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How to Make & Sell Your Own Bits With Shapeways

By Rob Baer | August 22nd, 2017 | Categories: 3D Printing, Editorials, Warhammer 40k
pop goes the monkey
Check out how you can 3D model your very own miniatures or bits using Shapeways, and just who they are and what they actually do.

As we mentioned previously, online consumer printing service and marketplace, Shapeways, has been a popular destination for bits and we’re psyched to see they’re making an effort to demystify 3D modeling by rolling out some how-to tutorials— and taking the time to explain the whole thing for our readers.

We sat down recently with Shapeways Community Manager Andrew Simon Thomas and got him to break it all down for us

Table of Contents & Article Summary show

What is Shapeways?

 We’re a 3D printing Service and Marketplace, so you can upload a 3D model to our website and we’ll automatically quote you in over 60 different materials and finishes and ship your unique 3D print to your home. You can also open a shop on Shapeways to sell 3D printed products like Etsy: we have over 35,000 independent shops for a huge range of communities, including wargaming.

What kind of quality and level of detail can I expect?

 For wargamers, the great thing about Shapeways is that we have tons of custom bits and complete model kits. Instead of the lower quality, consumer grade desktop printers, Shapeways uses all industrial materials and processes so the level of quality is on par with cast resins. We have a material called Frosted Ultra Detail that picks up paint extremely well. We have another material called Black High Definition Acrylate that’s really popular resin for tabletop gaming miniatures.
pop goes the monkey new chapterhouse bits

How do I browse your catalog?

 You can head over to our table and wargaming section of the marketplace here. We have a bunch of shops run by huge wargaming fans such as Pop goes the Monkey, Plokoone, and Gadgets + that are really popular for the 40k crowd.
 

Why has Shapeways become so popular for wargaming?

The great thing about Shapeways is that everything is custom-made and user generated, so we have a massive catalog of unique cool products. Wargamers love to customize their armies and Shapeways has a lot of things that aren’t available anywhere else. Since each part is printed to order, we’re also a great option when you don’t want to buy a whole kit just to get a few bits.

How can I make my own one-of-a-kind minis?

 There are a few ways that you can get started. If you already know 3D design software you can go straight to Shapeways and upload your 3D model file. If you’re looking to learn how to 3D design you should check out my tutorial on making your own tabletop miniature here. You can also find a professional 3D designer to hire to help you here.

How do I open my own store on Shapeways so I can sell my minis?

 It’s really easy! You just make an account, set up your PayPal account (so you can get paid) and set your prices on products. We have some really great resources on how to sell your products here.
 Here’s my hhort list of Shapeways tabletop miniatures sellers to check out.

Have you ever used Shapeways for modeling your own minis or for selling? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

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About the Author: Rob Baer

rob avatar face

Rob Baer

Job Title: Managing Editor

Founded Spikey Bits in 2009

Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X

About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.

Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls. 

Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.

Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.

With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.

While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.

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