This post covers custom miniature design for manufacturing costs and rates for companies. A miniature can be defined as the smaller version of something typically bigger. Miniatures come in all shapes and forms; mythical animals, characters from movies or games, household items, and architectural wonders are among the most popular. Even a relatively large model of a massive monument or a fictional monster should fall within the miniatures category. For example, a 15cm model of Predator is a miniature of the on-screen extraterrestrial hunter. Similarly, a 50cm tall replica of the Eiffel Tower can also be regarded as a miniature. Although a 50cm toy is not small, it is tiny compared to the genuine artifact.
Despite the small dimension, custom miniatures – by definition, are highly detailed. More detailed than just small toys that resemble the actual objects, they are meant to represent all the observable physical features seen in their life-size counterparts. Except for the difference in measurement, an object and its miniature should be like clones; otherwise, the object is nothing but a poor imitation of a custom miniature design. Since being identical is indispensable, the 3D character modeling artist must ensure the 3D models and the object based on which the custom miniature design resembles must be indistinguishable from each other.
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Suppose you want a custom miniature design of a popular character, a well-known landmark, a world-famous mythical animal, or a famous object. In that case, you may find a pre-made printable 3D model online. Some models are free, while others are available in various online marketplaces. The only issue with free models is that you aren’t using the full potential of 3D printing design services.
Other people might have already bought and printed the model, which means you don’t get the luxury of rarity or uniqueness from the miniature you would with a custom miniature design. Remember that one of the most significant selling points of a 3D printer is its ability to create almost every shape imaginable. Using the device to print a generic miniature doesn’t seem quite right. You want a custom miniature built to your specifications and requirements.
Complexity is a significant cost factor in any 3D CAD project. The 3D modeling design company charges anything between $40 – $75 to create a 3D model of a simple object, such as stationery or a fruit. However, for a complex custom miniature design expect to pay approximately $100 and $200 for the 3D modeling alone. Sometimes it is medium complexity with Lego miniatures and basic toy soldiers, for instance. The project is often high-end when the 3D modeling involves mythical creatures and fantastical characters seen in comic books, TV, movies, and modern games.
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A 3D model based on Lego’s Chewbacca miniature figurine is likely easier and cheaper to make than one built to be identical to the on-screen version of the character. All the curves, lines, shapes, and surfaces necessary to create the custom miniature design and build the 3D model contribute to the scope of work. The 3D design artist might have to use a complex combination of both topological characteristics and non-visual attributes to form the desired shape. Imperfections (i.e., hairline, scars, wrinkles, etc.) may need countless repetitive strokes and minuscule elements to bring forth the details in the model.
A high-quality 3D model comprises hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of interconnected vertices to form a polygon mesh. A complex object has a much higher polygon count than a simple one.Textures are essential because the model will appear unnaturally smooth across its surface without them. A clean and smooth texture is unrealistic unless you want to create a model car or a dollhouse. A miniature of a fantastical character or a mythical creature, like the White Walker or the Typhon, requires a much more meticulous approach to 3D modeling due to the figures’ inherently strange facial features and body parts.
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The more natural the model is, or the more stylized 3D visualizations it will require from the 3D modeling professional, and the 3D modeling process also requires higher skill levels and a working knowledge of anatomy. Color is another thing to consider after completing the custom miniature design. Although many 3D printers can produce full-color models, post-printing hand-coloring remains the most affordable yet effective way to ensure accuracy. The 3D printed model is colorless, but you want to see the digital rendering in full color beforehand.
Applying colors to the 3D CAD model introduces another layer of complexity. Things get even more complex when you need color in every part of the miniature, including hair, nails, skin, eyes, and outfit. Just because a custom miniature is small, it does not mean the modeling process is any less tedious than the full-scale version. Size affects the printing cost, but it is never a good indicator of complexity level in 3D modeling.
