If you’re a fan of fantasy, miniatures, or just creative 3D printing, designing a 3D printed Simpal Castle is a perfect project. Castles have captivated us for centuries. From medieval towers to magical kingdoms, they offer the perfect playground for storytelling and design.
“Simpal Castle” refers to a simplified version of a classic fantasy castle. It’s easy to print, doesn’t require supports or advanced skills, and still captures the whimsical magic of a castle with towers, walls, and gates. This guide walks you through how to create a Simpal Castle with your 3D printer, from material selection to printing, assembly, and even painting tips.
Why Print a Simpal Castle?
Here’s why this is an awesome project:
- Beginner-friendly: Minimal parts and easy design
- Great for kids and schools: Teaches design and 3D printing basics
- Customizable: Add towers, doors, windows, or flags
- Useful for tabletop games: Works with DnD, Warhammer, or custom dioramas
- Decorative and educational: Looks great on a shelf or classroom display
Plus, it’s fun. There’s nothing quite like watching your own castle rise from the print bed.
Planning Your Simpal Castle
Start with a concept. A basic Simpal Castle should include:
- Main keep or central tower
- Surrounding walls (either printed as one piece or modular)
- Turrets or watchtowers
- Gate with drawbridge or doors
Use Tinkercad or Fusion 360 to draft your own version, or download a model and modify it. Make sure to slice the castle into manageable pieces if it’s large.
Best Filaments for Castle Projects
Choose based on detail and strength:
- PLA: Great for easy prints and beginner-friendly
- PLA+ or Tough PLA: Better durability and detail
- Silk PLA: Adds a unique sheen for magical looks
- Wood filament: Gives a rustic, old-world texture
If painting later, go with standard PLA to reduce gloss and improve paint adhesion.
Print Settings for Best Results
- Layer height: 0.2 mm for faster prints or 0.1 mm for more detail
- Infill: 15–30% for decorative models
- Wall thickness: 2–3 walls
- Supports: Often not needed; design with overhangs in mind
- Speed: 40–60 mm/s
- Adhesion: Brim helps with large bases
Break large models into smaller pieces and glue them later.
Painting and Finishing Tips
Once printed, bring your castle to life:
- Prime with gray or black spray primer
- Use dry brushing to highlight bricks and edges
- Add moss or vines with green paint or fake foliage
- Detail windows, banners, and doors with fine brushes
- Seal with clear matte coat for protection
You can also add LED lights inside towers or keep for extra magic.
Creative Uses for Your Simpal Castle
- Diorama centerpiece in school or home projects
- Tabletop terrain for RPG and board games
- Bookends or shelf decor
- Fantasy-themed cake topper
- Gift for fans of castles or fantasy fiction
You can scale it up or down based on your printer’s size and your needs.
READ MORE – 3D Printed Scary Things: A Frighteningly Fun Fusion of Art and Technology
FAQs:
1. What makes it a “Simpal” castle?
It’s a simplified version of a full medieval or fantasy castle—easy to print and assemble.
2. Do I need to use supports?
Most Simpal Castle designs avoid steep overhangs, so supports are usually not needed.
3. Can I scale the model to different sizes?
Yes. Just ensure that thin parts, like towers or walls, don’t become too fragile when downsized.
4. What’s the best paint for PLA castles?
Acrylic craft paints work best. Use a primer first for better adhesion.
5. How long does it take to print a Simpal Castle?
It depends on the size, but a basic model takes 4 to 12 hours in total.
Conclusion:
The 3D printed Simpal Castle is a fantastic project for beginners and hobbyists alike. With just a little imagination, you can turn simple shapes into a story-filled fortress that looks great on display or in action. It’s the perfect blend of accessible design, printing practice, and artistic expression.
