BeamDown Archives - Saucermen Studios

BeamDown: Frequently Asked Questions

What is BeamDown?

BeamDown is a browser-based terrain building tool that allows users to create custom 3D-printable terrain for tabletop wargames and RPGs. Depending on the asset packs they have purchased, users can access up to 3,000 construction assets designed by Saucermen Studios. These assets can be combined using either the Freeform Builder or Quick Frames template system to create, customise and assemble terrain to suit their needs. Projects can then be saved online and exported as STL files ready for 3D printing.

It is important to understand that BeamDown is a separate product from our standalone STL sets. BeamDown does not include the pre-made STL files from our existing or previous standalone collections. Instead, it provides its own library of construction assets that users combine and customise within the BeamDown builder to create their own terrain.

See more about BeamDown here.

What do I actually get when I buy BeamDown?

Purchasing a BeamDown asset pack or bundle gives you access to the browser-based terrain builder and the asset packs included with your purchase – These are made available in the tool via the palette where objects are mounted and combined. You use these assets to create your own custom terrain, which you can then export as STL files for 3D printing. BeamDown does not include pre-made STL files.

Does BeamDown have any subscription or Export Limits?

No – you can build as much as you like and export your projects without any extra costs or hidden limits. Saved projects are capped at 100 per user, but you can freely delete and create new ones as needed.

How can I get access to BeamDown?

After purchasing your first BeamDown asset pack, you will automatically receive a welcome email with log-in instructions. You can also log-in at beamdown.saucermenstudios.com.au.

You can purchase asset packs and grab the Intro Builder set at saucermenstudios.com.au/buy-beamdown.

What can I export from BeamDown?

BeamDown includes a growing collection of asset packs for creating custom terrain and scenery for both sci-fi and fantasy tabletop games. These assets can be combined and customised in the builder to create your own unique terrain, which can then be exported as STL files for 3D printing.

Which printers do you recommend for printing BeamDown exports?

Currently BeamDown exports STL files that are best suited to support-free FDM printing .

What experience do I need to use BeamDown?

BeamDown does all of the heavy lifting for you, so you don’t need any previous experience in 3D modelling or design. The tools and interface have been designed to be incredibly easy to use. See examples of BeamDown being used here.

Whats the difference between a BeamDown set and Stand-alone/Kickstarter sets such as Zectonium or Grid City?

Where a set is available as both a stand-alone/Kickstarter set (such as Zectonium or Grid City) and a corresponding BeamDown set, it is important to understand that although they are compatible in their modular set-up, they are both aesthetically different products. BeamDown does not include the pre-built models from the standalone Set.

Many of the features or components appearing in the pre-built STL buildings may not be available or have the same aesthetic in BeamDown, it has an alternative library of components. Eg. the Grid City standalone Kickstarter STLS could not be made exactly the same in the BeamDown version of Grid City, however you can design and export compatible buildings that can be combined with the standalone SLT sets – They would just have different visual features such as different windows, alternative greebles, etc.

BeamDown does not include any of the stretch goals or scatter terrain from the standalone sets or Kickstarters, only the main building, structures and/or walkways from their relevant Core Sets.

What are the building methods used in BeamDown?

BeamDown uses two different building methods, these are specific to the set:

Free-Form Builder – Drag components from the pallet onto the work area, mount features and snap components together.
Quick Frames – Build off pre-defined templates of specific sizes and add auto-filtering components. Snap rooftops and building sections together.

Can I sell or share the designs I create in BeamDown?

No, BeamDown grants you a PERSONAL use licence. Saucermen Studios retain all of the intellectual property, so you cannot share, modify or sell the STL files or printed exports from BeamDown. If you wish to sell physical 3D PRINTED copies of the exported models from BeamDown, you must have an active commercial licence subscription.

What sets have been made for BeamDown

The sets that have been designed for BeamDown are:

Sci-fi Building Generator (SBG) / Dungeon Builder (FREEFORM TOOL) – A Free-form building system based on a 1 inch grid system. Contains a very large collection of themes.
Grid City (BeamDown Edition) – A QuickFrames template building system that is based on 3 inch buildings in various configurations. It is compatible with the Grid City Core Set.
Zectonium Prison Mines (BeamDown Edition) – A QuickFrames template system that creates custom structures compatible with the Zectonium Mines Core Set.
Deserts Houses – A QuickFrames template system that creates custom desert, sci-fi buildings in various configurations.
Modern Buildings – A QuickFrames template system that creates custom modern, urban buildings in various configurations.
Bits Box – A collection of useful bits such as doors, reference miniatures, etc

Can I import STL Files into BeamDown?

