Warhammer Forge World specializes in the design and manufacture of resin-based miniature figurines. The company produces many miniatures, from simple infantry models to hugely detailed tanks and mechanical walkers. Warhammer Forge World’s products are used in the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop wargame.
Warhammer Forge World is a subsidiary of Games Workshop that specializes in designing and manufacturing resin-based miniature figurines used in the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop wargame. The company is based in Nottingham, England.
In this article, we will review the history of Forge World, what forge world produces, and how you can get access to your very own models. Let’s dive in!
What is Warhammer Forge World?
Warhammer Forge World is a subsidiary of Games Workshop that specializes in designing and manufacturing resin-based miniature figurines used in the Warhammer tabletop wargame. The company produces various models for different factions and armies within the game, including traditional troops and specialized units such as tanks and flyers. In addition to models, Forge World also produces a range of scenery and accessories to complement its game systems.
What does Forge World make?
The company produces various models for different factions and armies within the game, including both traditional troops and more specialized units such as titans and larger models. In addition to models, Forge World also produces a range of scenery and accessories to complement its game systems.
Some of the more popular products that Warhammer Forge World produces are the Horus Heresy and Death from the Skies ranges. The Horus Heresy is a line of models and accessories based on the civil war that tore apart the Warhammer 40,000 universe, while Death from the Skies focuses on airborne combat in the same setting.
The History of Forge World
Forge World was founded in 1997 as a way for Games Workshop to branch out into new avenues of the Warhammer hobby. Founded by John Stallard and led by Paul Robins, the company began by producing a series of resin buildings and terrain pieces designed for use with the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop game.
The founding of Forge World was publicly announced to fans in the famous White Dwarf magazine as the 3rd edition of Warhammer 40k. Originally the subsidiary was also commissioned to produce larger models alongside the Warhammer production lines.
Since then, Forge World has expanded its product range to include miniatures for other games set in the Warhammer Universe, such as Warhammer Age of Sigmar and Horus Heresy. The company has also opened several brick-and-mortar stores across the United Kingdom, allowing hobbyists to buy directly from Forge World rather than through Games Workshop’s network of independent retailers.
What’s next for Warhammer Forge World?
The future looks bright for Warhammer Forge World. With a wide range of available products and more in the pipeline, the company is well-positioned to continue growing within the Warhammer hobby. In addition, with the recent release of the Horus Heresy: Betrayal at Calth board game, Forge World has shown that it is not afraid to branch out into new territory, giving hobbyists even more reasons to be excited for the future of the company.
How polymer resin-based miniature figurines are made
The models produced by Warhammer Forge World are made from polymer resin. This material is similar to plastic but much more complex and more brittle. It is also very smooth, which gives the models a high level of detail.
The manufacturing process for polymer resin-based miniature figurines begins with creating a master model. This model is usually made from metal or another rigid material. Once the master model is complete, molds are made from it. These molds are then used to create resin-based models.
Resin Casting Process
- Sculpting – The first step in the process is to sculpt the master model. This is usually done by hand, although some companies use 3D printers to create their models.
- Negative Molding – Once the master model is complete, molds are made from it. These molds are then used to create resin-based models. Harmful molds are made by creating a mold that is the inverse of the desired model.
- Resin Mixture – The next step is mixing resin-based materials. These materials are then poured into the molds. This is a critical step to ensure that the models are of the highest quality.
- Apply pressure – The molds are then pressed tightly together to ensure the miniature’s even and complete finish.
- Casting – The next step is pouring resin-based materials into the molds.
- Placed in a vacuum – The molds are then placed in a vacuum chamber to ensure that all air bubbles are removed from the resin mixture. This stops any abnormalities with the models.
- Curing – The final step is to cure the models. This process can be sped up through the use of UV lights.
- Remove from the molds – Once cured, the models are then removed from the molds.
Injection Mold Process
- 3D Printing or Sculpting – The first step is to 3D print or sculpts the master model. This is done using a computer to create a 3D model of the desired miniature.
- Create the molds – Once the master model is complete, molds are made from it. These molds are usually made from steel. These molds are then used to create thermo-plastic models. Injection molds are made by creating a mold that is the inverse of the desired model.
