3D print game pieces

Admittedly, if the designer hadn’t added the Scythe logo to the top of the box I probably wouldn’t have bothered. As it is, I think it looks really cool.

The lid has angled sides that fit tightly against the slightly flared edges of the box. This holds the top and bottom together, unlike the Splendor box.

While I really like this container, it’s odd that not all of the coins fit in their intended slots (note the coin in the lower right resource container in the picture above). I typically have to stash a few in a resource container. That’s not enough to keep me from using it, though.

The files I used can be found here: Scythe Resources and Coins Organizer

Catan Card Organizers

Elsewhere on Meeple Mountain, I’ve written about Catan, both as a game and regarding gameplay strategies. The first things I 3D printed, however, were made to strategically deal with a different problem Catan poses: a mess of resource cards throughout the game.

Oh, at the start of Catan each resource is in its own neat pile with boundary lines between resources clearly respected. Then, less than halfway into the game, they’re a mess that needs to be cleaned up every few rounds.

To take care of this problem I 3D printed a series of card organizers for Catan. Being new to 3D printing, I wanted something that was both simple and useful. More importantly, I also wanted a project that didn’t take a lot of filament, just in case I did something wrong in that initial 3D printer setup.

These very simple card holders were the perfect introductory project. Not only are they individually made, but they interlock to create a single card holding unit on the table.

The files I used can be found here: Catan Card Tray/Holder Snapable & Stackable

Lords of Waterdeep Meeples

Let’s get one thing out of the way first: Lords of Waterdeep is a solid worker placement game with a D&D theme loosely slapped on top of it.

That eurogame-worker placement aspect is exemplified by the use of small wooden cubes, similar to those used in Terraforming Mars. In Lords of Waterdeep, they represent the resources Adventurers you recruit from the various buildings in the city of Waterdeep.

And, to be honest, these cubes not only show how slapped on the theme really is, but they make the game visually boring to play. I mean, Waterdeep is one of the most fascinating and dangerous places in the Forgotten Realms. Taking turns, collecting tiny wooden cubes just doesn’t cut it thematically.

For me, 3D printing Meeples for Waterdeep was an easy choice to make. The Meeples give the game a more D&D Adventurer feel, even if the Meeples don’t actually go out on Adventures.

The files I used can be found here: Meeples for Lords of Waterdeep

Splendor Box

I really like Splendor — I’ve written about how much I love Splendor, reviewed the digital Splendor app, and even suggested how Space Cowboys could bling up Splendor.

For me, Splendor is not only a perfect gateway game but it also introduces people to the concept of engine building games. The game also holds up well to repeated plays: the randomness in the appearance of the three levels of Development cards as well as the Nobles means that each game you play will be different.

Unfortunately, Splendor is not without its flaws: it is one of the worst packaged games I’ve ever seen. If you’re like me and like to display your games like books on a shelf, any time you take Splendor down and open it up, it’s going to look like a mess when you open the box.

Even more annoying, not only was the box insert poorly designed, but the components take up such a small amount of space in the empty box. It’s a truly frustrating failure in design.

My gaming group loves Splendor as much as I do, so it’s in heavy rotation whenever we get together. However, I have occasionally left it at home because I didn’t want to carry around a too-big box that’s going to explode all over the table whenever it’s opened.

Again, I am not alone in this thinking.

Just look at this compact design. Every component in its own space all in a simple, sturdy box. What’s not to love?

To give you an idea of the size of the box, here it is leaning against the empty inner box.

I love how easy it is to carry around this box. The only drawback is that the lid does not attach to the heavy bottom of the box. I keep a large rubber band around my printed box to solve that problem.

The files I used can be found here: Splendor Game Organizer

Pandemic Viruses

What do Terraforming Mars, Lords of Waterdeep, and Pandemic have in common? Eurocubes. Unlike with Lords of Waterdeep, Pandemic’s cubes don’t bother me so much. They represent viruses, which are sort of abstract things to a non-medical person like myself.

However, thematically, there’s no reason why Pandemic can’t be enhanced by some weird, vaguely threatening-looking shapes.

If you’re wondering if the 3D printed viruses are too small or why the sizes are so different, there is a reason: I messed up.

As part of the 3D printing process you can change the size of any object you 3D print, making them larger or smaller based on percentages. I didn’t have a good sense of scale for these and it shows. With the exception of the purple Mutant Virus (from the On The Brink expansion), they all need to be much larger.

The files I used can be found here: Pandemic Virus Tokens

How to Get Started

If this list has encouraged you to look into 3D printing, there are some good resources online to help you out. Lifehacker and Instructables (https://www.instructables.com/id/3D-Printing-1/) both have good introductory guides. The 3D Printing subreddit also has a good Getting Started page.

