• Registered: 2021-03-01
  • Posts: 17

Topic: Magnetizing flight stands

Hey all,
     I'm working on my 3D printable flight stands and need some input; what would be the smallest size magnets that have the necessary strength hold various sized ships? This question is specifically aimed at the various sizes of metal ships from Brigade and GZG since my printed ships are easier to accommodate. I'm thinking about using a 1/16th by 1/32nd inch magnet on the escort sized ships; 1/8th by 1/16 for cruiser sizes, and either a 1/4th by 1/8th or 1/8th by 1/8th for the larger vessels. Some of the escorts are just too small for anything larger than a 1/8” surface and I'm making a mounting bracket to prevent spin which means I'll need to downsize the magnets.

  • Registered: 2022-11-15
  • Posts: 1,285

Re: Magnetizing flight stands

I use magnets for all of my ship mounts so my recommendation is: If using PLA or resin ships, a magnet with a min. 1.5 lb pull strength works well for up to 4-5 cm long ships. larger ships would need a 2.5 to 3 lb pull strength magnet. For metal ships of similar size: you want a magnet on the base as well as on the ship or a 3.5+ lb pull, especially if the contact point on the ship is not at the balance point of the miniature's mass.

  • Registered: 2022-11-15
  • Posts: 1,285

Re: Magnetizing flight stands

Example of a 3mm x 3mm supermagnet based PLA ship on what I call a 'nail base'.

  • Registered: 2021-03-01
  • Posts: 17

Re: Magnetizing flight stands

Thanks for the reply, hadn't checked this forum in ages since it didn't seem to get much traffic. That's the sort of information I was looking for and if you're the same guy as the designer on Cults3D some of your ships are the ones I'm playing with now. Love the Yomi fleet's design.

  • Registered: 2022-11-15
  • Posts: 1,285

Re: Magnetizing flight stands

That would indeed be me. Glad you're enjoying the ships!   big_smile