Warhammer 40,000
Warhammer 40K is a miniature wargame where highly detailed figures are central to gameplay. The game’s deep lore and faction variety make customization a huge part of the experience, which is exactly why 3D printing has become so popular among players.
Can you 3D print Warhammer models?
Yes, you can 3D print Warhammer-style figures.
However, there are two main barriers:
- Access to a quality 3D model (CAD file)
- Access to a 3D printer or service
Every 3D print starts with a CAD file. This file contains the geometry that tells the printer how to build the model layer by layer. Without it, nothing gets made.
Where Do You Get Warhammer 3D Models?
There are many online marketplaces and communities where users share or sell miniature files. These range from:
- Free community-created models
- Paid premium sculpts
- Custom-designed figures
This is often the biggest hurdle, not the printing itself.
If you don’t own a printer, service providers like JawsTec make it easy to upload a file and have it professionally produced. Different providers specialize in different processes, which impacts quality, cost, and finish.
Is It Illegal to 3D Print Warhammer Models?
This is where things get nuanced.
Short answer: It depends.
Legal:
- Creating or printing original designs inspired by Warhammer
- Printing files that are legally sold or shared by their creators
Potentially illegal:
- Downloading or selling copyrighted models that replicate official designs from Games Workshop
- Distributing copies of protected models
Games Workshop owns the intellectual property behind Warhammer. Directly copying their exact models without permission can violate copyright law.
Is 3D Printing Allowed in Warhammer 40K Games?
Casual play:
Yes, most casual groups are fine with 3D printed models, especially if they are clearly identifiable and match the intended unit.
Official tournaments:
Usually, no. Official events run by Games Workshop often require:
- Authentic models
- Limited or approved modifications
So, if you are asking, “Is it okay to 3D print Warhammer?” Yes, for personal and casual use but can be limited or restricted in competitive settings.
Can I 3D Print My Own Warhammer Models?
Absolutely, and this is where 3D printing stands out.
Customization is a core part of Warhammer. Players already:
- Create custom factions
- Modify armor and weapons
- Paint unique color schemes
3D printing takes this further by letting you:
- Design entirely unique units
- Modify existing models digitally
- Create parts that do not exist commercially
Cost: Is 3D Printing Cheaper Than Buying Warhammer Models?
It can be.
Traditional Warhammer miniatures can get expensive, especially for large armies. With 3D printing:
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling):
Lower cost, decent quality, good for bulk units
MJF or SLS (nylon-based processes):
Higher detail, stronger parts, smoother finish
For example, materials like PA12 Smooth, used in Multi Jet Fusion, can produce highly detailed, durable miniatures with a premium feel.
Faster Customization and Painting
One underrated advantage of 3D printing is color integration.
Instead of starting from a gray model:
- Print using colored filament
- Dye parts during post-processing
Example:
If your Space Marine chapter uses yellow armor, you can start with a yellow base print, saving significant painting time and effort.
This lets you focus on:
- Fine details
- Weathering
- Personal touches
How to 3D Print Your Own Warhammer Models
Printing your own Warhammer-style miniatures is a short pipeline: legal file → right process → print → prep → paint. Here’s the practical path most hobbyists follow.
1. Start with a file you’re allowed to print
Use original sculpts, fan designs sold or shared by their creators, or models you design yourself. Skip anything that copies Games Workshop’s official geometry as it can fall into copyright territory. Your print is only as good as the STL or OBJ you upload—look for clean topology, supported overhangs, and a scale that matches 28mm / 32mm if you’re mixing with existing kits.
2. Pick a print process that fits the model
- FDM (home printers): Cheap and fine for bulk troops or terrain. Layer lines show more, so plan on sanding or a heavier paint job.
- MJF or SLS (nylon): Stronger, more detailed parts with less visible layering—better for heroes, vehicles, and anything you’ll handle a lot. Materials like PA12 Smooth hold crisp edges and take dye or primer well.
- Resin / SLA: Sharp detail for character models; more fragile until primed and sealed.
If you don’t own a printer, upload the file to a service, choose the material, and order only what you need—no army-sized minimum.
3. Dial in scale and orientation before you hit print
Miniatures are small, so check scale against a known base size (e.g. 25mm or 32mm). Orient for strength on thin parts (weapons, antennas) and to hide layer lines on flatter armor faces. Hollow large models when the process allows it; leave drain holes so powder or resin doesn’t trap inside.
4. Print, then prep like any other miniature
Remove supports carefully, wash or depowder as the process requires, then prime. Nylon prints can be dyed for a base color before primer if you want to cut painting time. Fill tiny pits, check thin bits for warping, and dry-fit bases before glue.
5. Paint and field it
Treat the print like plastic kit plastic: primer, base coats, washes, highlights. For casual games, as long as the unit is clearly identifiable, most tables are fine. Save official GW kits for tournaments that require them.
Quick path if you already have a file: Upload your STL or STEP to JawsTec’s instant quote, pick MJF nylon or another process, and get durable miniatures without running a printer yourself.
Final Verdict
Is 3D printing allowed in Warhammer 40K? Yes, for personal use and casual play, it can be restricted in official settings
Is it illegal to 3D print Warhammer models? Legal if the design is original or properly licensed, could be illegal if copying official models.
Can you 3D print your own Warhammer models? Absolutely, and it is one of the best ways to customize your army.