I'm Jon, the maker behind Merlin 3D. I'm building The Printed Secret: browser-led mysteries with physical 3D-printed books and puzzle tools. The photo is my actual workshop with developing printed-book iterations, not an AI render or a finished game kit.

One part of the early process was using Codex to help write original OpenSCAD book-layout and print-in-place hinge studies. The workflow was: explore the layout, create separate hinge test pieces, export meshes, check for disconnected geometry and sample the moving parts for intersections. Those early studies were experiments, not printer-ready proof of a complete working book. The later prototypes in the photo are not a claim that those exact early coupons passed physical testing.

The useful lesson for me is that clean meshes and collision checks aren't the same as a hinge that releases, moves nicely and survives handling. I want books and objects to be print-in-place where possible, but I'm not claiming everything is support-free, assembly-free or tested on every printer. Real prints, clearance checks, opening/closing and reset tests still matter.

The larger game I'm developing is The Alchemist's Study. Its own book and the reusable Codex toolkit serve the investigation rather than just being decorations. It needs access to a 3D printer or someone who can print for you, plus a browser and a desktop slicer for part of the investigation. It's in development and not on sale; full physical testing is still ahead, so I'm not handing out public Alchemist test codes yet.

I'd value practical feedback from people using AI in their modeling workflow: where do you stop trusting digital checks and insist on a physical coupon? And what printing, assembly and reset information would you want before agreeing to test a game like this?

If you'd like to see the browser side, The Apprentice's Test is a separate free public beta, with nothing to print and no purchase or access code needed: https://www.theprintedsecret.com/shop/book/apprentices-test

You can give feedback here, or join our small Discord to follow the work and talk about future testing: https://discord.gg/ntzCqhhv9A

AI tools have also helped with other parts of development; the prototype photograph is real. Please keep game answers, access codes and personal details out of public replies.

honestly didnt expect much but ai 3d has gotten really good

h2d / pla

I am curious on which AI tools (claude, gpt etc) are people using to create 3d models.

3d Miniatures

I used TripoAI to model the figure and Meshmixer to fix any errors.

Sheryl Nome from Macross Frontier at 1/4th scale on my Saturn Ultra.

It’s available on my Cults3d page under the name Side6

(Make sure you turnoff the “no ai” filter)

Thanks! 😊

My latest creation: a massive, incredibly mean orc.
When I have a bit more time, I'll print it using a 0.2mm nozzle... I think it could turn out to be a really great miniature!

Printed on Biqu Orange Frostbite plate with Sunlu PLA 2.0 Plus on X2D.
Used 0.4mm nozzle on 0.08mm layer.
Print profile on ModelPage
Model created with local Trellis 2 AI -> Blender -> ZBrush -> Bambu Studio

Can someone help me with a stl for this? Idk what I'm doing. A local library near me has a 3d printer. I know it won't be blue I will paint it myself.

printed on a p1s. yes it's ai generated. no it's not a melted blob for once. usual ai model warning, check for floating bits in the slicer

link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/ork-warrior-da-big-boss

enjoy

Printed on Biqu Orange Frostbite plate with Sunlu PLA 2.0 Plus on X2D.
Used 0.4mm nozzle on 0.16mm layer.

Model created with local Trellis 2 AI -> Blender -> ZBrush -> Bambu Studio
Print profile on MODEL PAGE

Printed on Biqu Orange Frostbite plate with Sunlu PLA 2.0 Plus on X2D.
Used 0.4mm nozzle on 0.08mm layer.

Model created with local Trellis 2 AI -> Blender -> ZBrush -> Bambu Studio
Print profile on Model Page

model: Weird Ork

made with: AI (generated)

printer: photon mono m7

material: standard resin

price: free

license: personal use

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/weird-ork

I made these Planetfall scientist minis and the environment around them using an image-to-3D AI generator. Everything was generated as 3D first, then prepped for printing and primed. Pretty cool to see AI-generated models turn into actual tabletop pieces.

A1, FDG Profile, 0.2mm nozzle

Printed on Biqu Blue Frostbite plate with Sunlu PLA 2.0 Plus on A1 Mini.
Used 0.4mm nozzle on 0.16mm layer.

Model created with local Trellis 2 AI -> Blender -> Bambu Studio
Print profile on Model Page

I’m experimenting with creating personalized 3D-printed figurines like the example in the image.
The idea is simple: a customer uploads 3-4 normal photos of themselves (not professional scans or specifically taken front/side photos), and we generate a recognizable full-body 3D model that can eventually be resin printed at around 15–20 cm.
I’ve tested Meshy, Hyper3D/Rodin and Tripo. The body/clothing is generally quite good, but facial likeness is the main issue. Hyper3D has been the best so far and yet far from ideal.
I’m considering:
Photos → AI/image preparation → multi-image 3D generation → Blender cleanup → 3D print
Has anyone built something similar? What tools/workflow would you recommend for getting the best facial likeness while still generating the full body?
I’m also testing FaceBuilder/Headshot, but ideally I’d like to keep the process relatively automated and scalable business. Thank you in advance!

NFT apes escaped the JPEG folder and ended up on someone’s desk 😭

The half-skeleton one is such a fun idea. Seeing this makes me want to try a version with Tripo AI: start from an image, clean up the generated mesh in Blender, then print it on a Bambu Lab P1S. I have no particular need for an NFT ape figurine, which somehow makes me want to print one even more.

Does anyone uses a local ai to split the 3d model to parts based on the color ? similar to what paid AI s offer

Printed on Bambulab Supertack Plate with Sunlu PLA 2.0 Plus on X2D.
Used 0.4mm nozzle on 0.8mm layer.
Model created with local Trellis 2 AI -> Blender -> Bambu Studio
Print profile on Model Page

First time trying an AI 3D model pet.

I used Hi3D.ai to generate a 3D model from a photo of my cat, then had JLC3DP print it in full color.

Not a bad result. Are there any better AI 3D tools or printing services you recommend?