Pro’s and con’s of 3D-printing

Should I get into 3D-printing if I am already a hobbyist?

If you are just starting to explore 3D printing for tabletop wargaming and want to experiment with the technology, now is a good time to get a printer. There are a wide range of affordable FDM printers available on the market that are suitable for hobbyists. These printers allow you to create your own miniatures and terrain, and you can experiment with different materials and techniques.

If you are looking for a high-quality printer that can produce miniatures and terrain with fine details and high resolution, now is also a good time to get a resin printer. There are a wide range of resin printers available on the market, with prices ranging from affordable to high-end.

However, it's worth noting that 3D printing technology is constantly evolving and improving, so there may be newer and better options available in the future. Additionally, 3D printing can be time-consuming and require a certain level of technical knowledge, so it's worth considering if you have the time and patience to learn the necessary skills before getting a printer.

Overall, 3D printing is a great addition to the tabletop wargaming hobby, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience to create your own miniatures and terrain. However, it's important to consider your specific needs and goals before making a purchase to ensure that you get a printer that is right for you.

Tabletop wargaming has been a beloved hobby for decades, with players using miniature figures and terrain to represent battles and conflicts on a small scale. But in recent years, 3D printing has had a significant impact on the tabletop wargaming community, offering new possibilities for creating and customizing miniatures and terrain.

One of the biggest advantages of 3D printing for tabletop wargaming is the ability to create customized miniatures. Before the advent of 3D printing, players were limited to the miniatures that were commercially available. But now, with the help of 3D modeling software and a 3D printer, players can create their own unique miniatures, whether it be a specific character or a unit from a game or army. This has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for players to personalize their armies and make them truly unique.

Another advantage of 3D printing for tabletop wargaming is the ability to replace lost or broken miniatures. In the past, if a player lost or broke a miniature, they would have to either go without it or purchase a whole new set. But now, with the help of 3D scanning and printing, players can easily create a replacement miniature. This not only saves money but also helps players to continue playing with the miniatures they love.

Advantages of 3D-printing for the hobby

3D printing has revolutionized the tabletop wargaming hobby by offering new possibilities for creating and customizing miniatures and terrain. However, like any technology, it also has its limitations. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and limitations of 3D printing for tabletop wargaming.

One of the biggest advantages of 3D printing for tabletop wargaming is the ability to create customized miniatures. With the help of 3D modeling software and a 3D printer, players can create their own unique miniatures, whether it be a specific character or a unit from a game or army. This has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for players to personalize their armies and make them truly unique. 3D printing also allows players to replace lost or broken miniatures, saving money and allowing them to continue playing with their favorite miniatures.

Another advantage of 3D printing is the ability to create intricate and detailed terrain pieces. 3D printing allows players to create terrain that would be difficult or impossible to make by hand, such as complex buildings, bridges, and other structures. This adds a whole new level of realism and immersion to tabletop wargaming.

3D printing also offers players the opportunity to print miniatures and terrain that are no longer in production or hard to find. This allows players to have access to miniatures and terrain that they would not be able to get otherwise.

Limitations of 3D-printing

3D printing has revolutionized the tabletop wargaming hobby by offering new possibilities for creating and customizing miniatures and terrain. However, like any technology, it also has its limitations. In this article, we will focus on the limitations of 3D printing for tabletop wargaming.

One of the main limitations of 3D printing for tabletop wargaming is the cost. 3D printers, particularly those suitable for miniature printing, can be expensive. Additionally, the cost of materials such as filaments and resins can add up over time. This can make 3D printing a hobby that is not accessible to everyone.

Another limitation of 3D printing is the time it takes to print miniatures and terrain. Depending on the size and complexity of the piece, it can take several hours or even days to print a single miniature or terrain piece. This can be a significant investment of time for players, and it may not be feasible for some.

3D printing also has limitations in terms of the quality of the finished product. While 3D printing technology has improved significantly in recent years, it still has limitations when it comes to producing miniatures and terrain with fine details and smooth surfaces. It may also be challenging to achieve the exact level of quality and finish that a player is looking for.

Additionally, 3D printing also has limitations in terms of the materials that can be used. While there are a wide variety of filaments and resins available, they may not always be suitable for every application. For example, some materials may not be as durable as others, or they may not be able to handle the level of detail that a player is looking for.

Is 3d-printing cheaper than buying miniatures from common manufacturers?

The cost of 3D printing miniatures can vary depending on the type of printer, the cost of the resin, and the complexity of the model. In general, 3D printing miniatures can be cheaper than buying miniatures from common manufacturers, especially if you are printing multiple copies of the same model or printing models that are no longer in production.

However, 3D printing miniatures can be more expensive than buying miniatures from manufacturers in some cases. For example, if you are printing a single copy of a model, it may be more cost-effective to buy the model from a manufacturer. Additionally, if you require high-quality miniatures with a high level of detail and finishing, it may be more expensive to 3D print the miniatures than to purchase them from a manufacturer.

Another important aspect to consider is the time you are willing to spend on post-processing, cleaning, sanding and painting, as well as the cost of additional tools or materials such as UV curing chamber, sandpapers, paint etc.

Ultimately, whether 3D printing miniatures is cheaper than buying them from manufacturers depends on the specific circumstances of your project and your personal preferences. It's important to take into account all the costs and the time required to obtain the final product before making a decision.