Update: Wow! I didn't expect this to blow up prior to me posting the deck generator. MakerWorld is planning enhancements for OpenSCAD integration in the next couple months, so it shouldn't be long until I can make it available. I'll then add a new model listing for it so that my followers get notified.
BTW, if all goes according to plan, I'll soon also be uploading what I think is my best illusion yet. Hint: The deck generator was always just a stepping stone…
Just to clarify: these decks are customized—not customizable. I’m posting three decks created as proof of concepts from my custom deck generator built with OpenSCAD.
I plan to post the generator once I can either integrate it into MakerWorld or provide a simple download option – hopefully soon. Right now, MakerWorld’s OpenSCAD scripts can’t reference external models (like card artwork), though improvements may come in their upcoming release.
For now, I hope you enjoy these 3 example decks:
Commercial print sales are NOT allowed.
If you just need a pack of playing cards, buying one will be much easier. But if you’re looking for something unique...
Sure, you could try to print it on a traditional consumer inkjet. Good luck finding a suitable card stock which is glossy, thick, and won’t deform when going through the printer. And forget about adding shiny, sparkly, or glow accents!
I could try to sell you more on the idea, such as the fact that these cards are waterproof, but who am I kidding? If you try to play with them on the beach, they’re probably going to warp in the sun. Compromises are an important part of growing up.
I should add that these cards are a bit thicker than regular cards, but they feel pretty close to the real thing in how they bend and shuffle.
At the end of the day, face it, you’re looking for new stuff to print, and your friends will think your cards are cool. Just go with it.
My goal was to create a 3D printed deck that resembles a traditional deck. One of the hardest parts of achieving that was to have the card faces be white without too much light bleeding through. Cards aren’t much fun if everyone can see your hand.
I ran a bunch of experiments to balance the card translucency against other factors like how well the cards bend and how they look overall. While I certainly wouldn’t play high stakes poker with these cards, as there is light bleed if held up to a bright light, for casual purposes they work fine AS LONG AS YOU CHOOSE SUITABLE FILAMENTS!
Back of the Card: Use dark, opaque filaments (e.g., dark Bambu PLA Metallic). Avoid overly translucent options like Bambu’s Galaxy line.
Face of the Card: Can be light or dark; however, if opting for a light color, ensure your filament isn’t too translucent. I found that Bambu’s matte white works much better than PLA Basic white.
Note on Silk: For card faces, avoid PLA silk because it’s tough to remove from the build plate, prone to stringing, and leaves residues that affect subsequent prints.
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