NEW ERA OF TABLETOP WORLD MODELS
For quite some time we’ve been working in direction of 3D sculpting and printing. However, we didn’t want to switch to this new technology if it meant loosing the level of details and textures on our models, both because of the printers which were not on desired level and the lack of knowledge on our part when it came to digital sculpting. We were especially concerned about stone. Since we always used real stone when making models (which is kind of our trademark), sculpting it digitally to the same level of realism presented the biggest challenge.
Today’s 3D printers are powerful machines and our skills in 3D sculpting are on high level so it’s time to embrace this new technology which clearly is the future of model making.
So by reaching the desired level of realism and highest level of details, the only obstacle in switching to 3D printing has been breached and only pros remained! So let’s talk about the pros:
- ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES WHEN DESIGNING THE MODELS. We don’t have to consider the molding and casting process anymore and worry about technical issues such as undercuts and positioning that limit our creativity. 3D printing also gives us many options when it comes to functionality of the models (things like doors and shutters, interchangeable parts, pin and hole systems, etc.).
- NO LOSS OF QUALITY. Although we take great care to make new molds as soon as the old ones start to get worn down and the models visibly degraded, the loss of quality with each casting is inevitable. With 3D printing each print of the model is perfect no meter the number! Apart from that, there is no chance of mold lines and air bubbles. 🙂
- PRODUCTION SPEED. Printers can work 24/7 and we don’t have to worry about re-making the molds which requires a lot of time and which we have to do often. Also, the cleaning of the models takes significantly less time. All this means faster delivery to you guys!
- PRICING. The faster and more efficient production means lower prices!
Now let’s see some examples of our 3D models. After a lot of testing with stone, this is one of the variants we really like. As you can see, you would’n be able to tell the difference between walls that we made from real stones and the 3D sculpted one. It’s even better in many regards!
When it comes to the details such as various accessories, 3D sculpting is by far superior! You can zoom in and work on the smallest details! Also the printers allow you to make details like these stems on the cherries or this lantern handle, which would be impossible to make using silicone molds and vacuum casting due to their fragile nature.
Regarding the bigger structures like Brewery, which we already designed and started to 3D sculpt, we still have to figure out and test things. That’s why we want to go step by step in a logical manner and get back to it when there are no more unknowns. We know that many of you are waiting for the Brewery model but we want to test everything on accessories and smaller structures first. We hope you understand our logic and have some patience left. 😉
Our next kickstarter project will be a Marketplace (you’ve just seen a little sneak peek :)) which will feature stands, loads of different accessories, carts, barrels, tools, food etc. We think it’s gonna be awesome! No Market like this on the market. 😀 It will replace most of the kits in our Accessories range. It will also include the new Town Square tiles system which will allow you to build the market of any size and shape or pave your alleys and roads!
Follow the project on kickstarter to get notified on launch:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tabletopworld/tabletop-worlds-market-28-32mm-3d-printed-terrain
After the Market we will move to smaller structures, like cottages and simple townhouses. Then we will get back to finishing the mighty Brewery!
Now, this doesn’t mean that the old models are going out of production. We are still going to cast them in resin. At least for now. 🙂
Cheers guys,
Tabletop World team