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| Custom Miniature Design for Manufacturing | |
|---|---|
| Complexity Level | Price Range for 3D CAD Modeling |
| Simple Objects (e.g., stationery) | $40 – $75 |
| Miniature Model | $100 – $200 |
| Medium complexity (e.g., Lego figurines, basic toy soldiers) | Varies depending on specific requirements |
| High-end complexity (e.g., mythical creatures, comic book characters) | Varies depending on specific requirements |
Please note that the prices mentioned in the table can vary depending on various factors, such as 3D model requirements, the intricacy of the custom miniature design, the expertise of the 3D modeler, and other project-specific considerations. Discussing the details with a 3D CAD design service provider is advisable to get an accurate quote for your project.
Assuming you already have a 3D printer, the cost to build the physical model will not exceed a dollar a piece, or maybe a maximum of $5 with electricity and consumables. However, if you don’t want to invest in 3D printer hardware, plenty of 3D printing services are available. Leave the 3D printing task to a 3D printing professional and have the custom miniature model delivered to you, or you can fetch it from the store at your convenience.
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To create a custom miniature, SLA (stereolithography apparatus) or resin 3D printing is much better than the filament-based alternative, FDM (fused deposition modeling). Some would argue that a decent SLA printer easily outperforms even the best FDM by a large margin. In FDM, the extruded filaments dry or solidify by air (cooling fans). Since 3D printing a professionally designed custom miniature does not typically take a long time, the lower part of the model – as the solidifying process is still in progress – must support the upper section’s weight.
Several issues may arise from such an approach, including misalignment and warping. The bonding force between the layers is also relatively low, leading to the possibility of a printed section shifting from the desired position. Both factors make printing a detailed miniature unnecessarily challenging. On the other hand, the material in an SLA printer is liquid resin. A laser or high-powered UV light is emitted directly into the liquid inside a container, and the laser beam cures or hardens the resin spot by spot.
A subset of SLA printers, also known as DLP (digital light processing), can project an image of an entire layer to the resin bath for even quicker printing and curing. The 3D printing result is precise thanks to the use of light to trace or project the model. Either SLA or DLP can produce the level of detail FDM can never achieve.
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Resin is more expensive than most thermoplastic filaments. A liter of standard resin costs up to $150, although there are more affordable variants starting at $40. Printing a 32mm tall 3D model takes about 35 cents of resin alone. If you factor in consumables like gloves, curing materials, electricity, paper towels, and cleaning agents, the cost is probably about 50 cents per miniature. With business overhead such as equipment maintenance, rent, and payroll, a company may charge between $3 and $5 per miniature. It might sound like a big jump, but every company understandably needs a healthy profit margin to stay afloat.
However, many 3D printing services set a minimum fee. You must still pay the base price if the printing cost exceeds the allowed minimum order quantity. Financially, it doesn’t make sense for a company to print something that costs only $3. You must either increase the order quantity or pay the minimum fee between $25 and $90. Much of that money goes into cleaning, painting, and applying finish.
SLA technology is also suitable for 3D printing molds for casting and mass production. Additive manufacturing services are great for prototyping but not for large-scale manufacturing due to the cost and time. Injection molding triumphs over 3D printing technology in speed and cost efficiency for large-scale manufacturing. The final products will be accurate to specifications if the mold is correct. A company can produce hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of 3D miniatures with consistent quality.
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SLA is a promising technology for small companies or independent 3D modelers in custom miniature design selling businesses. They can create unique models, rather than iterations of some already trademarked figures or objects, and sell them to buyers everywhere. With 3D CAD software and SLA printers, small businesses can now offer their services as an “on-demand” bespoke miniature production. Customers needing specific custom miniatures for tabletop games or playsets can access instant manufacturing services. Clients can also upload the 3D model before getting a quote and moving it toward production within the same hour.
A small business might be unable to sell trademarked TV/movie characters, fictional creatures, action figures, or patented artistic works without permission from IP rights holders. But no one says a client cannot order a 3D-printed miniature of those objects. The possibility is limitless as you can build your own models, have them made by professionals, and purchase ready-to-print files from online marketplaces.
If you’re looking for skilled CAD designers like those you’ve seen here, we’ve got you covered! Submit your project for a free quote, and we’ll match you with industry-leading CAD design freelancers.
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