There’s something undeniably magical about taking computer files of a model created by an artist and bringing it to full physical reality. Enter the world of 3D printing.
Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printers allow you to create complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.
For me, they provide the x-factor that makes it hard to judge what’s right for you. It’s simply magical. But how much is the magic worth when it comes to gaming, especially in terms of quality and price?
I know 3D printers are expensive, but at the same time, custom characters and models for tabletop games are becoming even more pricey.
For these reasons, fans of story-driven miniature games, tabletop games, wargaming, tactical combat, or comic book heroes opt for the best 3d printers for miniatures for 3d printing their custom models.
See, the best 3D printer for miniature can provide endless possibilities. Many hobbyists enjoy putting together their miniatures, and owning a 3D printer can make this creative process a truly rewarding experience
Additionally, the 3D printers break down the major barriers to me bringing my RPG and counter planning to reality on the table. For instance, on the day of game night, I can follow my inspiration about a certain monster or creature without really thinking whether my hobby shop is closed or delays on the 3-5 shipping from my retailer.
Now, while the 3D printing technology has come a long way, some 3D printers have a quality that’s not quite there. Others, on the other hand, have fewer limitations and will let you create impressive quality miniatures. In the review below, we shall discuss the latter. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive review list of what we feel are the best 3D printers for miniatures.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best 3D Printer for Miniatures For The Money
#1 ELEGOO Mars - Great Budget 3d Printer
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The 3d printing market is increasingly competitive, but some brands, such as the Elegoo, have carved out a place for themselves as inexpensive yet reliable 3d printers for miniatures. While its printing performance isn’t anywhere close to some of the premium models such as Anycubic Photon, I feel it could do better than most $1,000 plus SLA models out there. And unless you’ll be using it for business or want lifelike details, you can’t go wrong with these budget printers.
But cost alone isn’t what the Elegoo Mars brings to the table. This 3d printing machine has plenty of other awesome benefits that will appeal even to the most discerning hobbyist out there.
Features and Benefits
Build Quality
I’ve been 3d printing for a decade, and so far, I’ve come across $2,000 resin printers that don’t live up to the build and print quality as the Elegoo.
Of course, 3d models such as Anycubic will blow you away, but Elegoo will put your jaws on the floor in comparison.
First, the build quality is by far superior to what I expected at this price point. Photon has a solid construction and powerful components, including a powerful cooling system.
My favourite feature is the CNC machine aluminium alloy body that makes it a very formidable machine.
The build quality is awesome. When you combine it with the newly-designed sandblasted built plate, you get a machine with a much stronger adherence during printing to allow for consistent printing success.
Overall, you’ll like Elegoo’s design and love how everything works out of the box like it’s supposed to.
Size/ Dimension
Elegoo leans on the smaller side and measures 7.87 by 7.87 by 16.14 inches and has a build volume of 4.7 by 2.6 by 6.1 inches.
I feel it’s small, but I think that’s just me being greedy.
If anything, the size can be a good or bad thing, depending on how you view it.
For instance, the small size means the minis won’t take a lot of tabletop gamers space, so you’ll have more flexibility when deciding to put it. The printer’s footprint makes it ideal for sitting on your workbench next to your PC rather than hiding away on a shelf.
On the flip side, this best 3d printer for miniatures will limit what you can actually print. But this isn’t necessarily a big deal with miniature fans as most gaming miniatures are small anyways and don’t need a big build volume.
With a modest dimension, Elegoo is limited in its output to jewellery, tabletop miniatures, small mechanical prototypes, and pop-culture paraphernalia.
Performance/ Print Quality
Elegoo’s print quality is incredible and will give the higher-priced competitors a run for their money.
With an X/Y resolution of 0.047mm, the quality of the 3d printed models is miles ahead of your standard FDM printers.
Everything comes out precisely and with no need for extra touch-ups. The small details and tiny designs are easily visible and printable.
Overall, Elegoo’s printing quality is on another level and will definitely stand up to the more expensive printers in the market.
