3d Printed Board Game Bling

I bought a 3d printer earlier in the year and have greatly enjoyed learning to use it and its associated CAD tools. When I first got it, I looked up models on Thingiverse to replace the boring round chits that came with my Civilization board game. Check out the improvement from cardboard to 3d printed and painted.


It looks great on the table, too.


Recently, I attempted something more ambitious: custom coins with metal slug inserts. It took a little experimentation to find the perfect sizes, but the design itself is pretty simple. This is what I do.

1. 3d print rings, pause the printer, and place a metal slug into each ring
2. Resume printing the top over the slugs
3. Separately, print the bottom side of the coins
4. Glue them together, prime, and paint

You'll note my metal slugs costs about one cent apiece. Very economical!


The metal inserts provide a satisfying heft when you play with the coins. They feel great and, once painted, they look great, too!