No, currently you cannot import any STL files or your own assets into the software.

Do I get STL files when I purchase BeamDown?

No. BeamDown purchases give you access to the browser-based builder and the asset packs included with your purchase. You use these assets to create and customise your own terrain, which you can then export as STL files for 3D printing.

BeamDown does not include pre-made STL files from our standalone terrain collections. These are separate products.

Where does BeamDown save my projects?

BeamDown saves your projects to our cloud-based server. Each user has their own, private storage area. We will eventually enable project sharing across the BeamDown community.

Can I use BeamDown without a 3D printer?

Yes. You can design and export your STL files and have them printed by a friend, local service or one of our commercially licenced 3D printers.

Is BeamDown compatible with other terrain systems?

BeamDown is a fully custom terrain builder, so it isn’t directly compatible with other terrain makers or existing sets by default. However, it does support several common modular connection systems, including OpenLOCK, magnets, pegs and other socket types, which can make it easier to integrate with compatible terrain. We’ve also made ‘BeamDown Editions’ for a handful of our own terrain sets including Zectonium Prison Mines and Grid City.

Can I use BeamDown on a phone or tablet?

No – At the moment, BeamDown only runs on desktop browsers but we are aiming to add mobile device support in the near future.

Can I use BeamDown assets in other software or digital projects, share the files or modify them?

No – Our licence restricts use of our digital assets in your digital projects. Please see our ful lT&Cs at saucermenstudios.com.au/terms-conditions/

Zectonium Prison Mines: BeamDown Add-on

Our latest BeamDown set is currently available as an add-on with our current Kickstarter campaign, The Zectonium Prison Mines.

BeamDown is a browser-based terrain designer that let’s you custom build terrain from our vast library of assets. You can save these builds to the cloud and export as STL files – NO SUBSCRIPTION FEES OR EXPORT LIMITS!

For those wanting to create custom platforms, compatible with the 10x10cm and 20x20cm core-set buildings in this Kickstarter, we offer the ‘Zectonium Prison Mines – Platform Builder for BeamDown’ (as an optional add-on). BeamDown is an innovative, browser-based interface with a vast library of assets available and requires no 3D modelling or design experience!

Key points about the Zectonium BeamDown add-on:

There are no ongoing subscription costs or export limits for BeamDown
BeamDown allows you to customise terrain, save builds and export as STL files for print
The BeamDown asset library is dynamic and continues to grow
Zectonium Prison Mines for BeamDown is a stand-alone set, you do not need any other BeamDown purchases
If you already own any BeamDown sets, such as the ‘Sci-Fi Building Generator’ you can use many of the assets from that collection for even more customisation
BeamDown does not yet import external STL files
The Zectonium Prison mines Kickstarter and Zectonium Prison Mines BeamDown add-on are separate sets

Introducing Magnetized walkways!

Based on feedback from existing BeamDown users, we’ve implemented additional socketing and connection options to the Zectonium Prison Mines BeamDown set. In addition to all corners and platforms/rooftops now including customization of sockets, you can now place custom connectors on walkways and their connecting wall sections.

Custom sockets include a selection of magnets and connectors.

BeamDown Quick-Start Guide

BUY BEAMDOWN

DISCORD SUPPORT

Introduction

Welcome to the BeamDown community! BeamDown is an evolving platform with ongoing development and addition of new features. We’ve designed it to be as intuitive as possible, so you can start building custom terrain right away – no prior 3D modelling experience needed. The Intro Builder is recommended for new users.

Accessing BeamDown

Log into BeamDown at https://beamdown.saucermenstudios.com.au

New accounts will need to reset their password here

Basic Usage Guide

Key Principles

All assets are accessed from the Palette on the right hand side:

From the palette:

Click a set
Click a subheading to expand it
Select an asset

The BUILD MODE has TWO main building methods, these are specific to the set being used:

Freeform Builder

Drag and drop from the pallet to the build platform. Compatible parts will highlight GREEN & SNAP.

Used in the ‘Sci-fi Building Generator’ set

Quick Frames

Frames and roof sections are dragged from the pallet to the build platform.

Used in sets such as ‘Grid City’, ‘Modern Buildings’ and ‘Desert Houses’.

Snapping

Freeform items can be snapped to compatible objects – You’ll see snapping points appear as white orbs.