Resin Printing
Aside from being the little mini, Elegoo is thoughtfully designed and prints differently.
Traditionally, we used printers with extruders pushing out plastic printing filaments, but this pick uses resin printing and UV rays for curing.
It’s not only an innovative design, but it delivers a smooth 3d printing process.
There’s no need for pushing or pulling anything here or worry about breaking some part. The printing process is effortless and simple, and beginners won’t even need to go through the manual a second time.
The only challenge with the Elegoo’s operation is it produces a loud beeping noise when it starts and finishes a print.
Secondly, the consumables are expensive. Apart from the costly resins, you’ll also need to stock up on gloves and filter funnels.
But these are just but minor setbacks.
Pros
- Budget model
- Smooth operation
- Detailed models
Cons
- Small prints only
#2 LulzBot Mini 2 Desktop 3D Printer - Best All-Around FDM 3D Printer For Minis & Terrain
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
When I got my first 3d printer, I made a conscious decision to go cheap.
However, I’ve increased my budget substantially over the years to include printers up to $1,000.
But I’ve never wanted to go higher than that. After all, how much difference could a $1,500 be to a $700 one?
As it turns out, there’s a whole difference, and the Lulzbot Mini 2 is a testimony.
Lulzbot Mini 2 hits a sweet spot for those who are serious about 3d printing.
It’s quite pricey, though, coming roughly six times the price of Egeloo, but it’s a quality desktop printer renowned for speed and reliability.
As with the Egeloo, it has a small form factor, and you would be forgiven to think it cuts corners with the performance.
Instead, this 3d printer for a miniature is precisely engineered and packs a punch.
Features and Benefits
Design
There’s a lot to like with Lulzbot Mini 2’s design.
The moment you open the box, you’ll be awed by its quality.
Lulzbot Mini 2 comes with everything you need to get started on printing.
The other reason you’ll love we choose to include this printing machine is it shares similar industrial looks to the original Mini.
Now, if you’ve experienced the original Mini, you know you’re getting a solid workhorse that can stand up to anything.
In particular, this upgrade prioritizes printing rather than aesthetics. It’s not ugly either, and instead, it has a cleaner and more functional look.
Size/ Build Volume
As its name suggests, Lulzbot Mini 2 is a “mini” version of the original Lulzbot Mini.
It’s designed as the prototypical tabletop 3d printer for miniature.
I love how it’s small enough to sit on my desk or workbench, yet not too small enough to render it non-functional.
The mini isn’t a hulking machine, and with an overall dimension of 17.1 x 13.4 x 15.2 inches, it won’t monopolize your space.
Its build volume is larger than that of Egeloo, so there’re unlimited miniature models you can create with it.
The printer is lighter, too, and at only 60 pounds, it’ll be easy to take the printer with you on your next vacation or trip.
Controls/ Easy to Use
If I had to pick a beginner 3D printing machine for miniatures, this would be it.
Why?
It goes against the grain and places its power buttons right at the front. Far too often, we see the power button placed on the back, limiting usage and ergonomics.
These printing minis make none of this mistake, making everything easily accessible.
And that’s not all!
Unpacking and setting up this printer for miniatures is straightforward and shouldn’t take much of your time.
Performance/ Print Quality
There’s no doubt with Mini’s 2 printing performance.
This 3d printer for miniatures possesses high accuracy and can create amazing 3d models with the best surface finish.
The quality is so astounding that I 3d printed prints at layer heights I would never believe I could produce such amazing results.
Part of the printer’s amazing performance is the Aero Extruder with a 0.5 mm nozzle that lightens even the toughest of the prints.
Even at 2.5 mm, it allows for smoother prints than you would have achieved on other printers as 0.15 mm.
The smaller details and complex geometry on your 3d objects are shown with greater detail and clarity.
Printing Process/Print Materials
Another astounding benefit of this best 3d printer for miniatures is it can work with a range of printing filaments.
