The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing 3D Printed Warhammer Models: Options, Tips and Solutions
The world of Warhammer has captivated gamers and collectors for decades with its intricate lore and intricately designed miniatures. However, over time, building an army using official Games Workshop kits can become prohibitively expensive. Enter 3D printing—A revolutionary technology that democratizes custom, affordable, and unique models. Whether you’re a competitive player expanding your roster or a hobbyist building dioramas, 3D printed warhammers unleash unprecedented creativity. But where can you reliably buy these models? This guide explores all options from DIY solutions to quality professional services.
1. Online 3D Marketplace: Where Accessibility Meets Diversity
platform: Etsy, eBay, Cults3D, MyMiniFactory
- advantage:
- Massive selection: Thousands of Warhammer compatible agent models, conversion kits, custom designs.
- Preview and review: Evaluate an artist’s work through photos and buyer feedback.
- Preprinted model: Ready-to-ship options eliminate the hassle of DIY.
- shortcoming:
- Quality difference: Detailed resolution depends on seller’s printer and materials.
- No customization: Limited customization for specific needs.
Suitable: Creatives looking for a unique legion of fast deliveries. Search keywords such as "40k proxy" or "Sigma STL."
2. Print on demand service: easily achieve professional output
Serve: Shapeways, Craftcloud, i.materialise
- process:
- Purchase/download Warhammer-compatible STL files (from Patreon creator or STL repository).
- Upload files to the platform.
- Select material (resin/nylon/metal) and finish (primed/painted/unfinished).
- advantage: Maintain consistent quality with industrial printers; supports metal and premium resins.
- shortcoming: Unit costs are higher; lead times for production + shipping are longer.
Suitable: Detail-oriented hobbyist who doesn’t own a printer.
3. Directly from STL Artists and Mini Creators
Source: Patreon campaigns, Kickstarters, artist storefronts
- How it works:
- Subscription model: Join Patreon creators (eg OnePageRules, The Makers Cult) for monthly STL releases.
- Pre-printed box: Artists sell physical prints through a Shopify store or Gumroad.
- advantage: Exclusive designs; community access; discounts for customers.
- shortcoming: Quantities are limited and may sell out; license restricts commercial resale.
Suitable: Players who pursue rare agents and trend-setting designs.
4. DIY Printing: Ultimate Control and Scalability
step:
- Source STL: Buy files from marketplaces like MyMiniFactory or CGTrader.
- Print: Print Warhammer-level detail using a resin printer such as the Elegoo Mars 4.
- Post-processing: Clean, cure and assemble the model.
- advantage: Lowest cost per model; complete creative freedom.
- shortcoming: Equipment investment ($300-$1000); steep learning curve.
Suitable: Large army builder in the 40k/LoTR range.
5. Professional Industrial Services: Unparalleled Precision and Durability
Serve: glow rapid prototyping
For collectors who require museum-quality resilience, especially durable metal display pieces or tournament-grade miniatures, industrial prototyping experts offer unparalleled advantages:
- Metal 3D printing: Leverage SLM (Selective Laser Melting) Tech companies like GreatLight make titanium, steel or aluminum