If you think you’d like to try 3D Printing out, there are many MakerSpaces, HackerSpaces, and general InnovationSpaces around the world that can provide not only the equipment, but people to assist with your new interest. An increasing number of public libraries have them available for general use as well. (Policies will differ from country to country, library to library, so check with your local library first.)

It’s also worth checking if your local community college or university has 3D printers available for the public to use.

Before purchasing a 3D printer of your own you might consider searching for the latest reviews online. The 3D Printing subreddit has a buying guide with a monthly sticky where people can ask for recommendations. Also, there are several Facebook groups on the subject where you can get suggestions.

If you’d rather have someone else do the 3D printing for you, there are plenty of people on Etsy who will do it for you, for a fee of course. Sculpteo and Shapeways are both places to look into if you want to have a company do 3D printing in bulk.

Final Thoughts

With 3D printers being affordable and dependable, they’re a great resource for gamers looking to make their games stand out with some special pieces. From custom Meeples, to component organizers, to full game box organizers, once you get started with 3D printing, you’ll quickly realize how many games you want to improve with unique elements.

If you paint miniatures, be it for D&D and/or other fantasy characters, you’ll be amazed at the number of characters and items that are available to be printed. And speaking of D&D, how about 3D printing out your own dice tower?

(NOTE: My own dice tower would have been part of this list, but I left it at work. As I’m writing this during the 2020 US work shutdown, I haven’t been to my office in months. I wasn’t willing to drive 45 minutes to pick it up to take photos of it for this article. If you’re curious, though, this is the dice tower I 3D printed, although I can’t recommend it. Two of the thin spires broke off the first day, and that was before I ever tried rolling dice down the curved staircase.)

If this list has encouraged you to get into 3D printing, please come back and leave a comment telling me what you’ve printed out. And if you’re already 3D printing parts and pieces for your games, please leave a comment as well with a link to where I can see some of your work!

(My thanks to fellow Meeple Mountain writer Marcus Cathey for his help on the How to Get Started last section.)

TagsHow To…

Related board games

Figures of characters from games, movies and cartoons. Gifts for true connoisseurs.

Modern man can no longer imagine his daily life without cinema, television, music, computer games and many other cultural assets of the twenty-first century. These hobbies are with us everywhere. And many modern projects in different industries only stimulate interest from the audience. Remember how many breakthrough films, series, cartoons, music and computer games have been released in the last 10 years alone. Not just successful, but those that literally stirred up the industry ... Hundreds and thousands. nine0005

We, the SPRINT3D team, would like to offer everyone whose hobby or work is related to cinema, literature, games and other industries, an exclusive product - character figurines, designed and printed with photographic accuracy. Unique models that will be created for you individually and with maximum detail. Details - further.

What exactly do we offer

Making figurines on a 3D printer is a recreation of any character based on a finished or individually designed layout. And if inexpensive figurines from a souvenir shop immediately popped up in your memory, we hasten to assure you that with us you get a much better, and most importantly, a unique product. nine0005

Ordering

• the absence of any restrictions in choosing the character whose figurine you want to print;
• ample opportunities for customizing appearance: hairstyle, clothes, shoes, accessories and much more;
• the ability to choose the size, pose and other parameters; nine0027
• high print quality and photorealistic detail;
• options for adjusting the design of the model while still in the process of creating the layout.

We do not offer standard solutions. All figures of characters are made in a single copy (unless otherwise requested by the customer). We save the 3D model and you can use it for reprinting at any time. Modern processing methods allow you to create not only the exact shape and proportions, but also identical to real colors, which adds even more realism. nine0005

What and for whom do we make

Our company mainly produces figurines of characters of various works:

• cinema;
• cartoons;
• computer games;
• music videos;
• fairy tales;
• comics, etc.

Of course, these can be not only figurines of people. Animals, fictional creatures, vehicles and much more - there are practically no restrictions in modern 3D printing. Furthermore! If necessary, you can create a unique character model if it has not been previously rendered. Creating a unique model will take more time and will require a long discussion of the details, but this way you will get a real exclusive. For example, the hero of your favorite book, which was not filmed. nine0005

Of course, figurines of characters from movies, cartoons and games are gifts not only for children, although they can be of particular value for them. Many adults are no less attached to their favorite characters - they collect posters, art, save pictures from the Internet, etc. For such people, a 3D figurine will be a real find and a truly welcome gift for any occasion.

There is another category of people for whom this service will be relevant: organizers of various thematic events, presentations, etc. Small original figurines have long become indispensable "merch" at various festivals of comics, computer games, etc. They are sold and given to visitors in large quantities. And the demand is growing every year. As well as the industry of cinema, animation and games in general. nine0005

From simple to complex

When we talk about character figurines, we don't just mean them. At the request of the customer, we are ready to create whole compositions of varying complexity and scale. For example, add a thematic 3D background or individual elements - buildings, interior details, weapons, vehicles, pets, etc. In addition to the main character, you can even make a figurine of the person who will receive this gift. Not just two static figurines, but interacting with each other, creating a maximum of realism. We guarantee that the person who received such a gift will be delighted. nine0005

Of course, all the details are discussed, and if necessary, the required adjustments are made during the preparation process. It does not take much time and will require a minimum of participation from you, but the result will be just great. All discussion and preparation can take place remotely, and we will deliver the order to you anywhere in the country.