It goes beyond the ABS and PLA common in 3d printing.
Instead, this printer for a miniature is a “material friendly” machine, and beyond the standard ABS and PLA, it also accommodated HIPS, PVA, Nylon, Polycarbonate, and plenty of other filaments.
Overall, this mid-range desktop 3D printer has plenty to offer, and there’re few downsides to owning Lulzbot.
It has a limitation, though, and that’s the open frame concept.
I love this concept, but beginners should be aware of the design as it increases the risk of heat/burn injuries.
Another downside of the concept is that it doesn’t contain odours and emissions during the print process, some of which are hazardous, depending on the print material.
Pros
- Mid-level pricing
- Accommodates a variety of materials
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Open frame concept
#3 ANYCUBIC Photon Mono - Editor's Choice
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
If you’re a miniature fan, I know you probably own several FDM 3d printers and can attest that the printer’s quality is okay, but not necessarily what is needed for smaller print models.
We all wish we owned an SLA model, but most of these 3d printers for miniatures are well over a grand.
Personally, I’ve kept away from resin printers because I’m clumsy and not very good at handling technical products.
But when I came across Anycubic Photon, I couldn’t resist the temptation.
Yes, this resin 3d printer comes at a fraction of the regular SLA printers, yet it offers a true SLA printing experience. It’s hands down the best 3d printer for miniatures.
Of course, there’re other premium models from Anycubic, but if you’re looking for an easier way in SLA printing, then you might want to give Photon a look.
While it comes with a considerable price drop, it doesn’t mean the quality isn’t there.
It doesn’t break the bank, and you’ll be glad you decided to invest in it.
Features and Benefits
Design
The first thing I noticed with this best 3d printer for miniatures is that it’s well built and feels like a more expensive machine.
It seems pretty solid, and the quality craftsmanship is visible all over the machine.
In particular, the z-axis movement is ultra-smooth, and I would recommend this printer to anyone who wants to 3d print miniatures and small items.
The learning curve for this 3d printer for a miniature is a bit steeper than the FDM printers, but worth it after seeing the miniatures’ quality.
Size
Anycubic Photon takes only a small amount of real estate on your table.
The modest size makes it easier to use this 3d printer on your workbench next to your PC instead of hiding away on a shelf.
On the flip side, the build volume limits what you can 3d print with this SLA printer.
But it’s not a dealbreaker since you don’t need a large build volume for gaming miniatures anyways.
If anything, I’ve 3d printed things smaller than a quarter, up to the full size of the 3d print bed.
Printing Performance
As for the quality, I can’t stress enough how detailed the Anycubic Photon prints come out.
See, I’ve been 3d printing for years but only had experience with FFD printers. None of them can even come close to the quality I experienced with my very first print on this SLA machine.
Another thing I was impressed with is how not messy the process is.
If you read reviews about SLA machines, you know their biggest complaint is a mess.
But not with Anycubic Photon!
For one, this 3d printer for miniature comes with a bunch of gloves, and to my surprise, they were large, not so small I couldn’t get my hands in.
More importantly, the Photon’s miniatures print operation is seamless and even won’t get the clumsy hands any mess.
Supplies
I also liked an Anycubic purchase: it comes with a little package of everything you need to 3d print and service the printer.
These are nice tools and will help with the easy running of the 3d printer for miniature.
My only concern was with the resin filament.
As with all other resin-based 3d printers, Anycubic gives off a bad odour, not hazardous, but really uncomfortable.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Quality prints
- Not messy
Cons
- Barebones slicing software
#4 FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro - Best Value
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Fourth on the list of our 3d printers for miniatures is a unit that lands near the top in almost any category.
The FlashForge 3d Printer Pro is one of the strongest performers in its space and comes with plenty of accessories.
But that isn’t even its selling point.
These printers offer a unique take to tabletop 3d printing by having two extruders.
I’m a fan of this feature as it greatly expands the possibilities of what you can 3d print in a small space.
But apart from these quality-of-life improvements, is the FlashForge 3d Printer worth it?
