Yes, you read right.

This sort of technology has been around for a while but coming right down in price and there are a few

offerings out there (and probably more)

http://wiki.makerbot.com/cupcake

http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page

RepRap is focued on self-replication. A printer that prints itself. I love that idea.

Anyway, I read an article on this at the weekend and suddenly thought it would be great for people producing minatures of their

created characters. In fact, I originally thought it could be used to build a 3D board....

Not sure if the resolution would be good enough.

This is right, and actually I am getting prepared for this. I am learning the program called ZBrush. It is a sculpting program and using a Z-Printer (3d printer) you can print out your creations. ZBrush is also used to create models for movies and computer games.

Check out Youtube for more.

1. Create 3D model on your computer
2. Print out on your 3D printer
3. Wolla, you have a miniature ready for play

As I know, it should be possible to get your hands on a good quality 3D Printer for less than 550 £ in about two years from now. But things may change - you never know with tecnology.

I will be one of the first to get one, thats for sure. Imagine that I sculpt a miniature on my computer for Talisman and just send it to you. Then you could print it out at home. I know they have created 3D printers that also print out with colors.

You could print out a 3D board. You just have to print it out in smaller parts and glue it together. Take a look at this giant who came from a 3D printer:

Cheers

Cool stuff.

I have not seen ZBrush before - though looks like you have to pay for it. I am not talented enough to spend money.

I did play around with Blender a while back, more my price... ;-)

These applications are so complicated though. I even tried a demo of Maya once, without a manual. Lost!

I do have a pen/tablet now though so that would make it easier.

Have you seen FaceGen ? That looks really cool for doing faces. Again too much dosh for me though.

BanthaFodder said:

It is indeed more easy with a pen/tablet. The cost og a license to ZBrush is $595

I have not tried the other programs you describe. FaceGen looks pretty cool, but I think ZBrush can do the job for me as well.

I have not yet startet with ZBrush for real, just playing around in the funktions. I have printet out a manual (484 pages).
I like having a manual in front of me when learning a program. I do not like to switch screen all the time and do not have the possibility to make a two monitor system.