Ready-made models of 3D figures can already be found on the Internet, but if you want the result to be unique, entrust its development to SPRINT3D specialists. nine0005

Production cost depends on a number of factors:

dimensions of the finished product and the entire composition as a whole.

At the same time, we guarantee our customers a competitive price. You know exactly how much and for what you pay, what result you will get and when you can pick up ready-made figures of characters from games, movies or cartoons.

You can see ready-made examples of our work in the gallery, and order production through a special form on the website or by calling 8 (495) 740-51-70. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and start manufacturing in the shortest possible time in order to quickly provide you with the finished result.

3D printed figurines with their own appearance for board games

I've always wondered what it would be like if I had a board game figure that looked like a mini version of me. I finally found an easy way to do this with 3D printer, in this tutorial, I'll show you in detail how you can print your figurine! All you need is the EM3D app (only works with iPhone X or later), a Tinkercad account, Meshmixer software, and a 3D printer. Let's start! nine0005

Note: This article is a translation.

Step 1 Download EM3D

Go to the App Store and download the EM3D app. We will use this application to scan ourselves and get a 3D model. Again, make sure your iPhone is model X or newer. You will need to pay a small fee to upload your 3D scans, I purchased the scan pack for a whole year and I can say it's worth it.

Step 2: Scan yourself

Now you will need to ask someone to scan you. For our purpose, scanning from the shoulders and above will do, but if you start scanning lower, it will also work. Using the app is very simple, just move slowly until all the pieces you want to add turn green. Some important areas that people miss are the very top of the head and under the chin.

When you're done, don't worry if the resulting model looks a bit distorted or if there are extra pieces on the side. We will get rid of them when polishing the design in Meshmixer. nine0005

Step 3: Import the 3D model into Meshmixer

Click the blue action button in the lower left corner of the scan and click Export OBJ. You can then download the file to your computer or email it to yourself to download to your computer. Download Meshmixer on your computer. Click the Import button and select your 3D model. Now you need to edit your model in Meshmixer.

Step 4: Polishing the Scan

Now we are going to polish your scan in Meshmixer. The video above demonstrates the entire process. The steps will also be explained here:

1. Click Edit, Transform, and then drag the red arc to rotate the scanned image until it is aligned straight. Then click "Accept".
2. Click Edit, Flat Cut, and then drag the red arrow down until you cut out the bottom half you don't want. Then click "Accept".
3. Click Edit, Close Cracks to make parts of your 3D scan come together.
nine0025 Click Edit, Individual Skins, and then toggle each skin on and off to see which ones are redundant and which ones you don't need. Then click on those shells and click delete in the bottom right corner.
4. Click Edit, Make Solid to prevent the figure from being hollow when 3D printed.
5. See if you like it, and when you're happy with the end result, click Export. Name the file, choose a location, and export it as a .stl or .obj file. I chose .stl for this, but it doesn't matter which one you choose. nine0027

Step 5: Import the scan into Tinkercad

Open Tinkercad and create a new design. Click "Import" in the top right corner and select the file you exported from Meshmixer.

Note: The model exported from Meshmixer is huge, so change the scale to 10% when importing into Tinkercad.

Tip: You can hold Shift while dragging one of the corners of the model to resize the scan to fit the scale. nine0005

Step 6: Make Play Figure

If you want, you can print the scan now. Once you get the dimensions you want, just click "Export" in the top right corner and send it to your 3D printer.

However, if you want to make it look a bit more like a play figure, follow these steps. If you scroll down there is also a video demonstration of this process.

1. Import the scanned image into Tinkercad. nine0027
2. Drag an empty box to the workplane and set the height to the model's neck.
3. Group the box and your model.
4. Drag the cylinder to the workplane and make the height equal to the height of your box.
5. Drag the torus to the workplane and make it the same height as your cylinder; make the length and width a few mm larger than your cylinder.
6. Make a hollow torus, align it with the cylinder and group them; I will call this shape the stand. nine0027
7. Align the base with your head model; if necessary, adjust the size of the stand so that it supports your head well.

   ---

   Learn more

   • 
     Ray 3d printer
   • 
     Ilris 3d laser scanner
   • 
     Public companies involved in 3d printing
   • 
     Tpl 3d printing
   • 
     Powdered metal 3d printer
   • 
     Envision one 3d printer cost
   • 
     3D print bottle
   • 
     Siege 3d printing
   • 
     3D printer glass bed cleaning
   • 
     3D printing with multiple materials
   • 
     Office depot 3d printers