Overview Of 3D Printing And Wargames

Through 3D printing we can create elements of scenography, rules, bases and markers easily for our games. It is also possible to print figures and vehicles but this will be left for another article if there is interest in the subject.

How did I start with 3d printing?

A couple of years ago one of my co-workers built his first printer and brought it to work to use it to print prototypes of parts. When I saw it, I had the idea of using it to make things for games. It was not until he decided to create his version 2. 0 of the printer that I could join his project and build for me one.

What is a 3d printer?

A 3D printer is a machine capable of replicating 3D designs, creating pieces or volumetric models from a design made by computer, downloaded from the internet or collected from a 3D scanner. They arise with the idea of converting 2D files into real or 3D prototypes.

There are many types of models of printers, technologies, filaments and resins to build objects. If you are interested in this subject, I encourage you to browse the internet and consult about the different models and their advantages and disadvantages.

Prices of printers

Here it depends on whether we want to build it, since there are designs of freely distributed printers or buy it directly. If we decide to build it, we will need to search online for a model that interests us. You can find in pages the breakdown of pieces and videotutorials to carry out the construction. At this point we will have to take into account that we will need another printer to manufacture some pieces (these pages offer the purchase of them). Also the pieces of mechanics and electronics depends on where they are bought, if it is to China or to stores here, it can make the time to have it longer.

In my case, buying pieces in China, reusing material and with the help of friends I think it went for less than 300 euros. Of course, we also have to take into account that we have to dedicate some time to build it together with some knowledge of electronics necessary to carry out the project successfully. In my case I have to say that I spent a lot of time until I had it ready.

The other option is to buy it and avoid problems. The price range is quite broad since it depends on the types and brands. You can get from about 300 euros approximately. It can also be said that they can be purchased in kit or assembled. If you search online you will find lots of different models (and printing technologies) with prices of a fairly wide range.

In addition to the printer, we must take into account the material that we will use for printing, since it has its cost. As an example, in my case I use PLA filament of 1. 75mm thickness. A 1Kg coil of this material costs about 20 euros. It allows me to make lots of objects since they do not usually weigh much. In my caseThe printer is a PRUSA type and uses PLA filament (a plastic thread) that melts to create very thin layers superimposed to create the objects. Apart from the printer I have a computer and software that loads the file with the model to be printed (STL file) and performs the calculation to send the orders to the printer to print.

The software I use is Repetier to load the files, perform the slice (the calculation for the layers) and control the printer. Another point to consider is the size of the extruder. The extruder is the piece where the filament is fused to create the layer. I usually use a 0. 5mm extruder so that it takes less time to print. The problem is that the resolution is lower, although for me it is enough for the game pieces.

Creation of elements for games

To create the elements for games we can download them from the Internet or create them for us. In my case, I usually download scenography elements from the internet, since I do not have much design knowledge in 3D nor time to devote.

Just by putting the word wargames in your search engine, there are many designs ready to download and print. Example of a model in thingiverseIn terms of designs we have everything: set design, tokens for games, figures, vehicles. It is possible to find from elements to make goals of Bolt Action to vehicles of the WWII at 15mm scale. In my case I have made impressions of different scenography elements for 28mm games such as Infinity or Bolt Action as you can see in the photographs.

Set design for games like Infinity. Once printed, they can be printed and painted without problems. I encourage you to take a walk and navigate the multitude of objects that can be found. The design of the objects is very simple since they are objects that can be joined, intersect, deform to create other more complex objects.

I usually create the bases for the figures for games like Impetus, Fire & Fury, Saga, etc. in addition to rules for maneuvers for games, or whatever you need and that is capable of designing through simple operations between objects.

Conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, the objective was to present a bit about the issue of 3D printing, since in my case I usually use these resources enough for games. If there is interest, we will expand the topic with more articles and more resources. Take this opportunity to tell you that we are working on a download section on the page. In this section is where I will leave the designs in case someone wants to download them and print them. Soon we will give you more information about this new section.