Hobby articles / 3D Printing and Making
By LootBandit
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To resize a miniature consistently, choose a clearly defined reference measurement and apply the same scale factor to every related part. Then inspect the details that do not tolerate shrinking well, such as wrists, weapons, railings, sockets, and support contacts.
Scaling preserves proportions mathematically. It does not guarantee that the smaller version remains printable, durable, or compatible with a separately purchased base.
Define what the size label means
A ratio such as 1:72 describes a direct relationship to full size. Labels such as “28 mm” and “32 mm” need more context: designers may use different reference points, poses, proportions, and included bases. Do not assume that two downloads with the same label will stand at exactly the same height.
Choose a comparison that matters to the scene. For people, use an agreed anatomical reference on a similar standing pose. For a vehicle, use a known real dimension or a measured feature on a compatible model. For terrain, compare doors and working clearances with the figures or vehicles that will use it.
A crouching figure is a poor height reference for a standing one. A helmet ornament or raised sword should not determine the body scale of an entire collection.
Calculate the percentage
For a measured object, divide the desired dimension by the current dimension, then multiply by 100. If a reference feature measures 40 mm in the file and should measure 32 mm, the calculation is 32 ÷ 40 × 100 = 80%. Apply 80% uniformly to the model.
For scale ratios, divide the original scale denominator by the target denominator. Converting a 1:72 object to 1:48 requires 72 ÷ 48 × 100 = 150%. Converting 1:48 to 1:72 requires approximately 66.67%.
| Change | Calculation | Uniform scale |
|---|---|---|
| 40 mm reference to 32 mm | 32 ÷ 40 × 100 | 80% |
| 1:72 to 1:48 | 72 ÷ 48 × 100 | 150% |
| 1:48 to 1:72 | 48 ÷ 72 × 100 | About 66.67% |
| 60 mm part to 75 mm | 75 ÷ 60 × 100 | 125% |
These examples assume the starting measurement or scale is accurate. Verify the imported dimensions before using the formula.
Keep related parts together
If a miniature consists of a body, arms, equipment, and a base, apply the intended factor consistently to the parts that must remain proportional. PrusaSlicer distinguishes uniform scaling from changes along individual axes; use the appropriate linked-dimension controls in your own slicer.
Check whether the base must remain at a fixed game size. You may need to resize the figure while redesigning its mounting connection to an unchanged base. Scaling the entire assembly without considering that requirement can produce a figure that looks right but no longer fits the game’s footprint.
Keep an untouched original and save the resized assembly as a separate version. Record the factor in the file name or project notes.
Recheck the smallest features
At 80% scale, a 1 mm feature becomes 0.8 mm. A joint’s clearance also shrinks to 80% of its former value. Both changes may matter even when the overall figure still looks convincing on screen.
Formlabs’ wall-thickness guidance explains that printable limits depend on process, material, and the way a feature is supported. Use the design guidance for your actual printer and material rather than one universal minimum thickness.
- Inspect ankles, wrists, spear shafts, and narrow straps.
- Check recessed details and gaps after slicing.
- Review holes, locating pegs, and removable joints.
- Regenerate or review supports for the final size.
- Check hollow sections and cleaning access where applicable.
For a delicate feature, editing the model may be better than enlarging the entire figure. You can preserve the intended overall scale while thickening an inconspicuous connection or replacing a fragile printed rod with another suitable material.
Make a comparison print
Print one representative figure or a useful section before preparing a whole set. Place it beside the collection it must match. Compare body proportions, base height, door clearances, and the way details survive ordinary handling.
Photograph the comparison from a consistent viewpoint and label the factor used. Once the test meets the scene’s needs, save that reference with the project. A documented convention gives you a reliable way to integrate future downloads from different creators.
Sources and further reading
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