Shiroterasu LLC (合同会社シロテラス), a Japanese castle diorama maker, uses the Raise3D DF2 DLP 3D printer with High Detail Resin to produce miniature architectural components for 1:1,500-scale castle models. Facing tooling lead times, fine-detail limitations, and the cost of outsourced precision parts, the team brought more component production and shape validation in-house.

The scale model making workflow combines ideaMaker for slicing and support preparation with complementary digital manufacturing processes for terrain components and painting masks. The DF2’s role is specifically the production of detailed architectural components—not every element of the finished diorama.

Figure 1 Castle workshop scene 1.

Building 1:1,500-Scale Models of the Entire Castle Landscape

Shiroterasu began producing its “城ラマ” castle diorama series around 2013. Unlike traditional models centered on the main keep, the team incorporates the surrounding terrain into its 1:1,500-scale models, drawing on field measurements, historical maps, and documentary sources. Around 2018, commissions from local governments began to increase, expanding the company’s work to include geographical models for museum displays and related commemorative products.

These products require both historical research and the consistent production of many small architectural components. The connections between modeling, prototyping, assembly, and post-processing directly affect the final product’s quality and development schedule.

Figure 2 Odawara Castle trial models produced with another brand’s printer (left) and the DF2 (right).

Prototyping Constraints with Molds and Outsourced Manufacturing

Shiroterasu previously used metal molds to manufacture architectural components for its castle models. A mold is a precision tool used to produce identical parts in volume. The basic process is:

1. A mold is machined to form the required part geometry.
2. Plastic, resin, or another material is injected or pressed into the mold.
3. Once the material cools and solidifies, the finished part is removed.

Figure 3 Ueda Castle from the mold-made castle model series.

Molding is suited to consistent volume production, but it also has limitations:

1. High upfront tooling costs.
2. Long tooling lead times.
3. Design changes may require modifying or remaking the mold.
4. Limited suitability for frequent design iterations and small production runs.

For 1:1,500-scale models, reproducing details such as roof tiles and sharp architectural edges was also a challenge.

Figure 4 Nagashino Castle from the mold-made castle model series.

The team tried other processes for terrain and some architectural elements, and tested different photopolymerization printers and resin combinations. However, dimensional accuracy and consistency for architectural components did not fully meet its requirements. High-precision parts had also been outsourced, making manufacturing costs another concern as production volumes increased.

Reproducing Detailed Architectural Components with the DF2

Shiroterasu ultimately selected the Raise3D DF2 and Raise3D High Detail Resin V1 (Beige) to produce architectural components for its castle models. The customer highlighted two factors: miniature detail reproduction and the dimensional fit between parts.

Nishijima (西嶋良), a member of the Shiroterasu team, reported that the resin reproduces roof-tile patterns at 1:1,500 scale well. Some components can be assembled with snap fits without glue, offering an experience similar to assembling plastic model kits.

Within the overall workflow, the DF2 primarily produces high-detail architectural components. The team uses complementary digital manufacturing processes for terrain components and painting masks, while ideaMaker handles slicing, simulation, and support preparation. According to the customer, slicing simulations help assess design changes, and some supports can be removed by hand, reducing the need for post-processing tools.

Figure 5 Odawara Castle trial models produced with another brand’s printer (left) and the DF2 (right).

Combining DLP Printing and High Detail Resin for Miniature Architectural Features

The DF2 uses a 2560 × 1440 DLP projection system. Combined with an industrial-grade DMD chip, optical design, and system calibration, it supports the clear reproduction of small features. ideaMaker’s contour compensation and anti-aliasing functions further refine contours and surface smoothness. These capabilities provide a technical basis for producing fine details such as roof-tile patterns, eaves, and architectural edges in 1:1,500-scale castle models. The printer supports layer thicknesses of 50–200 μm, allowing settings to be selected according to model detail and production requirements.

Figure 6 DF2 DLP Solutions

Raise3D High Detail Resin V1 (Beige) is designed for fine-feature reproduction and high-resolution printing. Printed parts have a smooth, matte beige surface suited to models requiring clear textures and details, while supporting subsequent surface treatments such as painting and electroplating. For Shiroterasu’s castle models, these characteristics align with the reproduction of miniature architectural patterns and the separate painting of roofs and walls, connecting detailed printing with the finishing process.

Figure 7 High Detail Resin.

From Individual Parts to an In-House Digital Workflow

The change brought by the DF2 goes beyond replacing a manufacturing machine. It enables the small team to carry out more shape validation and product preparation in-house. Connecting modeling, print jobs, and post-processing within the business can support iteration for municipal display projects and assembly-type products.

Nishijima reported that, once the data is ready, approximately 50 parts can be arranged on a single build platform and printed in about seven hours at a 0.05 mm layer thickness. The customer also reported that product development time had decreased from six months to one year to approximately one month. These customer-reported figures remain subject to confirmation of the parts, print settings, process boundaries, and measurement basis.

The DF2 has been used for municipal geographical-model projects, including Tanagura Castle in Fukushima Prefecture. The customer also plans to introduce a consumer product using DF2-produced components in the second half of the year; the relevant year and product details remain to be confirmed.

Figure 8 Tanagura Castle and a castle workshop scene.

Conclusion

The Shiroterasu case illustrates that the value of 3D printing for precision models extends beyond finer detail. It can also connect historical research and modeling with component manufacturing, post-processing, and product preparation. The DF2 and High Detail Resin support the in-house production of detailed architectural components, miniature pattern reproduction, and part-fit validation, giving a small team a more flexible approach to product development.