- Injection – The next step is to inject the thermo-plastic into the molds with an injection molding machine. This is done under high pressure to ensure the mold is filled without deformation or abnormalities.
- Curing – The final step is to cure the models. This process can be sped up through the use of UV lights.
- Remove from the molds – Once cured, the models are then removed from the molds.
- Post-Processing – Once the models are removed from the molds, they undergo a series of post-processing steps. This includes packaging quality checks.
Of the two methods, injection molding is more expensive but offers more precision and detail. This is due to the training and the high capital investment in the injection mold machinery.
Forge World’s production processes are top secret, so this process is the standard process for producing models and miniatures.
The benefits of using Warhammer Forge World figurines
There are several advantages to using resin-based models over traditional metal miniatures. One of the most significant is that resin is much easier to work with when creating fine details and intricate designs. This means that Forge World can create models with a level of detail and fidelity that would not be possible with metal miniatures.
In addition, resin models are also significantly lighter than their metal counterparts, making them easier to transport and store. Finally, resin models are not as susceptible to damage as metal miniatures, meaning they will retain their detail and appearance far longer than metal models.
Some popular Warhammer Forge World figurines
One of the most popular models produced by Warhammer Forge World is the Horus Heresy line. This range includes various miniatures, from traditional troops to titans and larger models.
The Death from the Skies range is another popular option, focusing on airborne combat within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. This range includes various models, such as aircraft and anti-aircraft defences.
Rogal Dorn
The Primarchs are a range of models that represent the mighty leaders of the Space Marine Legions. These models are some of the largest and most detailed produced by Warhammer Forge World, and as such are highly sought-after by collectors. One of the most popular models in the range is Rogal Dorn, the Primarch of the Imperial Fists Legion. This model is a massive 54mm tall and is incredibly detailed.
Morngul
Mourngul are feared above all else within the old world of Warhammer Fantasy and the model produced by Forge World really does this monster justice.
Pathfinder Tetras
Pathfinder Tetras are small flying machines used by the Tau Empire in Warhammer 40,000. The models produced by Forge World are some of the most detailed and accurate miniatures available, perfectly capturing the look of the Pathfinder Tetras.
Thunderhawk Gunship
The Thunderhawk Gunship is a large aircraft used by the Imperium in Warhammer 40,000. The model produced by Forge World is an impressive sight, being 20 inches long and 17 inches wide. It will cost you a pretty penny though setting you back £549.
Cerastus Knights
Cerastus Knights are massive war machines used by the Mechanicum in Warhammer 40,000. These models are incredibly detailed and accurate, capturing the look of the Cerastus Knights perfectly.
Tyranid Hierophant Bio-Titan
The Tyranid Hierophant Bio-Titan is a massive creature used by the Tyranids in Warhammer 40,000. This model is one of the largest produced by Forge World, the base itself is huge and is sure to strike fear into the hearts of your enemies. It is also one of the most detailed and accurate models available but will set you back £312.50.
How to order Warhammer Forge World figurines
The best way to order Warhammer Forge World figurines is through one of Games Workshop’s many independent retailers. These retailers typically have a wide range of models and the knowledge and expertise to help hobbyists find the perfect model for their collection.
Alternatively, models can be ordered directly from Warhammer Forge World’s website. However, it should be noted that not all models are available through this method and that some retailers may offer discounts on specific ranges.
Finally, it is also possible to find Forge World models second-hand, either through online auction websites or at local hobby stores. However, hobbyists should exercise caution when purchasing second-hand models, as they may not be in the same condition as when they were first released.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Warhammer Forge World is a subsidiary of Games Workshop that specializes in designing and manufacturing resin-based miniature figurines used in the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop wargame. There are several advantages to using these models over traditional metal miniatures, including a higher level of detail, lighter weight, and increased durability. These models can be ordered through one of Games Workshop’s many independent retailers or directly from Warhammer Forge World’s website. It is also possible to find second-hand models, but hobbyists should exercise caution.
Thank you for reading! We hope this article has helped you understand what Warhammer Forge World is and what they offer.
