How to 3D Print Your HeroForge Model: 1 Minute to Transform Your Design into Reality

3D printing your HeroForge model allows you to bring your imaginative tabletop or gaming character to life as a physical miniature. The process is accessible whether you want to order directly from HeroForge or 3D print at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your custom figurine on your shelf.

Step 1: Design & Export Your Model

Begin by creating your character with the HeroForge online model creator. You can customize race, pose, equipment, and more. Once satisfied, you have two options:

1. Order from HeroForge: For hands-off printing, HeroForge offers to 3D print and ship your model in various materials (standard plastic, premium plastic, or even metals).
2. Print at Home: Download the STL or OBJ file (available through HeroForge’s “Digital Download” purchase option) for home or third-party printing.

Step 2: Prepare Your 3D Print File

If printing at home, use a slicer software (like Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Lychee Slicer) to prepare the STL/OBJ file. This involves orienting the model, scaling if needed, and generating supports to ensure successful printing.

Step 3: Choose Your Printer & Material

For the best results, opt for a resin (SLA/DLP) 3D printer, which offers high detail and smooth surfaces—ideal for miniatures. Filament (FDM) printers can work, but may result in more visible layer lines and less detail.

Popular material choices for figurines include standard gray resin or specialty miniature resins for crisp detail.

Step 4: Print the Model

Send the sliced file to your 3D printer, making sure your print bed is level and the resin or filament is loaded correctly. Resin prints need UV curing afterwards; FDM prints may require some post-processing to remove supports and smooth out surfaces.

Step 5: Post-processing & Painting

After printing, carefully remove supports, wash the model in isopropyl alcohol (for resin prints), and cure if needed. Sand down any imperfections. Finally, prime and paint your miniature to bring it to life!

As a designer, I always encourage evaluating the layout and details before printing—think about the pose, base stability, and even how shadows will fall when the model stands on your table. Digital modeling tools with advanced 3D render home capabilities can help you visualize your miniature in various real-world settings before you commit to a print, helping avoid wasted materials and ensuring your final piece fits your gaming environment perfectly.

Tips 1:

Always check the minimum detail and overhang capability of your 3D printer, especially for small weapons, fingers, or facial features. These tiny elements sometimes require special supports or a slightly thicker design adaptation.

FAQ

Q: Can I legally 3D print HeroForge models at home?

A: Yes, if you purchase the digital download from HeroForge, you're granted a license to print for personal, non-commercial use.

Q: What type of printer is best for HeroForge models?

A: Resin (SLA/DLP) printers are preferred due to their finer detail, which is crucial for miniature models.

Q: How do I avoid print failures or lost details?

A: Use proper supports, orient the model thoughtfully, and avoid printing very thin elements. Preview the sliced layers beforehand.

Q: How can I paint my finished miniature?

A: After cleaning and priming, use acrylic paints with fine brushes. Apply thin bases and build up highlights and shadows for best effect.

Q: Should I hollow out my model before printing?

A: Hollowing saves resin but requires proper drainage holes. Some slicing software can handle this, but always check for weak spots or trapped uncured resin.