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.

Make your game nights more organized and remove the complexity of tracking large numbers of tokens, counters, life gain, and even mana when you are storming out with UCS, the 3-D-printed, magnetic, customizable counter system.

A UCS consists of a magnetic core surrounded by customizable icon tiles:

1. Print some cores.
2. Print number and symbol tiles using a filament swap to add color.
3. Press-fit (or glue) two 6 mm Ø × 3 mm cylindrical magnets into each core.

Because tiles snap into the core in any configuration, you have unlimited customization options for your counters.

UCS is designed primarily for Magic: The Gathering but adapts easily to other games (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons | Warhammer 40k) with 20 + additional symbol options. Snap-in tiles let you tailor a node to your exact needs, while the magnetic UCS-to-UCS connection shows almost any game state you need to track.

All UCS parts print without supports (bonus MMU parts excepted).
Be sure you can perform a filament swap during the print—most modern slicers insert this automatically.

Print Settings

Materials

Printing Tips

1. Level your bed – crisp text needs an accurate first layer.
2. Clean the bed – small contact areas demand excellent adhesion.
3. Slow first layer – use ≤ 50 % of your normal first-layer speed.
4. Increase bed temperature by 5-10 °C if tiles lift.
5. Perform a color change at 0.6 mm:
   • PrusaSlicer: see docs
   • Cura: see guide
6. Choose contrasting colors – dark/light or complementary pairs work best (see Complementary colors).
7. Nozzle choice:
   • 0.25 mm → finest detail, longest print
   • 0.40 mm → best balance
   • 0.60 mm → fastest, coarsest tolerance

Multiple-Extruder Printers

Use the MMU-prefixed models for number tiles. Enable “supports on build plate only”; no internal supports needed.

Assembly Tips

Safety first – wear eye protection & gloves; follow glue and tool guidelines.

1. Apply Glue (if needed)

• Designs are press/snap fit, but loose fits may need a tiny drop (≈ grain of rice).
• Reliefs in magnet holes vent excess glue.

2. Place the Magnets

• Mark one pole with a sharpie.
• Ensure every UCS uses identical polarity so new pieces stick to old.
• Press magnets with a stack, screwdriver back, or pliers—never sharp tools.

3. Insert the Tiles

1. Choose 10 tiles per UCS.
2. Keep standardized layouts for quick recognition.
3. On number tiles, decide whether numbers ascend or descend as you rotate.
4. Press until the locking nub “clicks.”
   • Too loose? add a dab of glue.
   • Too tight? use a dull, flat press tool.

Recommended Configurations (Magic: The Gathering)

A 2:1 ratio of Numbers : other nodes is usually ideal.

Available Tiles

Numbers

1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 0

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 Heart tile)

Specialty Counters (paid)

Energy · Experience · Level/Quest · Storage · Time

Category: Toys & Games