Features and Benefits
Design
FlashForge overcomes one of the greatest flaws of our previously-reviewed Lulzbot- open-frame design.
The printer features a closed- design, lacking the raw building volume of the open models.
For me, it’s a good thing as I find it easy to maintain a consistent temperature at all times. I love how it holds temperature in the chamber for even smoother prints.
Plus, the closed-frame design eliminates the need for constant ventilation during the printing process.
For users like me who don’t love printing ABS on an open printer, this feature is even more vital.
It keeps out any dust and foreign particles while adding an extra level of safety.
Features
One area where this printer excels is in the features.
First, as we had mentioned in the introduction, the model features dual-extruders that make colour printing, and dissolvable water supports possible.
While the extruders are our favourite features, the model has plenty of other awesome features.
It utilizes a temperature-resistant 6.3 aluminium build plate that doesn’t wrap even after prolonged heat exposure.
The extruders can get as hot as 240 ° C, allowing you to utilize an array of materials.
Build Volume
The Creator Pro has a decent volume build of 227 x 150 x 148 mm.
It’s not anywhere big, but why would you need such an expansive printer if all you need is a 3d printer for producing small miniatures.
Performance/ Printing Quality
Creator’s Pro 3d printing quality was average at best. It has an average print quality for its price.
While it excels in printing overhangs, it’ll take you on a rollercoaster when it comes to printing small objects.
Even with the resolution set at its highest (500 microns), the tiny models are not 3d printed out well.
The small miniatures are marred with ragged edges and other imperfections, and as such, I find the machine better suited for modelling medium and large miniatures.
The other issue I had with the printing performance is this 3d printer for miniature doesn’t support automatic bed levelling.
It’s a deal-breaker as you’ve to do it manually, and the leveling has to be precise for you to achieve quality miniatures.
Printing Process/Print Materials
Creator Pro doesn’t support a huge range of filaments as the LulzBot Mini.
Other than PVA, this printer for miniature will limit you to PLA and ABS.
If you’re not a professional or just do printing casually and occasionally, this should be fine with you.
However, professionals may want to go for something with a huge array of supporting materials.
Overall, the FlashForge is an awesome printer for miniature, but it also has its fair share of deal breakers.
One, it seems the guys at FlashForge have been unable to resolve the noise issue, which is uncomfortable for some.
There’re several possible causes, but the main culprit is the extruder motors. The good news is you can solve the problem by covering the back of the motor with heatsinks. This may help muffle the whines from the machine.
Pros
- Ideal for casual use
- Closed-frame design
- Plenty of features
- Dual extruders
Cons
- Noisy
#5 Creality Ender 5 Pro - Entry-Level Model
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our final pick on our review list of the best 3d printer for miniatures is one of the rare finds that doesn’t seem to make sense.
One, it has such a low price point, but it delivers insane results.
I feel it can be a great entry-level model as it’s not sophisticated as other 3d printers.
While it lacks the frills and frays of Anycubic Photon, it doesn’t skimp on the 3d printing performance.
If anything, it’s comparable to most of the models on our best 3d printer for miniature list.
But is this model right for you?
Features and Benefits
Design
As described by the manufacturer, this 3d printer doesn’t come fully assembled.
Instead, it comes in pieces, and it’s in no way a fully-fledged kit.
However, when assembling the printer, it’s evident that care was put into detailing the instructions.
Everything is explained in much detail and even has coloured pictures to illustrate how everything should fit together.
Additionally, every individual bag is labelled clearly, so you don’t have to guess what part goes where.
The best part, though, is that this 3d printer for miniature comes with all the tools, not just for assembling but also maintaining the 3d printer.
Overall, we were surprised that such an entry-level and budget printer could have so much to offer.
Size
My first impression of Ender 5 is that it’s a solid entry into the world of 3d printing.
It departs from the compact frame of its predecessor, the Ender 3, to a much bigger unit with a 440 x 410 x 465mm dimension.
