Introduction to Miniature Scale for 3D Printing

Welcome to our deep dive into the fascinating world of miniature scale in 3D printing. Whether you’re a seasoned wargamer, a collector of intricate dioramas, or just beginning your journey in the world of 3D printing, understanding the various scales used in miniature 3D printing can significantly enhance your projects. This blog post will guide you through the most popular scales, from the tiny 6mm used for massive battles to the detailed 1:12 used for intricate models. We’ll explore what each scale entails, why you might choose one over another for your projects, and best practices for achieving excellent results with 3D printing.

Differentiating Size, Scale, and Style in Miniature Scale for 3D Printing

Size

Size refers to the actual physical dimensions of the miniature, usually measured in millimeters (mm) or inches. It’s the literal measurement from one end of the model to the other. For example, a miniature might be 28mm tall from base to eye level.

Scale

Scale refers to the ratio of the model’s size to the size of the actual object it represents. This ratio is a fraction or ratio, such as 1:56, meaning one unit on the miniature corresponds to 56 units in real life. Miniature scale 3D printing involves understanding these ratios to ensure proportional accuracy. While some variation can occur due to artistic choices, scales should remain consistent.

Style

Style refers to the artistic design approach or interpretation of the miniature. This includes the level of detail, aesthetic (realistic vs. stylized), and the intended use (wargaming, dioramas, or display models). Some common styles include:

• Realistic Style: Focuses on highly detailed, anatomically correct figures, often used for display or dioramas.
• Heroic Style: Characters have exaggerated features such as oversized heads, hands, and weapons for visual impact.
• Chibi or Anime Style: Miniatures with exaggerated features, like large eyes or simplified forms, for a more cartoonish look.
• Historical Style: Focuses on accurate representations of real historical figures or equipment.

Most Common Scales in Miniature Scale 3D Printing

1. 28mm Scale (1:56)

28mm scale is the most popular size for tabletop wargames and RPG miniatures. Games such as Warhammer 40K, Dungeons & Dragons, and Pathfinder use miniatures of this scale.

• What Is It: 28mm refers to the height of the miniature from the base to the eyes or top of the head. It is typically associated with the 1:56 scale, where 1 unit on the miniature represents 56 units in real life.
• Best Practices for 3D Printing: For the best results, use high-resolution resin printers. Resin printing excels in capturing the fine details typical of 28mm miniatures. Use a high-quality durable resin, such as TGM-7, and adjust your print settings to avoid any loss of detail during printing.

2. 32mm Scale (1:57.2)

The 32mm scale is slightly larger than 28mm, offering more visible details and enhanced features, making it ideal for miniatures that require higher resolution and more intricate designs.

• What Is It: 32mm miniatures are scaled to 1:57.2, meaning 1 unit on the miniature corresponds to around 57.2 units in real life.
• Best Practices for 3D Printing: Like 28mm, 32mm miniatures benefit from high detail resin 3D printing. Notably, larger miniatures may require larger print beds, so ensure your printer can accommodate them.

3. 15mm Scale (1:100)

The 15mm scale is common in historical wargaming and large battles, where you need a compact representation of soldiers or vehicles.

• What Is It: In 1:100 scale, one unit on the miniature represents 100 units in real life. 15mm miniatures are a popular choice for historical wargaming games like Flames of War and X-Wing miniatures.
• Best Practices for 3D Printing: For 15mm miniatures, opt for a resin printer due to its fine resolution. Ensure you adjust your print settings to maintain detail while keeping the miniature’s proportions accurate.

4. 6mm Scale (1:285)

The 6mm scale is perfect for mass battle games, allowing players to field large armies in a manageable format. It is also ideal for creating large vehicle models while keeping table space and costs reasonable.

• What Is It: 6mm miniatures are typically in 1:285 scale, meaning one unit on the model represents 285 units in real life. This scale is widely used for depicting massive conflicts, both historical and fictional. A notable example is the Epic series by Games Workshop, which uses the 6mm scale to portray large-scale battles in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
• Best Practices for 3D Printing: For 6mm miniatures, resin printers are the best choice as they capture the fine details essential for small-scale models. To simplify differentiation between armies for those who prefer not to paint minis, consider using different colored resins during the printing process.

5. 1:12 Scale (75mm)

1:12 scale, often called dollhouse scale, defines larger, highly detailed miniatures, particularly for dioramas and collectible figures.

• What Is It: In 1:12 scale, a miniature is 75mm tall for a figure that would be about 6 feet in real life.
• Best Practices for 3D Printing: 1:12 scale models can be printed using both FDM and resin printers, depending on the level of detail needed. For the best results, use resin printers to capture the fine features of these larger models.

6. 1:35 Scale

1:35 scale is commonly used for military models, including tanks, vehicles, and figures for dioramas.

• What Is It: In 1:35 scale, each 35mm on the model equals 1 meter in real life. These models are often designed for intricate detailing.
• Best Practices for 3D Printing: Both FDM and resin printers can be used for 1:35 scale models, but resin printing is usually preferred for detailed parts like guns, helmets, and vehicle decals.

7. Life-Size Scale (1:1)

Life-Size Scale or 1:1 scale refers to models that are printed at full size, commonly used in props, statues, or large installations.

• What Is It: 1:1 scale represents life-sized models, such as life-size busts, statues, or props used in film and television.
• Best Practices for 3D Printing: Opt for large industrial 3D printers for life-sized models. You might need to print the model in separate pieces and assemble them. Post-processing is often necessary for smoothing and detailing the prints.

