Project: Making a Sci-fi D&D Mini

October 22, 2024

Additive manufacturing has changed the face of manufacturing, and even hobbies. At Shop3D, it has been used to create custom parts and fixtures in manufacturing, design custom insoles for correct posture, make custom toddler knee pads, and customize car parts. We like to test the limits of our machines, tapping into our creativity, and 3D printing everything we can think of - making mistakes along the line so you don’t have to.

Hey, I’m Michael from Shop3D.ca. My friends and I love to play tabletop RPGs (role-playing games) like D&D and Pathfinder. For Halloween this year one of my friends decided to run a horror-themed Pathfinder One-Shot using the new playtesting rules for Starfinder 2e.  While we normally play over the internet, this time we’re able to play in person, so I wanted to bring something special to the table.

I thought using a custom miniature for the session would be a lot of fun, so I decided to bring a miniature of myself! Earlier this year, we used Shining3D’s Einstar 3D Scanner to make a 3D model of myself, which we printed on the Formlabs Form 4 as a demo piece for our Mississauga showroom.  Of course, this being a science fiction setting, the mini would need to be accessorized accordingly.

 

The Process

Step 1: Editing the 3D Model

While editing STL files and 3D models in general can be difficult, one of the easiest ways I’ve found is to use a slicing program, in this case, I used Bambu Studio.

After shrinking the 3D model down to the appropriate scale, I was able to create a HUD piece reminiscent of a Scouter from Dragon Ball Z using primitive shapes and added a Mandalorian jetpack. I modified the jetpack to suit my preferences, and once I was satisfied with the results, I exported the model as a single STL file, and printed it on the Form 4.

Though I did not use a Bambu printer for this project, I found it easy to use Bambu Studio to edit the STL, add shapes, and place the jetpack on the model. It was also convenient to combine it all into a single STL file, and then send the file to the printer of my choice (Form 4).

 

Step 2: Printing

Printing the model on the Form 4 was a breeze. Apart from being intuitive and easy-to-use, it was the perfect choice for my D&D mini because of the fine details which you can only achieve using an SLA printer. In addition, the Form 4 prints with blazing fast speed, so it took only ~1hr to print the miniature.

After removing the supports and fully curing the model, it was ready for one last step.

  

Step 3: Painting

Taking advantage of the Thanksgiving long weekend, I painted the model using some acrylic paints meant for miniatures and scale models.  I don’t do a lot of miniature painting (this was my first time doing something this small), so it took me some time, but I’m very happy with how it turned out.

Step 4: Packaging

One last thing is that I needed some way to transport the miniature safely. Here at Shop3D, we’ve been taking advantage of our access to Fixturemate, a software that streamlines the process of designing and making custom fixtures. I found it to be perfect for creating a custom box to store my miniature, along with a few backups I had also printed.

I hope that after seeing this, I’ve inspired you to create yourself.  If you have any questions or would like some help creating something similar, feel free to reach out to us at Shop3D.ca.  

We’re always happy to help with whatever project you have in mind!

 

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