Miniature Printing (TTRPG)

So! You want a DnD Mini

( or any other small colorful statue)

This is the guide for you!

Here we will take a model made in HeroForge, an online miniature-making application, and format the files for you to print right here in the DCI Lab.

Please note this process is not exclusive to HeroForge minis, but they're the example we'll be using.

Software & Supplies

HeroForge is a free online tool to create miniatures for Dungeons & Dragons as well as other tabletop RPGs. The design process is free but note that in order to download a model for this use, you will have to purchase it. If you do, in order to print in color you will need to buy the "3D Tabletop Download" version for $7.99. This is the only version with color, do not buy the plain STL.

If you are not comfortable spending money or simply are not yet finished with your mini, HERE is a sample file for you to use.

Necessary Software:

Asset Studio (free online from github OR this link)
Photoshop (free with school Adobe account)
Maya (free with school Autodesk account)
Keyshot (Trial version // available on DCI computers)
Grabcad (required to use DCI computer version)

Unpacking in Asset Studio

We'll be using the "3d-tabletop compatible" version because it has color information for your model. However, the file we receive is inaccessible in its raw state. So we have to unpack the file to split it up into usable parts.

Unzip the AssetStudio file and locate AssetStudioGUI.exe. Open it.
Go to File > Load File (top left) and select the Demo Mini. It is a unity.3d file.
Select Asset List from the viewports. You should now see a variety of extracted assets.

We'll be downloading 3 assets:

1. "default"

This is the 3d model data. This is what you would get from the stl purchase.

2. "diffuse"

THIS_MODEL_texture_diffuse
This provides the basic color.

3. "occlusion"

THIS_MODEL_texture_occlusion
These are calculated shadows from corners and overlap on the model. Note that this provides much more definition, such as on the face.

Right-click & Export these Three Assets

Either in batch or one at a time, save somewhere accessible. We'll be using them in the next steps.

They should automatically create Mesh and Texture2d subfolders wherever they are saved.

Texture Correction & Customization

Here we'll take a quick detour to Photoshop to make some texture edits. Although the diffuse is useable as it is, by layering the occlusion on top, we can achieve a greater illusion of depth, which is crucial at this small scale.

File > Open Diffuse

Don't make a new document! Just open the Diffuse PNG directly.

File > Place Embedded > Occlusion

The automated import ensures the two maps are aligned correctly.

Set Occlusion to Multiply

The occlusion should import as the top layer. Right Click on it and rasterize. You will not be able to edit unless you do so! (This removes the small icon on the preview)
Now click on "Normal", then select "Multiply" from the menu. This should instantly give your texture much more visual depth.

without

with occlusion-multiply

Export as PNG

File > Export as PNG. Save in the same folder for ease of access. It's best not to save over the base diffuse file in case edits need to be made later.

Model Check

Now we'll be working in Maya. Open up the program and start a new scene.

File > Import your model file. It Will Import Sideways. Do Not Panic.
Click on your model. It should now be covered in green lines. You have selected the model in object mode. This means you'll edit it as a whole.
Press E to go into the rotate menu. 3 circles should appear around your model; these correspond to the axes. Clicking and dragging on them will rotate the model in that direction. Hold J (this increments movement) and click on the appropriate axis (usually red), dragging until it ratchets to 90 degrees. You should only have to make one rotation.

1. object mode + E for rotate

2. J + 90 degrees

(model is doubled for demonstration)

Applying Textures

Right click and Hold on your model. A long menu will show up. Mouse down to the bottom and select "Add Favorite Material"
select the "Lambert" from the second menu.
navigate to to Attribute Editor (vertical meu) then Lambert# (horizontal). You should see Color as the top option.
Click on the Checkerboard at the end of the slider. Select "File" from the option menu to allow imports.
You should automatically be put into the color menu. If not, click on the arrow-box that replaced the checkerboard. Click on the Folder Icon by Image Name and import the edited diffuse file.
If your texture does not show up, press 6. This turns on textures. If you still can't see them, try the process again or find help.

attribute editor > lambert#

(on the right of your screen)

File (top, blue square)

click on the checkerboard by the color option.

color (file1) > Image Name

Click on the arrowbox that replaced the checkerboard. Click the folder icon by image name and find your diffuse.

Congrats!

You should now have something like this.

For the next step: Export as an OBJ.

Go to file > export all and set the filetype to obj.
(If you are an advanced maya user and have multiple objects in the scene, select only what you want to print and use export selected instead)

Keyshot Filetype Correction

This is, dare we say it, the easiest step. We'll be using Keyshot to turn your .OBJ into a .3MF, which is what the slicing software GrabCad takes as input.

Open Keyshot and Import your model. The only important setting is turn Enable Quick Import ON.

Your model should come into the screen textured. ((if your window is lagging, lower the CPU cores to 50% or less in the top left corner))

The model, properly imported

Export Settings

To Export, go to File > Export > Export 3mf

A 3mf is the only filetype we can use in Grabcad.

Do not set your settings higher than shown or your print will have errors!

Sizing & Setup for Printing

Welcome to GrabCad!

This software preps and slices your models for the Stratasys.

You need to do this on a DCI lab computer. Only the lab computers have access to the printer.

Note! If you are printing multiple minis, arrange them in a long line, parallel to the long end of the tray. This will print much faster, as the printer head makes horizontal sweeps.

1. Model Check

Click on the Analysis Mode icon (Dotted-line cube) in top right and Repair to let Grabcad fix mistakes in the model.

2. Tray Settings

Gear over square icon. Click on "Change"
Click "get printer's loaded materials". materials may not move but it's necessary to verify. Save
Set the printer to High Quality (for better details)

3. Sizing

Standard TTRPG models are 1.5 inches tall. Your Heroforge model should import at the right size (Though extra horns, weapons, effects etc may change the height slightly)

Printing

Once you hit "print" in the bottom right, the slicer will prepare your model. This may take a couple seconds. It will then give you a summary that includes several helpful pieces of info:

1. Double-check your print settings on the right.
2. Check the time taken in the bottom left. If you can't be there to pick up your printed model, let a staff member know.
3. Refresh on the support removal methods if necessary. Remember that these models print fully covered in support material.

4. Most importantly: MAKE SURE THE PRINTER IS CLEAN. The Stratasys must be cleaned in between every print. Always check with a staff member before starting a print on the Stratasys!

5. Once the print is sent off, You'll need to 'OK' it on the Stratasys' computer. Then your print should start!

Nice job! In a few hours you should have a unique miniature that will make your ttrpg experiences extra vivid and personal.

If you have any issues with the process, just let a staff member know. We're happy to assist!

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