To automatically connect objects such as walls and floors :

Click an item from the palette – it will attach to your mouse.
Look for snap points – compatible objects will highlight with glowing white orbs.
Hover over a snap point – it will turn green to show the connection is valid.
Rotate if needed – press Q or E to adjust the angle.
Click to attach the object in place.
Right-click to clear the object from your mouse.

Mount Points

Once Freeform or Quick-Frame objects are placed on the build platform, you can select them to display ‘mount points’.

Black dots are mount points – Hover over a mount point to see what can be attached to it. Click it to display all compatible components in the palette. Click the component in the asset to attach it. Attached objects may have their own mount points to.

SELECTING SIMILAR MOUNT POINTS – Click on a mount point twice to select all similar Mount Points on that selection.

How to build

Log in to BeamDown here
Ensure the ‘Build’ mode is active at the top of the screen
Using the palette window on the right hand side, click on a set (EG ‘Grid City’), then click a title such as ‘Frame’ or ‘Wall’. This will show you all of the assets for that category.
Click and drag an asset from the pallet onto the main grid area. You can also right click to clear your mouse.
Click on the asset you placed onto the grid – Dots will appear. Hover you mouse over the dots to see what they are.
Click on any of the dots (Mount Points) to reveal the assets that can be placed onto it. They will appear in the pallet where you can click them to place them (no need to drag and drop these).
Drag items onto snap points from the pallet – Hover your mouse over the white orbs until they turn green.

Floorbuilder (Freeform)

Sets using the Freeform builder such as the ‘Sci-fi Building Generator’ can use the Floorbuilder which automatically adapts to the connected wall shape so that you build conforms to a 1in grid.

Within a compatible set, select the Floorbuilder from the palette
Drag your chosen floor style onto the build plate or snap to a compatible wall (it will turn green when snapped)
The floor model will adapt to the snapped wall – Use the Q/E keys to rotate the floor
Some floor pieces can be selected when placed to mount additional details

Note – Floor models have different styles and sizes

Editing Sockets:

Many walls and other components have areas for connection sockets such as magnets, pegs, OpenLock Clips etc. Not all models have sockets

Select a model(s)
Switch to ‘Socket’ mode at the top of the screen
Click on a Mount Point to see the available sockets in the pallet. Select all Mount points by clicking twice on a Mount Point.
Click on your chosen socket in the pallet.

Usage Controls

Selecting Models

You can drag a box around multiple models to select them all-together
To select an object mounted onto another, click multiple times on the area to move through the hierarchy

Keyboard & Mouse Controls

Q/E – Rotate selected object
LMB – Select object or Mount Point
RMB – Orbit view / Menu / Clear mouse
MMB – Pan view
Wheel – Zoom view
DEL – Delete selected object
F1 – Auto rotate around scene

Right-Click Menu

Group (top) – Combine the selected models into one group for moving, exporting and saving
Copy (right) – Duplicate the selected models
Delete (bottom) – Trash the selected models
Move (left) – Move the selected objects to a new position

Saving Layouts (Blueprints)

Saving your build to the cloud is easy:

Select all your models by dragging a box around them
Right click your selection
Choose ‘Group’ from the right click menu (top option)
Switch to ‘Export’ mode at the top of the screen
Name your build
Click Save

Note – Saved projects are capped at 100 per user, but you can freely delete and create new ones as needed.

Saving You Builds 1 1 — **Please note** – *Saucermen Studios hold no responsibility for missing saved files*

Loading your Builds

Saved files are known as ‘Blueprints’. To load these from the cloud:

Click the ‘Blueprints’ button at top right of the screen
Select ‘My Builds’ in the popup window (top right)
Locate your file and click Load

Exporting STL Files

Downloading an STL file of your build is done in a similar way to saving:

Select all your models by dragging a box around them
Right click your selection
Choose ‘Group’ from the right click menu (top option)
Switch to ‘Export’ mode at the top of the screen
Name your build
Click Save

Showcase your Projects:

Want to show off your BeamDown creations to others in the community or build-off a project you’ve seen? It’s easy!

Click ‘Load’ (top left of BeamDown screen
Choose a saved project from your Blueprints
Click ‘Share’ to generate a unique ID
Click ‘Show ID’ …..
A gif opens up in new tab – Copy the URL to showcase your build

To load a build from someone else’s ID, paste the ID or URL of the gif into the ‘Blueprint ID’ area. If you don’t have the assets required to load the project, it will direct you to grab their bundles.

