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.
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/
