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Hey there! Have you ever wondered how to take your miniature models to the next level? Well, I've got some awesome techniques to share with you that will help you make your miniatures bigger without using up all your resin. In this article, I'll walk you through three super effective methods for elevating your creations, whether you're a hobbyist, collector, or tabletop gamer. Get ready to maximize your resin and add a whole new level of detail to your miniatures. Let's dive into the exciting world of scaling up!
So, picture this: you've spent hours meticulously painting and assembling your miniature models, and now you want to make them stand out even more. Scaling up your miniatures is like giving them a power-up, making them grander and more imposing on the tabletop. But how can you achieve this without breaking the bank on resin?
Well, fear not! I've got you covered with three tried-and-true methods that will help you achieve that larger-than-life effect. These techniques will not only save you precious resin but also give your miniatures that 'wow' factor that will make other hobbyists green with envy.
First up, we have the 'Kitbashing' method. This is like taking different puzzle pieces and fitting them together to create a unique masterpiece. By combining parts from different miniature kits, you can create a custom model that is larger in size and bursting with personality. It's like Frankenstein's monster, but way cooler and less scary!
Next, we have the 'Modifying' method. This is where you take an existing miniature and make some clever alterations to make it bigger and better. You can extend limbs, add extra armor or accessories, or even create custom bases to elevate your miniature to new heights. It's like giving your miniatures a makeover, but instead of a new hairstyle, they get a whole new level of awesomeness!
Lastly, we have the 'Conversion' method. This is like transforming your miniatures into completely different creatures or characters. By swapping out heads, arms, or other parts, you can create a completely unique and larger-scale miniature. It's like turning a caterpillar into a majestic butterfly, but with miniatures instead!
So there you have it, my friend! Three fantastic methods to scale up your miniatures and make them the stars of the show. Whether you choose to kitbash, modify, or convert, you'll be amazed at the results. So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and let your miniatures reach new heights. Happy scaling up!
Key Takeaways
- Scaling up a hollow model with support results in thicker wall support and raft, increasing resin usage.
- Scaling up a solid model to the desired scale and then making it hollow saves resin.
- Modifying the initially created supports to make them thinner can result in resin savings.
- Increasing the scale may require additional supports to ensure printing success.
Scaling up Techniques for Resin Savings
In this article, I'll discuss scaling up techniques for resin savings when it comes to miniatures.
Scaling up miniatures can bring numerous benefits, including resin savings. By increasing the scale of a hollow model with support, you can achieve thicker wall support and raft, resulting in resin savings.
Another option is to use a solid object and then make it hollow, allowing for thinner walls and reducing resin usage.
Additionally, modifying the initially created supports to make them thinner can result in a large part with thinner supports, further reducing resin consumption.
It's important to consider limitations and potentially cut larger models into smaller parts.
Scaling up With Hollow Models and Support
To scale up miniatures with hollow models and support, I increase the thickness of the wall support and raft. By doing so, I am able to maintain the structural integrity of the larger model while also saving on resin usage. Here is a comparison of resin consumption for scaling up a hollow model with support:
| Scale | Resin Usage (grams) | Print Time (hours) |
|---|---|---|
| 75% | 2.3 | 2 |
| 200% | 19 | 3.5 |
| 300% | 63 | 5 |
As you can see, as the scale increases, the resin usage also increases. However, creating the hollow piece after scaling reduces resin consumption and allows for thinner raft. This technique not only saves on resin but also ensures that the larger model prints successfully. By scaling up with thicker walls, I am able to achieve the desired size while maintaining the quality and durability of the miniature. Additionally, scaling up with thinner raft and supports further optimizes resin usage and printability.
Scaling up With Solid Models and Making Them Hollow
I often scale up solid models and then make them hollow to save on resin usage. This technique allows for thinner walls and reduces the amount of resin needed for printing.
To create a hollow model, I scale up the solid object to the desired size and then add holes to drain the resin and reduce suction during printing. By making the model hollow, I can significantly reduce the amount of resin used while still maintaining the structural integrity of the print.
Additionally, modifying support structures is another resin savings technique that can be used when scaling up. By calculating the proportion to decrease the support size and selecting all supports for modification, I can further reduce resin usage while ensuring successful printing.
Scaling up With Modified Supports
When modifying supports for scaling up miniatures, it's essential to calculate the proportion for decreasing the support size and select all supports for modification. This technique allows for larger prints while maintaining stability and minimizing resin usage.
Here are the key steps to follow when modifying support structures for larger prints:
- Calculate support size: Determine the appropriate decrease in support size based on the scale of the model. This ensures that the supports will provide adequate stability without being excessive.
- Modify all supports: Instead of individually modifying supports, it's more efficient to modify all supports at once. This saves time and ensures consistency throughout the print.
Considerations and Additional Supports
Continuing from the previous subtopic, let's explore the importance of considering additional supports when scaling up miniatures.
When increasing the scale of a model, fragility concerns become more significant. The initially designed supports may not be strong enough to handle the larger size, leading to potential print failures or breakages. To ensure printing success, testing and calculations are necessary.
It's crucial to review and add extra supports as needed for secure printing. By doing so, we can address the fragility concerns and increase the chances of a successful print. Testing and calculations will help determine the optimal placement and size of the additional supports, ensuring that the scaled-up miniature is supported adequately and can be printed without issues.
Can Using Free Bases Help in Scaling Up Miniatures?
Yes, using everyday household items can make mini bases for free. Items like cardboard, sand, rocks, and Popsicle sticks can be repurposed to create custom bases for miniature models. This cost-effective method is perfect for hobbyists looking to expand their miniatures collection without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Other Ways to Save Resin When Scaling up a Miniature?
When scaling up miniatures, there are several ways to save resin. Some techniques include increasing the scale of a hollow model with thicker supports, making a solid model hollow, or modifying supports for thinner ones.
How Can I Determine the Appropriate Scale for My Miniature?
To determine the appropriate scale for my miniature, I consider factors such as desired size, level of detail, and printing capabilities. Experimentation and testing are crucial in finding the perfect scale for a successful and visually appealing final product.
What Are the Potential Risks or Drawbacks of Scaling up a Miniature?
When scaling up a miniature, potential risks and drawbacks include increased resin usage, longer printing times, and the need for additional supports. However, tips for saving resin and determining the appropriate scale can help mitigate these challenges.
Are There Any Specific Materials or Types of Resin That Are Better for Scaling up Miniatures?
Different types of resin for scaling up miniatures include high-resolution resins and tough resins. Achieving smooth surfaces when scaling up can be achieved through careful post-processing, sanding, and using smoothing agents.
Can I Use the Same Scaling up Techniques for Different Types of Miniatures, Such as Figurines or Terrain Pieces?
Yes, you can use the same scaling up techniques for different types of miniatures, like figurines or terrain pieces. There are pros and cons to consider, such as increased detail for figurines but potential fragility for terrain pieces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, scaling up your miniatures can bring a whole new level of detail and impact to your creations. By using techniques such as increasing the scale of a hollow model with support, making solid objects hollow, or modifying supports, you can save on resin usage while still achieving impressive results.
It's important to consider practical tips, limitations, and additional supports to ensure a successful scaling-up process. So, take your miniature game to the next level and optimize your resin usage with these scaling-up techniques.