Try it with the ID below:
16dd3321-22b4-47c6-9e17-cb17b17a3d0b

Tips

Use the blue ‘Points’ button (top, left of screen) to edit sockets (Filled, OpenLock, magnets, etc) – There will otherwise be cavities.
Right click for MENU: move / group / copy / del
Hover mouse over white orb to snap objects – Object turns green when auto-aligned
Right Click to clear dragged object
If you have issues loading BeamDown, clear your browser cache

Pre-Release Demo Videos:

Getting support

Contact alex@saucermenstudios.com.au or join the BeamDown community at Discord.

BeamDown Demo: Quick-Frames & User Interface

In this preview, we’re demonstrating how easy it is to build custom 3D printable terrain with our upcoming software, BeamDown. This preview focuses on using the Quick-Frames tool-set which allows you to quickly and easily design custom 3D printable scenery from a library of components.

How do you make 3d printable scenery?

Typically, making 3D printable terrain requires a steep learning curve and experience using CAD or 3D modelling software such as Blender, 3D Studio Max or other commercial software. With BeamDown, you can start making 3D printable terrain for tabletop games in minutes! This software gives you access to a library FULL of components that you can use to build custom scenery to match your play style and narrative.

Kickstarter Pre Launch Signups Click Here Long

What are Quick-Frames?

Quick-Frames are just one of the tools available within BeamDown. These per-defined shapes have everything ready to go with common features that you customise and expand upon. Quick-Frames typically come in a range of varieties such as standard sizes, double footprints, L-Shapes, squares and more! You can see in the video demonstration above how Quick-Frames are used to make custom tabletop terrain.

3D modelling terrain with a simple user interface

The U.I in BeamDown is incredibly easy to use and you can get started building custom terrain in minutes – No previous 3D modelling experience is required!

3D printable modular terrain made easy!

Many of the building components in BeamDown have customisable connection points that you can convert to sockets or connectors of your choice. For example, you can make your modular terrain connect by any of the following methods?

OpenLock clips
Magnets
Pegs & Sockets

3d printed terrain made wih beamdown terrain designer

Sign up below to be updated about this project.

3D printed Warhammer terrain

There are numerous themes offered by BeamDown such as modular sci-fi buildings, custom gothic ruins, modern day buildings and more!

New Terrain Building Software: Prepare to BeamDown

New Terrain Building Software: Prepare to BeamDown

What is BeamDown?

BeamDown is a revolutionary new terrain building software platform that lets you custom build and 3D print your own designs from an expanding and dynamic library of components designed by our studio team. The system automatically controls which parts are compatible so you can concentrate on what’s important; generating terrain that fits your narrative.

Sign up below to be updated about this project.

Key Features:

Custom build terrain
Easy to use software interface – No 3D modelling experience required!
Save and edit your designs
Build as much terrain as you like
Built on a library of 1,700+ components (and growing)
Delivers 3D printable STL files, optimised for FDM printing

BeamDown is an Evolving Eco-System

This platform is designed to grow and make the expanding library compaitble with existing assets. Powered by a dynamic, custom built back-end, the development team has created a system that is built for fast expansion.

What Can BeamDown Build?

Upon launching, BeamDown will primarily focus on sci-fi terrain suitable for games such as Warhammer 40k, Corvus Belli’s Infinity, Necromunda, Stargrave, etc but modern buildings are also included for games such as Marvel Crisis Protocol. This means you can build:

Custom modular buildings
Spaceship layouts
Bunkers and tunnel systems
Platforms and more!

Build these structures as big or as small as you like and there are a ton of walls, floors, rooftops and templates to match specific terrain compatibilities. We’ve even included removable doorways and playable interiors – All of which are customisable and expandable.

How does BeamDown work?

You can work with core structural frameworks and customise the theme and individual as you like, or build you own by combining with a combination of assets and features. BeamDown lets you drag and drop core structural components such as walls, platforms and flooring. These are then built upon using additive components and features such as wall panels, pipes, widgets and more!

When is BeamDown being launched?

BeamDown will be launched on Kickstarter late 2022 and released early 2023. It will continue to grow as a platform with an expanding library of assets.

The core software has already been built and a large database of models has been designed. The project roadmap over the upcoming months is to finalise wider testing, add even more functionality and expand the model library even further based on community feedback.

Want to review Beamdown?

If you have a channel or platform that showcases new releases for 3D printing or tabletop gaming and would like to feature BeamDown, please get in touch. to discuss more information and early access.

Becoming a tester

Applications for testing are now closed

BeamDown is an ambitious and exciting project with a slate of new features used to build custom, 3D printable tabletop terrain. These features will be tested within the community by gamers with access to 3D printers.