3D Scale Calculator
3D GDLJ • Precision Scale Modeling & Slicer Toolkit
1/87 (HO) 1/64 1/50 1/43 1/35 1/24 1/18 1/14 1/12
Calculated Model Size
0.00 mm
Centimeters: 0.00 cm
Inches: 0.00 in
Slicer Scale Factor (Scale %)
37.50 %
💡 Enter this percentage directly into the Scale field in Chitubox / Lychee Slicer.
1/64 1/50 1/43 1/35 1/24 1/12
Miniature Dimensions (L × W × H)
4.6 × 2.2 × 1.4 mm
Ideal for 3D master molds, silicone casting, plaster, or miniature dioramas.
Estimated Material Cost
$0.00
Cost per Gram: $0.025
⚡ Excludes post-processing IPA, power, and support material.

📚 Materials & Scale Modeling Engineering Guide

Precision scale modeling and miniature reproduction require choosing the proper materials and accounting for shrinkage, viscosity, and curing behavior. Below is an overview of the core materials used in 3D printing, silicone mold making, and architectural casting.

🧪 3D Printing UV Resins

Photosensitive resins cure layer by layer using 405nm UV light. Essential considerations include:

  • Standard Photopolymer: High detail resolution, fast exposure, but can be brittle under mechanical stress.
  • Water-Washable Resins: Easy post-processing with water, reducing IPA consumption, ideal for miniatures.
  • Volumetric Shrinkage: Typical shrinkage ranges from 1.0% to 2.5%. Compensate by slightly upscaling master prints.

🏺 RTV-2 Liquid Silicone

Two-component Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV-2) silicone rubber used for precision mold making:

  • Shore A Hardness: Softer silicones (Shore A 10–15) allow easy demolding of intricate undercuts, while Shore A 25–30 provides structural rigidity for multi-cavity brick molds.
  • Vacuum Degassing: Degassing the mixture in a vacuum chamber before pouring eliminates air bubbles and micro-pinholes.
  • Curing Incompatibility: UV resin prints can inhibit platinum cure silicone; always ensure complete curing or use tin-cure silicone.

🧱 Casting Media (Plaster & Resin)

Used to cast scale bricks, tiles, miniature building walls, and structural diorama components:

  • Gypsum & Dental Stone: Produces realistic matte textures, absorbs washes cleanly, and cures with minimal linear expansion (~0.1%).
  • Polyurethane (Fast-Cast) Resin: Two-part liquid plastic with extremely low viscosity, rapid 10-15 minute demold time, and high durability.
  • Micro-Cement Accords: Excellent for 1/24 to 1/50 architectural blocks, providing authentic grain and weight.

⚙️ Slicer Scaling & Tolerances

Best practices for resizing digital STL/OBJ 3D models across varied scale ratios:

  • Wall Thickness Inspection: When scaling down (e.g. 1/14 to 1/64), ensure thin features (mirrors, wipers, railings) maintain at least 0.6 mm thickness for printability.
  • Uniform Scaling: Always keep uniform scaling (X, Y, Z locked) unless purposely adjusting for anisotropic resin shrinkage.

Common Scale Ratios Reference Table

Scale Ratio Common Industry Application Real 1 Meter (1000 mm) Equals
1/87 (H0) Model Railroads, Dioramas, Tiny Scenery 11.49 mm
1/64 Diecast Cars, Trucks, Pocket Miniatures 15.62 mm
1/50 Heavy Machinery, Cranes, Construction Equipment 20.00 mm
1/43 Classic European Automotive Collectibles 23.25 mm
1/35 Military Armor, Figures, Tanks, Diorama Sets 28.57 mm
1/24 Static Model Car Kits, Trucks, Large Scale Figures 41.67 mm
1/18 Large Scale Display Cars & Detailed Interiors 55.55 mm
1/14 RC Hydraulic Trucks, Excavators, Commercial Trailers 71.42 mm
1/12 Action Figures, Dollhouses, High-End Motorcycles 83.33 mm
Powered by 3D GDLJ • Engineered for 3D Printing, Silicone Molds & Scale Modeling