavelength: 405 nm

Working area size: 165x72x180 mm

Layer thickness: 0.01-0.3mm

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K is one of the representatives of 8K photopolymer printers, which can still be counted on the fingers of one hand. The high resolution LCD-matrix allows you to print figures with amazing surface quality and amazing detail.


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