Producing miniatures

them_apples

New member
How do these companies and kickstarters produce miniatures? 3d printing is improving but it's not up to standard, and these companies are using 3d models still. I am an avid 3d modeler and concept artist that has had a few ideas floating around my head for a long time - I would like to know how to produce a high detail sculpture. Thanks
 

Webmonkey

New member
most companies don't use 3D printers. Most of them use casting dies. First, a sculptor makes a detailed model. Then they decide where to cut the model in order to make the cleanest cast possible. After that, the pieces are sent to another master-sculptor who cuts the "negative" of the model/pieces into the casting die. (this is usually done in two separate halves, but sometimes more). The two halves are then strapped together and the medium (plastic, metal, resin, etc), is poured into the mould. After it cools off/dries, the mould is cracked open the pieces removed,... then the process is repeated over and over again.

It isn't cost effective to do this unless you plan on making multiple copies for sale to help recover the cost. Your average casting die runs between $10,000 - $300,000 to produce. You'd be better off just hiring professional sculptor to make you a one-off piece.
 

them_apples

New member
I noticed some are using 3d models however. How do these 3d models become sculptures in such high quality. Take infinity miniatures for example
 

danemccray

New member
they are using 3d printing tech but it the kind of printers that cost about 10,000 to own,the hero forge people use a 3rd party person to print there stuff up and it I have to say is just as good as the cast stuff.You can use a desktop 3d printer to print minis I have seen it done mine will do some really good detail but I can only go so small.If you use a resin based photo or lazer printer like the one formlabs makes which will do very small stuff really well is a bit pricey but for a printer that has the same foot print as a hp printer and is under 4,000 its not bad. If you looking to print our stuff go here http://www.shapeways.com/ and take a look they will print you stuff and make sure it prints nice and good before they give it too you I have heard good things about them.
 
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