Consequently, this leaves you with a larger build volume of 220 x 220 x 300mm, making it easier to make much bigger print models.
I feel the build volume is decent and will accommodate almost everything beginners would want to model.
It’s not that huge, either, and so it won’t take up much of your room in your home or office.
Printing Performance
For the price, the print quality is decent but could use some improvements.
For instance, I usually tune my slicer settings and alter every other setting I could find to the point where the extruder starts, but the layer resolution is still visible.
Whenever a print is finished, you’ll still see a visible line going straight up the side of the print.
For beginners, they could care less, but if you’re a professional looking for detailed clarity and sophistication on your model, the 3d element on this printer isn’t the best.
Beginners, however, will appreciate everything the model has to offer.
In particular, I feel the FDM printing is the x-factor on this printer as it makes the printer even more user-friendly.
As for the power supply, Ender 5 comes with a 24V/350W, which can deliver print speeds of up to 80mm/s, and 0.05mm precision for high-resolution prints.
Filament
Ender 5 doesn’t have a lot of versatility when it comes to the choice of printing filament.
Again, this underlines its practicality for entry-level 3d printing.
The printer only supports three filament materials; PLA/ABS/WOOD/. It’s still a decent offer, considering the price range and quality you get.
Of course, professional hobbyists are less likely to be excited by the choice and number of options, but beginners will have plenty at their disposal.
Pros
- Budget mode
- Perfect entry-level option
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not the best 3d printing quality
Best 3D Printers for Miniatures Buying Guide
If you’re still undecided on what type of 3d printer to choose, our best 3d printer guide will help you.
Here, we list everything you should know about choosing the best 3d printers for miniature.
But first, let’s understand some of the main benefits of choosing 3d printing miniatures.
Benefits of 3d Printing
Customization
The biggest advantage of 3d printing software models is creating a tailor, one-of-a-kind for yourself and your family.
A 3d printer allows you to customize your miniature and build it depending on your needs and preferences- whether it’s the shape, colour scheme, or size.
Some even come with fancy LCD screen, handy stop and resume print function and nifty bells and whistles like touch screen etc. So have a shop around before you decide.
Price
There’re budget printer machines, but generally, most of the quality printers are on the higher side of the spectrum.
However, once you purchase a 3D printer, you’ll only need to pay for the printing filament.
For the small models, this can be as low as a dollar, especially if you’re using lower-cost filaments such as PLA.
Types of 3d Printers
Now that you’re aware of the benefits of owning a 3d printer let’s look at the different printer types.
3d printers are grouped into two:
- FDM printer
- Resin printers
FDM
FDM printers, also known as Fused Deposition Modeling printers, use a plastic printing filament fed through the nozzle.
These printers come with a reel of plastic wire known as PolyLactic Acid (PLA) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
The reels are types of thermoplastics, so they can be heated to act like liquids.
While an FDM printer is less expensive than LCD resin printers, its quality is less superior.
However, they have a larger build, but this may not be important if you need to print single, small models.
LCD 3D Printer
3d printers with a built-in LCD screen can deliver noticeably better-quality prints, with far smoother surface finish and less obvious layers.
They’re expensive, though, and some even opt for touch screen technology, but the printer prices have fallen in recent years to the same level as cheap DM 3D printers.
These printers are a different beast altogether, and instead of utilizing a reel of plastic wire, they create a bath of liquid resin.
Overall, each model has its benefits and drawback, but if you were to pick the two, here’s our advice; beginners should stick to FDM printers. Experts who can handle the complexity and safety and prefer clearer and quality models should opt for a resin printer.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best 3d Printers for Miniatures
There’re several critical factors to consider when choosing a 3d printer.
Going wrong on any of these elements may mean that you’ll not pick a model that will adequately fulfil your needs.
Reliability
3D printers are machines, after all, and the only useful machine is reliable.
So, as with any machine, choose 3d printers with the greatest reliability.
