3D PrInTIng STeP-by-STeP
The Basics
Ready to turn your character into a 3D-printed miniature? Follow this simple guide.
The easiest place to design your miniature is Hero Forge, an online character creator that lets you recreate your character in 3D. Once you’re happy with the design, you can purchase and download its STL file. An STL is simply the digital 3D model I need to print your mini.
You do not need any knowledge of 3D printing. Just follow the steps below to design your character, download the right file and send it to I Cast Minis.
Step 1 - Design your 3D model
Head to Hero Forge where you’ll begin with a blank character ready to customise.
I recommend using a laptop, desktop computer or tablet if possible. Hero Forge works on a phone, but its more detailed controls can feel fiddly on a smaller screen.
To recreate your character, work through the menus on the left-hand side and choose your options from the panel on the right:
Species: Choose a species as the starting point for your character.
Head: Customise their face, hair, facial hair and other features.
Body: Adjust their build, proportions and height.
Clothing: Dress them in armour, robes, cloaks, boots and accessories.
Gear: Add weapons, spell effects, tools, backpacks and anything else they carry.
Pose: Choose a pose that suits their personality, class or fighting style.
Stage: Choose the base your miniature will stand on.
Helpful tips
- Use the search tool when you’re looking for something specific. It is often much quicker than scrolling through every available item.
- Once you have chosen a pose, open Pose → Advanced to fine-tune the exact position of your character’s body parts and equipment.
- You don't need to colour your character unless you want to for fun. Your miniature will be printed in a single base resin colour, ready for you to paint yourself.
- Save your character to your Hero Forge account as you work, so you can keep refining the design before purchasing it.
Step 2 - Download your STL
Once you’re completely happy with your character:
1. Tap the Buy button at the bottom of the left-hand panel.
2. Scroll to STL Download at the bottom of the right-hand panel.
3. Leave Disable Print Improvements unticked.
4. Add the STL to your cart and complete your purchase.
Leaving Disable Print Improvements unticked allows Hero Forge to adjust any details that may otherwise be too small or delicate to print successfully.
Check your character carefully before purchasing. The STL is fixed at the point you buy it. If you change the design afterwards, you will need to purchase another STL containing the updated version.
Once the file is ready, open your Hero Forge account and visit Digital Downloads to download it. Hero Forge says STL files are normally available within around 15 to 30 minutes of purchase.
The file you download is what you’ll upload to I Cast Minis in the next step.
Step 3 - Upload your STL
Head to the I Cast Minis Hero Forge Printing page.
Choose the size and resin colour you’d like for your character, then upload the STL file you downloaded from Hero Forge directly on the product page before adding your miniature to your basket.
There’s no need to email the file separately. Once you’ve selected your options and your STL has finished uploading, simply add the product to your basket and continue to checkout.
Step 4 - Place your order
Once everything looks right, continue through checkout as normal.
Your 10% welcome discount will be applied automatically to your first order.
After placing your order, you’ll receive an order confirmation straight away. I’ll then get to work printing your mini and let you know as soon as it’s ready for dispatch.
Step 5 - Meet your mini
Once your order is in, I’ll get to work bringing your character to life.
Every miniature is professionally 3D printed in high-detail resin, then carefully washed, cured, inspected and finished by hand to make sure it’s ready for the table. I’ll let you know once it’s on its way to you.
All that’s left to do is introduce your new hero to the rest of the party!
