Miniature Production Process: From 3D Design to Finished Game-Ready Figures

Creating high‑quality miniatures for board games requires precision, planning, and a clear production workflow. At Starry Games, we follow a structured, transparent process to ensure every figure—from the simplest meeple to the most complex character sculpt—meets your expectations for detail, durability, and consistency.

This guide walks you through each stage of our miniature manufacturing process, based entirely on the steps outlined in our official production documentation.

---

1. Submitting Your Design Files

To begin production, we require your STP or STL files, along with six-angle reference images (front, back, left, right, top, bottom). As stated in the PDF:

“Please ensure that all details in your designs are visible to the naked eye.”

If needed, our team can help enhance or adjust details to ensure the design is suitable for molding and mass production.

---

2. Design Review & Optimization

Once we receive your final files, our engineers review them to confirm they are mold‑ready.

This stage may include:

• Adjusting undercuts

• Thickening fragile areas

• Improving detail visibility

• Ensuring proper draft angles for injection molding

---

3. Down Payment

After design approval, production begins with the required down payment:

• Tooling: 50% upfront, balance before mass production

• Mass Production: 40% deposit, balance before shipment

---

4. Prototyping

We create wax replicas, followed by silicone master molds, then resin tooling masters. You will receive photos for approval before tooling begins.

---

5. Mold‑Making & Tooling

After prototype approval, we produce steel molds for injection. These molds remain stored in our factory for future reprints.

---

6. First Injection Samples

We run the first injection using your Pantone color, size, and design specifications.

Only after your approval do we proceed to mass production.

---

7. Mass Production

Your miniatures are manufactured using industrial injection machines. We monitor production closely and provide updates throughout the process.

You will receive final production samples before assembly.

---

8. Painting (Optional)

We offer:

• Unpainted miniatures

• Pre-painted miniatures

• High-detail premium painting

Painting increases project complexity and lead time, but significantly enhances visual impact.

---

9. Assembly & Packaging

Once all components are approved, we begin assembly based on your game’s complexity.

---

Estimate Miniature Production Timeline

Stage	Lead Time
Submitting Design	1 week
Design Review & Optimization	1–2 weeks
Down Payment	1 week
Prototyping	1–2 weeks
Mold-Making & Tooling	6 weeks
First Injection Approval	1–2 weeks
Mass Production	4–6 weeks
Assembly & Packaging	1–2 weeks