Remember, some of the devices require some complex algorithms that the smartest machines can handle. Therefore, it’s a good idea to pick a machine that’s not prone to breaking.
Build Platform/ Bed Size
The second element to consider when choosing a 3d printer is the print bed size, or simply the size of the platform the printer can print on.
A printer’s bed size defines how big an item you can build or how many items you can make.
For instance, if you want to print a large piece of terrain, you’ll either need a large bed or break it up into smaller pieces on a smaller piece and then assemble.
For me, I would recommend picking a printer suiting your volume requirements and one that produces the number of gaming miniatures you want at the highest quality levels.
But since we’re referring to printing miniatures, you don’t need to look for large volume sizes.
Here, you need to emphasize the quality and the technical details.
Nozzle Width
One of the main details affecting a 3d’s printer for a miniature is the nozzle.
The nozzle diameter affects the width of the individual 3d printed lines and affects the printing time.
For example, using a smaller nozzle translates to less filament while printing, but it may take a long time to finish.
Conversely, a bigger nozzle diameter prints much faster, but this is a trade-off as it uses more filament than necessary.
But there’s a middle ground, which is about 0.4mm. It’s also the standard used by a majority of 3d printers today.
However, if you need more detailed miniatures and don’t mind taking your time to produce the miniature, you can also opt for a 0.25 mm printer nozzle.
Connectivity Options
To print a miniature, you need to send a printable file to your 3d machine.
The printer processes and executes the file to generate the final product.
This makes the connectivity option quite a big deal when selecting a printer.
Traditionally, printers only came with an SD card slot for transferring and executing the file.
Modern-day options, however, include USB connections, Wi-Fi connections, and another computer/laptop connectivity.
When looking for your 3d mini, choose an option with plenty of connectivity options so you won’t have a problem when printing a miniature.
Self-Levelling Bed
While this feature is often overlooked, it’s one of the most convenient and time-saving features you could ask for.
Manual levelling is okay, but unless you’re precise, you could ruin your 3d print altogether. It’s also time-consuming and frustrating.
Fortunately, some options feature a self-levelling bed that will make your job even easier.
They ensure a correct distance is maintained between the nozzle and print bed and will save you a lot of effort adjusting the printer.
Technical Features- Precision, Resolution, and Speed
3D printing is a delicate craft, requiring some precise movement for the nozzle to create a quality digital 3d image and turn it into a real object.
Therefore, your 3D’s ability to stay true to measurements specified should be exact.
For instance, the nozzles should be zeroed to near-perfectly accurate to create a realistic miniature.
So, you should look for printers with precision printing high resolution. However, at the same time, note that your printer might take longer if you want a higher print quality.
Layer Resolution (Layer Height)
Layer resolution is a measure of each successive layer thickness of material when producing a 3d object in a printer.
Simply put, it’s the vertical resolution of your 3d’s z-axis.
The layer height ranges from as low as 0.025, all the way to 0.6mm. The lower the thickness, the longer it takes to generate your 3D model.
Material
3d printers use different materials to print miniatures.
The most common materials are plastics such as ABS and PL material.
ABS, also known as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is easier to clean and sand.
On the other hand, PLA is tougher and less prone to breakage while handling, sanding, or adjusting.
Another popular material is resin, commonly used in SLA printers.
Resin printers are expensive, but they’re worth it because they deliver more detailed 3d miniatures.
Ease of Use
3D printing is as much a skill as it’s a new technology.
The world of 3d printing itself has a steep learning curve, and it’s unlikely you’ll get the benefits of 3d right out of the box.
If you’re just starting, choosing a 3d printer with a whole load of buttons and settings will only lead to frustrations rather than enjoyment. So, you should take it slow and do your research.
3D Printing Miniature Cost
Beyond the initial cost of purchasing a 3D printer for miniature, you also need to consider other running costs.
Fortunately, there’s not a lot with running a miniature 3D printer since the only sizable cost is the filament used for printing the mini miniature.
