The Ultimate Spin Down Counter System (MTG, DND, or any other game you need to track things with)

ULTIMATE COUNTER SYSTEM (UCS)

Hello! This version only comes with number tiles.
If you’d like to support my work, you can purchase all of the symbol tiles here: Ultimate Counter System on Cults3D – https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/ultimate-counter-system

OVERVIEW

The UCS is a 3-D-printed, magnetic, and fully customizable counter system that keeps track of tokens, life totals, mana, and more.

Each UCS consists of:

1. A magnetic core
2. Ten snap-in tiles (numbers or symbols)

To build one:
• Print the core.
• Print tiles, using a filament swap to add a second color.
• Press-fit (or glue) two magnets sized 6 mm diameter × 3 mm tall.

Tiles can be rearranged in any pattern, so every counter can be customized to your game’s needs. UCS was designed for Magic: The Gathering but works just as well for Dungeons & Dragons or any other tabletop game that needs counters.

PRINT SETTINGS

Rafts: no
Supports: no
Layer height: 0.20 mm
Infill: at least 15 %
Filament: any rigid material (PLA preferred)

MATERIALS

Filament – PLA works best; PET-G also works.
• Example PLA (silk finish): https://amzn.to/4mMN6UM
• Example PLA S-Series: https://amzn.to/4kmGkU9

Magnets – Two neodymium magnets per UCS, 6 mm Ø × 3 mm tall.
• Example: https://amzn.to/4dH9A5v

Glue – Cyanoacrylate gel that bonds both magnet coating and printed plastic.
• Example: Gorilla Super Glue Gel – https://amzn.to/4kPIcEO

PRINTING TIPS

• Level the bed carefully so the text is crisp.
• Clean the bed; small parts need perfect adhesion.
• Slow the first layer to about half your usual speed.
• Raise the bed temperature 5–10 °C if tiles lift.
• Perform a color change at 0.6 mm height for two-tone tiles.
– PrusaSlicer: see Prusa help page “Color Change”
– Cura: see All3DP guide “Pause at Height”
• Use contrasting or complementary colors.
• Nozzle choice:
– 0.25 mm for finest detail (slowest)
– 0.40 mm best balance
– 0.60 mm fastest, coarsest tolerance
• Multi-material printers can use the MMU-prefixed models; allow build-plate-only supports.

ASSEMBLY TIPS

SAFETY FIRST: wear eye protection and gloves; follow glue instructions.

1. Glue (optional)
   Most parts press-fit, but if loose, use a drop of glue no larger than a grain of rice.
2. Magnet orientation
   Mark one pole of every magnet with a marker so all UCS pieces share the same polarity.
   Insert magnets so one side of the core shows north and the other shows south.
3. Insert tiles
   Choose 10 tiles per core. For easier gameplay, stick to a few standardized layouts (for example always put “Plus” at the top right).
   Press until the tile clicks. If too loose, add a tiny bit of glue; if too tight, use a dull flat tool to push.

RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATIONS FOR MAGIC: THE GATHERING

Try to have roughly two Numbers nodes for each other node type.

Numbers Node (10 tiles)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Mana Node
Plus, Minus, Blue, Green, White, Red, Colorless, X, Heart

General Utility Node
Plus, Minus, Right Arrow, Summoning Sick, X, Star, Slash, Poison, Commander Damage, Heart

Directional Node
Plus, Minus, Commander Damage, Summoning Sick, Poison, Right Arrow, Left Arrow, Down Arrow, Up Arrow, Heart

AVAILABLE TILES

Numbers (included):
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Generic Counters (paid):
Minus, Plus, Commander Damage, Heart, #, Poison, Slash, *, Summoning Sickness, Tapped, Untapped, X

Direction Arrows (paid):
Up, Down, Left, Right

Mana Symbols (paid):
Black, Blue, Colorless, Green, Red, White

Keyword Counters (paid):
Deathtouch, Double Strike, First Strike, Flying, Hexproof, Indestructible, Menace, Reach, Trample, Vigilance
Lifelink – use the Heart tile

Specialty Counters (paid):
Energy, Experience, Level / Quest, Storage, Time