3D Printing FAQs

How is a resin print different from a resin cast?

A traditional resin cast is produced from a mould - resin is poured into the mould and left to cure. Once set, the casting is ready. Many bust and figure masters are already produced by 3D printing digitally sculpted pieces for the casting process. Casting is usually the preferred manufacturing process due to cost and time to mass produce a high quality product.

Prior to assembly, mould lines would need to be removed using fine blades, files and sandpaper. Different manufacturers will present different standards of finish. Some kits are almost ready for assembly and painting with minimal clean-up. Others will require more clean-up and preparation, including some filling where parts are joined, etc.

Our resin 3D prints are produced with MSLA 3D printers with a details as fine as 22 microns. 3D printing technology has and continues to advance rapidly, making detail and accuracy more attainable at a reasonable cost. This is why 3D printed models are now being sold to consumers rather than only one off commissions for production purposes.

How are 3D models printed?

3D Printers work by curing uv resin layer by layer to produce a model. Support structures are needed to print the model (as seen in the image below); they are placed in critical positions around the model to ensure that the whole model is supported and not suspended in air.

We are using MSLA resin printers, which are different to the more common FDM machines. Both print objects in layers, but MSLA resin printers are capable of printing in much smaller increments, down to 10 microns. FDM machines are those which extrude heated plastic filament onto a plate, while resin printers use liquid UV resin that hardens when exposed to UV light. An LED screen masks a layer, allowing UV light to harden the masked area. How fine the detail possible is dependant on the pixel density of the LED Screen. The denser the pixels, the higher detail is visible on the final print.

Once the 3D print is complete, the model is washed in Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) to remove any uncured liquid resin; the supports are manually removed and then it is further cured under UV light to cure totally.

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a 3D print?

3D Printing has some advantages over resin casting, in that it is possible to have more fine intricate details and deep undercuts, etc. A 3D print is also much cheaper to purchase than a traditional cast as it is a more direct to the customer and has less upfront cost as opposed to a traditional casting.

The UV resin can be more brittle than a traditional resin casting, especially where parts are extremely thin and delicate. The UV resin however is still perfectly fine for painting and is used by many tabletop gamers for small models without issue.

Are you the licence holders of the 3D products listed on your webstore?

We obtain all the legal commercial licenses to 3D print directly from the creators.

Commercial 3D printing is only possible when a commercial license is obtained from the rights holder. Licenses are limited to physical 3D prints and prohibit distribution of digital files. Please do not support shops that have not supported or gained the original creators' permission; doing so is the same as buying recasted models. 

How do I order a 3D print?

Select from the range of 3D prints in our store (these are all identified by '3D Print’ in the products title), add it to your shopping cart, and checkout as usual.

We will process your order and your model is prepared for printing. Printing can take between 3 hours and 20 hours, depending on the complexity and the size of the selected figure. Once printed, all supports are removed, the figure is cleaned and cured to our best ability. All parts are given a final check and then packaged securely, ready for dispatch.

Please note that 3D Prints are printed on-demand and will be dispatched within 7-10 working days, depending on the size of the print queue.

What print resolution do you use to print the models?

We print at a layer height of 0.03 (30 microns). 0.03mm offers high detail that matches the printers resolution for uniform pixel size. On certain areas of the model, most notably in flat planes, some stepping/visibility of the layers may occur (Voxel lines). However, this is barely visible at 0.03mm and can be easily fixed with a light sanding or scrape of a blade and would be smooth once primed.

Do I have to remove the supports?

We remove all supports before the models are cured to leave as few marks as possible on the model, however, the occasional few may be missed. These are easily removed, either with a blade or by sanding and some model filler.

How do I prepare the model for painting?

The models have been cleaned in 100% IPA and completely cured so are safe to handle. If any residue has been left from the sanding and cleaning of the model you can use some warm soapy water and a toothbrush to gently wash away any dust or residue. Parts can be brittle so be careful when doing so.

Any marks from supports can be sanded down and the small pits filled with model filler. Top tip: it will be much easier to see any blemishes once the model is primed. areas can be quickly fixed and primer touched up.

Please note: The resin will continue to cure when exposed to UV Light, even direct sunlight. These will lead to it becoming more brittle. Priming and painting the resin will protect from UV light and stop further curing.

IMPORTANT: For your own safety, please wear a mask when sanding and cleaning up resin products as resin particles are harmful.

Are the models printed in one piece?

3D printed figures are printed in parts and do require assembly. In doing so, we can maximise the detail of the model and minimise the supports distorting the details.