One kilogram of PLA or ABS starts at around$20, and for the miniature materials, you can expect them to cost less than a dollar.
The resin 3D printers are more expensive, but you get a better surface finish and precision in return.
Properties of a Good 3D Printer for Miniatures
Here are the desirable properties of a good 3d printer for miniatures:
- Precision: A crucial element for printing miniature is precision. Precision is particularly essential for miniatures where a recognizable ace can make or break the model. Here, we recommend printing the smallest layer height you can-this is ideally under 100 microns.
- Cooling: A good 3d printer should feature a cooling fan that cools from all angles to reduce deformity on the small prints. It’s an essential feature because, on small prints, your printer finishes each layer resolution quickly, so each layer thickness may not have sufficient time for cooling before another layer is added.
- Stable, metal frame: 3D printers with heavy metal frames are less affected by external variables such as vibrations, which can toll on the model quality.
- Dual extruder: Dual extruder 3d printers can print support in water-soluble materials, resulting in better finishes once supports are removed.
What are the Best Practices for Printing Miniatures?
To achieve the best printing outcomes, there’re several practices you should consider.
First, consider the nozzle size. While using a smaller nozzle takes longer, it has better xy precision on printers.
When it comes to painting miniatures, the nozzle’s size is a non-issue since these models don’t take a long time anyway.
The second practice is speed adjustment. If you have a fast printer, it’s advisable to slow it down when printing small, precise models.
You may also want to change the infill percentage depending on how strong you want your miniatures. For instance, if you need to save on the material cost but don’t mind sacrificing up some part strength, you can reduce infill to 10%.
It’s always good to consider optimizing your printer’s retraction setting to prevent oozing and stringing of filament.
3d Printers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much does it cost to print a 3d miniature?
A: It depends, but the average cost of printing an unpainted miniature falls in the range of between $5 to $10.
Q: How long does it take to print a 3d miniature?
A: Please don’t hate me for this, but again, it all depends. For instance, if quality matters less, you can print a model with minis in 10 minutes. On the other hand, if you need more complex, high-quality, and detailed objects, you can take a few hours to days to finish.
Q: Between ABS and PLA, which is stronger?
A: ABA has better properties when it comes to mechanics, but it’s challenging to use when 3d printing.
On the other hand, PLA is handy if you’re focusing on aesthetics.
ADB is perfect for strength, durability, and stability.
Q: What are the common materials used for printing?
A: Some of the popular materials used for printing are PLS and ABS. Others include wax, titanium, resin, nylon, and polycarbonate.
Q: What’s the importance of resolution on a 3d printer?
A: Resolution of 3d printers is measured in units called microns.
Generally, FDM printers have lower resolution, only offering around 25 microns.
By comparison, resin-based printers are on the higher end of the spectrum, offering around 100 microns.
Q: What’s the best 3D printer for miniatures?
A: There’s no answer to this question, but the best printers for miniatures should be easy to use and 3d print. Fortunately, most of the models on our list fit the bill and are among the best printers on the market for crafting miniatures.
Q: Is 3D printing miniatures worth it?
A: Yes, it’s worth it. You’ll save a lot of money by 3d printing as opposed to buying miniatures. Of course, it’s not an easy hobby at first, but it’s rewarding.
Wrap Up: Our Choice
Our winner for the best 3d printers for miniatures is the ELEGOO Mars.
It’s not a premium model, but it has what it takes to create awesome and realistic miniatures. It’s might not be as good as Hero Forge at home but it does what exactly it says on the tin
This SLA machine has plenty of similarities with other models, but the x-factor is the choice of filament and printing process.
Apart from Anycubic Photon, it’s among the only miniature modelling machines that use SLA printing technology.
SLA printer technology is quite beneficial in crafting detailed and precise models of smaller dimensions, and so, it fits perfectly for use as the best 3d printer for miniatures.
Additionally, it’s inexpensive, coming at a fraction of most SLA printers on the market. Now, off you go and use it as an excuse to give your loved ones a 3d printed gift