Choosing the Right Scale for Your 3D Printing Project

When embarking on a miniature scale 3D printing project, selecting the right scale is crucial to ensure your miniatures align with others and meet your project’s requirements. When done right, scaling ensures visual uniformity, enhances the gameplay experience, and maintains the aesthetic appeal of dioramas or displays.

For instance, if you’re mixing miniatures from different designers—such as a 28mm model from The Printing Goes Ever On and a 32mm model from Max’s Magnificent Minis—you may need to adjust the size of one miniature to achieve uniformity. Understanding the scale ratios will guide you in making accurate adjustments.

Steps for Matching Scales:

1. Measure and Calculate the Scale Difference: Determine the scale ratio of each model (e.g., 28mm corresponds to approximately 1:56).
2. Adjust in 3D Modeling Software: Modify the scale percentage. For example, to increase a 28mm model to align with a 32mm scale, you would calculate the adjustment factor (32 ÷ 28 ≈ 1.14 or 114%) and apply it in the slicer.
3. Test and Fine-Tune: Print a test piece to confirm the adjusted model blends seamlessly with others.

All in all, for tabletop gaming, where the overall visual impact is critical, matching miniature scales ensures consistency and avoids any distracting size discrepancies. This is important when assembling armies or creating immersive tabletop scenes. With the right scale and size relationships, you can confidently adjust models to enhance your collection’s cohesion without sacrificing details.

Choosing the Right Resin

Resin defines the outcome of your miniature 3D printing projects, shaping the details, durability, and overall appeal of your creations. AmeraLabs offers a range of resins designed to cater to the unique needs of miniature enthusiasts, helping you bring your ideas to life with precision and practicality.

AMD-3 Resin: Precision and a Metallic Advantage

AmeraLabs AMD-3 resin is a standout choice for projects where precision and detail are non-negotiable. Its formulation captures even the finest textures, making it perfect for display miniatures, detailed dioramas, or intricate wargame characters. What sets AMD-3 apart is its ability to be electroplated. This feature unlocks the potential to give your miniatures a stunning metallic shine—ideal for futuristic models, armor-clad warriors, or custom collectible pieces. With minimal shrinkage during curing and a smooth finish, AMD-3 resin ensures your creations are always showcase-ready.

TGM-7 Resin: Durability and Customization for Gamers

Miniatures often face intense wear and tear during tabletop gaming. TGM-7 resin meets this challenge by blending toughness and flexibility, protecting delicate parts like thin weapons or fragile accessories. However, there’s more to TGM-7 than its resilience—it offers vibrant color variants that can be mixed to create custom shades and hues. This flexibility is particularly valuable for wargamers printing large armies with small, hard-to-paint models. By using two different resin colors, you can easily differentiate opposing forces straight off the printer, saving time and enhancing the gaming experience.

Making the Most of Your Resin Choice

Whether you’re building dioramas, painting highly detailed figures, or assembling massive armies, choosing the right resin is key:

• Display pieces: Use AMD-3 resin for unmatched detail and the opportunity to create striking metallic effects with electroplating.
• Gaming miniatures: Opt for TGM-7 resin for durable prints with the added benefit of customizable colors, ideal for distinguishing between factions or teams.

To sum up, AmeraLabs resins make it easier to focus on what you enjoy most—designing, printing, and gaming—while ensuring that your miniatures perform and look their best. With AMD-3 and TGM-7, you have versatile tools to elevate your 3D printing projects to a whole new level.

Scaling Miniatures for 3D Printing

One of the key advantages of 3D printing is the ability to scale miniatures up or down depending on your project needs. Whether you’re working with a 28mm scale model and need to shrink it to 15mm, or you want to scale it up for a Heroic Scale figure, 3D printing allows you to easily resize designs. This flexibility ensures you can produce the perfect miniature for any game, display, or collection.

Miniature Scale Conversion Calculator: To simplify scaling your miniatures, we’ve included a miniature scale conversion calculator. Input your current model size and desired scale, and the calculator will provide the exact dimensions. This tool is a great way to quickly and accurately adjust your designs.

Tips for Scaling:

• Maintain Proportions: When resizing a model, ensure that all parts scale proportionally. Use 3D modeling software, such as Blender or Tinkercad, or your preferred slicer, like Lychee Slicer or Chitubox, to adjust dimensions with precision.
• Adjust Print Settings: Smaller scales (like Epic Scale or 6mm) often require adjustments to your printer’s layer height to capture fine details. A smaller layer height of 10μm-30μm can ensure that the intricate features are rendered accurately.
• Material Limitations: When scaling down miniatures, be mindful of the wall thickness. For smaller models, thin walls can cause print failures or lead to a fragile structure. Always check that the walls remain thick enough to support the print and retain durability.

Conclusion: Mastering Miniature Scale for 3D Printing

Understanding miniature scale 3D printing is key to creating accurate, high-quality miniatures that fit perfectly into your projects. By choosing the right scale and style, and using the appropriate 3D printing methods, you can ensure your models match perfectly and achieve the highest level of detail. Whether you’re printing 28mm miniatures for wargaming or detailed 1:12 models for display, knowing your scale and how to adjust your prints will make all the difference.

For more 3D printing tips and resin printing insights, explore our other blog posts!