This guide covers all the essential steps of 3D printing for Beyond Space, from choosing printers and materials to printing and post-processing. However, it’s not a fully exhaustive guide. It provides the foundational knowledge needed to get started, but some advanced details and nuances of 3D printing are beyond its scope. Think of it as a comprehensive overview designed to help beginners and experienced hobbyists alike, with the understanding that further learning may be needed as you dive deeper into the hobby.
Getting Started with 3D Printing
Welcome to the world of 3D printing! Whether you're completely new to it or just looking to print your first Beyond Space miniatures, this guide will walk you through the basics and set clear expectations for your journey. By the end, you'll have a solid understanding of what 3D printing involves and what you'll need to get started.
It might seem like a lot of work at first, but once you get the hang of it, the process becomes quick and straightforward.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is the process of turning digital content into physical objects by layering materials one layer at a time. For Beyond Space, we use two primary types of 3D printing:
- Resin Printing: Produces high-detail miniatures, ideal for characters and units.
- FDM Printing: Best for printing the hex tile game board.
Both printing methods have their strengths, and understanding their differences will help you decide which one is right for you.
What to Expect When Getting Into 3D Printing
Before you dive in, it's important to set realistic expectations regarding:
Space Requirements:
- Resin printers should be operated in a well-ventilated, non-living space such as a spare room, workshop, or garage with stable temperatures, as temperature fluctuations can impact print quality. While a dedicated ventilation system is not strictly required, it can help manage fumes in enclosed areas. For safety, resin printers should be kept in low-traffic spaces, as uncured resin emits strong odors and can be toxic. Proper precautions, such as wearing gloves and working in a ventilated area, are essential.
- FDM printers need a sturdy surface for proper operation and only minimal ventilation, making them suitable for living spaces. For convenience and noise reduction, setting them up in a dedicated non-living area is recommended but not essential. They take up less space than resin printers and don’t require extensive post-processing. Most FDM filaments, such as PLA, produce minimal odor and are safe to handle without gloves.
Costs Involved: 3D printing requires a notable upfront investment, but it offers long-term savings compared to purchasing traditional miniatures. Initial costs include the printer, materials, and essential tools, while ongoing expenses involve resins, filaments, and maintenance. Despite these costs, 3D printing provides an affordable solution for building large tabletop armies.
Time Commitment:
- Printing is not instant, models can take hours or even days to complete.
- Post-processing (cleaning and curing) is required for resin prints.
Safety Considerations
- Resin Printing: Always wear nitrile gloves and, in poorly ventilated spaces, use a respirator to avoid exposure to toxic fumes. Ensure proper disposal of uncured resin and used cleaning solutions in accordance with local regulations.
- FDM Printing: Exercise caution around high-temperature components, such as the nozzle and heated bed, to avoid burns. Keep printers in safe, stable areas away from children and pets.
Understanding the 3D Printing Process
Before jumping into technical details, here’s a simple breakdown of the 3D printing workflow:
- Model Selection: Download a Beyond Space model from our store.
- Preparation: Use slicing software to prepare the model for printing. Beyond Space models are pre-supported, so you can simply load the file into Lychee Slicer, adjust settings if needed, and export it to a USB drive for printing.
- Printing: The printer builds the model layer by layer using your chosen material (resin or filament).
- Post-Processing: This step includes cleaning, support removal, and curing for resin prints:
- Cleaning: Rinse the freshly printed model in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove uncured resin.
- Support Removal: Soak the model in warm water for 30–60 seconds to loosen supports. This makes them easier to remove without damaging the model. Use hobby clippers for stubborn supports, if needed.
- Drying: Let the model air dry completely before curing.
- Curing: Place the model under UV light to fully harden it and make it safe to handle.
Each of these steps will be explained in greater detail in the upcoming guides.
Essential Terms to Know
To help you along your journey, here are a few basic terms you'll encounter:
- STL Files: A digital file of the model you want to print.
- Slicer software: Programs that convert your model into printable layers.
- Supports: Temporary structures that provide stability during printing. These have already been added to the Beyond Space models, so you can simply load and print the pre-supported files without additional setup.
- Curing: The process of hardening resin prints with UV light.
- Resin: The liquid material used in resin printers.
- Filament: The plastic material used in FDM printers.
Don't worry if these terms sound confusing now we’ll break them down in later sections.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
- A 3D Printer: Whether you choose resin or FDM, having the right printer is crucial. We’ll help you pick the best option in the next section.
- Materials: Resin or filament, depending on your printer type. Check out our materials guide for detailed recommendations.
- Slicer Software: Software like Lychee Slicer (for resin printers) or an FDM-compatible slicer to prepare your models for printing. We’ll guide you through this process in later sections.
- Basic Tools: Essentials like gloves, masks, cleaning supplies, and curing equipment for resin printing. FDM setups may require tools like scrapers or pliers.
- A Workspace: A dedicated area for your printer and post-processing tasks. Resin printing requires good ventilation and safety precautions, while FDM printers are more flexible with placement.
Next Step: Choosing the Right 3D Printer
Now that you have an overview of what 3D printing involves, it's time to take the next step: