Looking for best 3D printer for miniatures? A comprehensive and ever-expanding world of 3D printing is ready to welcome everyone with a bit of passion and extra money. As the sector expands and diversifies, new job possibilities arise for many professionals in medical, education, design, research, and engineering fields.
You can now also take your favourite rite pastime to the next level, thanks to low-cost technological advancements. For example, computer miniatures for famous games, such as D&D, Warhammer 40K, etc., are a wonderful illustration of 3D printing’s availability.
We are here today to discuss printing miniatures. This article will teach you about the best 3D printer for your next inventions, their prospective perks, and beneficial alternatives.
| Overall Best 3D Printer for Miniatures | Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K Large LCD Resin 3D Printer |
| Best Universally Compatible 3D Printer for Miniatures | ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K |
| Best Budget 3D Printer for Miniatures | PHROZEN Sonic Mini UV Photocuring LCD Resin 3D Printer |
| Most Durable 3D Printer for Miniatures | Elegoo Mars 2 Pro Mono LCD 3D Printer |
| Best Beginner-Level 3D Printer for Miniatures | Entina Mini 3D Printers Tina 2 |
Things to Consider When Buying a 3D Printer for Miniatures
Build Volume
The build volume available in the printer largely determines a print’s maximal size. Therefore, you’ll need a large print volume printer if you want to print little figurines, many models at once, or larger, more detailed figurines. Generally, greater prices are associated with greater construction volumes.
Considering our focus here is on miniatures, a smaller construction volume would likely work best for most people. First-time 3D printers should go for lesser build volumes to save money. Affordable 3D printing is a great entry point for learning the basics of 3D printing and practicing the skills needed to produce high-quality miniatures.
Filament
3D prints are made by layering meltable filament (the raw material supplied to the printer). The filament you choose is a matter of taste, but it’s crucial to know whether the printer you want to use works well with the material you intend to use.
PLA and ABS are popular materials for miniatures because of their lighter weight and rigidity. It just so happens that most 3D printers that can print one can produce the other, thanks to how similar the materials are.
Regarding 3D printing materials, PLA, or polylactic acid, is the most widely used since it is inexpensive and comes in the widest range of colors of any printing substance.
ABS is an alternative to PLA for miniatures that may be handled by many players during a game or fall over accidentally. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, more commonly known as ABS, is a stronger and more durable material. It’s also inexpensive and easy to use, even for novices.
For miniatures, wood-based filament might also be a good option. Its porous qualities make it ideal for painting miniatures, an important aspect of miniature production. However, 3D printers capable of handling wood-based filament are a little more scarce, so be sure your pick comes equipped with it before deciding to get one.
Precision and Detail
Printing miniatures requires more accuracy in layering and the ability to produce flawless results. A printer with a high enough resolution is what you’ll need to attain this result. However, 100 microns is a reasonable starting point for resolution, but the lower the number, the more accurate.
Additionally, the nozzle has a major impact on this. For the greatest results, look for printers with nozzle bore sizes of less than 0.4 mm, since this will result in thinner layers and more accurate outcomes.
Top 5 3D Printers for Printing Miniatures
1. PHROZEN Sonic Mighty 4K Large LCD Resin 3D Printer
Overall Best 3D Printer for Miniatures
- Fast high-detail prints
- Easy to handle print plate
- Impressive print speed
- Intuitive controls
- Affordable price
- We could not find any faults in this product
The Phrozen Mighty 4K prints resin at a high resolution and speed. Hence, the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K is a very successful product.
The Mighty 4K’s 9.3-inch 4K monochrome LCD delivers the greatest print area and volume for a printer in its class. The overall dimensions of the printer are 200 x 125 x 220 millimeters.
The Sonic Mighty 4K from Phrozen does not lag behind the current trend of large-format resin printers being released at a lower price point.
Moreover, the Sonic Mighty 4K has a build space of 200 x 125 x 220 mm, which is more than four times the volume of its predecessor, the Mini 4K. The Mighty 4K can compete with similarly sized rivals like the Anycubic Mono X.
Our printing experience with the Sonic Mighty 4K has been faultless, from the printer’s initial setup to its ability to produce insanely big prints due to its massive build plate.
In conclusion, Printers such as the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K are known for their dependability and reliability. Only a handful of printers can compete with the Sonic Mighty 4K in terms of performance and ease of use. Our recommendation for budget-conscious producers is this printer, suitable for both beginners and professionals. Hence, no wonder the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K is the best overall 3D printer on our list.
View on Amazon: PHROZEN Sonic Mighty 4K Large LCD Resin 3D Printer
2. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K
Best Universally Compatible 3D Printer for Miniatures
- Ease of use
- High-resolution 3D prints
- Almost invisible print lines
- Beginner-friendly
- High-quality prints
- Very fast printing time
- Software is buggy
The Anycubic Photon Mono has been our go-to machine for 3D printing miniatures. Even though we have industrial SLA printers, a Formlabs 3, and many other 3D printing equipments, Anycubic has been the best. The Photon Mono is not only the ideal instrument for the task at hand but also outperforms every other LCD and DLP printer available on the market.
We have tested many of these types of printers because of the high number of unsuccessful 3D prints we obtain from LCD and DLP printers. However, we have never been happy with the results. Instead, we are seasoned pros in the field of 3D printing. We believe this is the ideal 3D printer for miniatures, particularly if you are a beginner.
This printer is an absolute banger, and its compatibility will blow you off.
The Photon Mono provides the highest print quality at an affordable price. Hence, the Anycubic Photon Mono is the ideal 3D printer for D&D miniatures. The reason is that Anycubic manufactures it, and, Anycubic pays close attention to detail on their products.
In conclusion, the Photon Mono is the most capable LCD 3D printer on the market. We have eight of these devices and incorporate them into the production process in various ways. It’s affordable, and the print quality is practically better than what we get from Formlabs 3. So suppose you are interested in purchasing your first 3D printer. In that case, we suggest you get the resin Anycubic Photon Mono rather than an FDM printer.
View on Amazon: ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K
3. PHROZEN Sonic Mini UV Photocuring LCD Resin 3D Printer
Best Budget 3D Printer for Miniatures
- Best-in-class 22 micron XY resolution
- Perfect for small 28 mm figures with precise features and details
- Fast setup
- High-resolution prints
- Software integration with ChituBox
- Fitting resin vat can be tricky
The Phrozen Sonic Mini UV costs just a little more than the Anycubic Mono but creates miniatures with a higher resolution than those produced by the Anycubic Mono. So even if you are starting, it shouldn’t be difficult to learn how to use a 4k resin printer. And for those who have been in the industry for quite some time, a 4k 3D printer should be on at least one of your bucket lists.
Suppose you want to print quickly while still getting prints with a high level of quality at a price that is reasonable to your budget. In that case, the Phrozen Sonic Mini UV is the printer you should get. A staggering 35 microns is the XY resolution that the Sonic Mini offers.
The community that plays with tabletop miniatures adores it for several reasons, including the low cost of the product and the excellent resolution you can obtain by using it.
In conclusion, the Sonic Mini by Phrozen is a smashing success. It’s a wonderful 3D printer for the money since it’s less expensive than most competitors. Sonic Mini is also a breeze to set up and use. In terms of print quality, the print resolution is superior to that of its stablemates, and we believe that most users will readily see this difference. As if that weren’t enough, it prints at a noticeably quicker rate than the competition.
View on Amazon: PHROZEN Sonic Mini UV Photocuring LCD Resin 3D Printer
4. Elegoo Mars 2 Pro Mono LCD 3D Printer
Most Durable 3D Printer for Miniatures
- Spring-loaded self-leveling build platform
- It has an integrated air filtration system
- Solid metal construction
- A small size is ideal for tight spaces
- Fast, high-resolution layer printing
- Build volume can feel limited
The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is an LCD 3D printer that has become a favorite in desktop 3D printing. All this is due to its ability to print at high rates and with extremely fine details despite its low price. So, when we tried the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro for our review, we were quite pleased by the quality it gave at such a low price. We were also able to say this because the pricing was so low.
The Elegoo Mars is the ideal 3D printer for miniatures and tabletop models for modelers, especially those who already have expertise with 3D printing and are not discouraged by the additional challenges presented with resin. Compared to FDM printers, the Elegoo Mars can print models with more transparent and sharp finishes, and the resins used do not cost as much as they formerly did.
Layer resolutions ranging from 0.01-0.2 mm are accessible on the printer’s 2K LCD screen, contributing to the device’s excellent accuracy in curing resins. It comes with CHITUBOX, which is a highly regarded resin 3D slicer.
The Mars 2 Pro’s slicer slices models quickly, saving you time.
In conclusion, the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro Mono is one of the best resin printers available at a reasonable price. If you have the necessary technical knowledge, you may discover that resin printing is the most suitable method for meeting your requirements when producing miniatures. It also includes helpful features such as tools that hollow out models before printing them. This, in addition, can reduce the amount of material you use and save you money if you are willing to accept slightly less durable parts.
View on Amazon: Elegoo Mars 2 Pro Mono LCD 3D Printer
5. Entina Mini 3D Printers Tina 2
Best Beginner-Level 3D Printer for Miniatures
- Beginner-friendly
- Compact design
- Super high-quality printing
- Durable
- Printing resolution could have been high
The Tina 2 lets you restart printing even if you unexpectedly lose power or decide to stop printing.
The printer features automatic bed leveling. The sophisticated leveling mechanism of the tiny 3D printer can automatically correct the uneven bed, making it possible to achieve one-touch leveling and printing. This leveling mechanism eliminates the need for manual leveling. It is simple to remove the models when using a magnetic construction plate that is both flexible and detachable.
Tina2’s most impressive quality is its ability to print with high accuracy. In addition, auto-level 3D printers operate more smoothly thanks to the dual Z-axis design, which also significantly increases the printing details and accuracy.
The Tina 2 desktop 3D printer is lightweight and has a minimalistic design. The tiny 3D printer is 8.3 inches by 8.3 inches by 11.4 inches and weighs 6.6 lbs. Its low weight and portable form make it an excellent choice for usage in domestic settings, schools, workplaces, and other public spaces. The dimensions of the construction volume are 100 by 120 by 100 mm.
In conclusion, Tina 2 allows quick printing right out of the box since everything comes pre-constructed. It won’t take you more than a few minutes to get your first print going with the 3D printer since it’s simple to operate and doesn’t need a complicated setup. In addition, offline printing using the MicroSD card is made simple by the 2.4-inch LCD screen and Wiibulider slicing software included with the printer.
View on Amazon: Entina Mini 3D Printers Tina 2
Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Printers for Miniatures
Is It Legal to 3D Print Warhammer?
Printing Warhammer figurines using a 3D printer is permissible as long as the printed figures are not offered for sale to make a profit. You are only permitted to use 3D printed figurines for personal amusement while playing with members of your immediate family or close friends. However, you are not permitted to utilize them in conjunction with commercial activities or competitive gaming events.u003cbru003eSuppose you attempt to sell your figurines printed using a 3D printer. In that case, you might get into some severe legal difficulties. First, intellectual property laws protect the designs of the figurines, which is the basis for this restriction. For example, suppose you attempt to sell them to other people for profit. In that case, you risk getting a complaint or lawsuit from the firm that manufactures the originals.u003cbru003eYou must also be aware that you won’t be allowed to use 3D-printed Warhammer models in a gaming competition. So, if that’s your objective, it may not be worth going to the bother of printing the models yourself if you can’t use them.
What Type of 3D printer Is Best for Miniatures?
Resin 3D Printers are the best type of 3D printer for miniatures.
Do You Need a Resin Printer for Miniatures?
Not necessarily. But, resin printers are better than other types of miniature printers.
How Much Does It Cost to 3D Print a Miniature?
It is only essential to pay for the energy and printed materials to keep manufacturing miniatures, props, and terrains to your heart’s content when using a 3D printer. However, the initial cost of obtaining a 3D printer is the only other expense to consider. Because the vast majority of contemporary gadgets use little to no energy, almost all costs have been condensed down to the price of the filament or resin.u003cbru003eTo boil it all down comes down to the amount of material utilized, and miniatures cannot accommodate a significant amount. But before we get into it, let’s look at the statistics.u003cbru003eWhen using an FDM 3D printer, just a few grams of filament are required to manufacture a single mini around 2.5 centimeters tall. The going rate for one kilogram of PLA or ABS is roughly twenty dollars, which works out to 2.5 cents per gram or twenty cents for each figure.u003cbru003eSuppose we are talking about a standard SLA printer. In that case, a bottle of resin that is 1 liter in capacity should be sufficient for producing at least one hundred minis. However, you may purchase aroundu0026Acirc;u0026nbsp;u003cstrongu003e$50.00 per literu003c/strongu003eu0026Acirc;u0026nbsp;on average. Compared to smaller models, bigger ones may need more than 100 ccs of resin, although you can purchase the latter for much less. In most circumstances, you may expect to spend more than a dollar and a half on each miniature.
How to Make Miniatures With a 3D Printer?
Using CAD software packages like Blender, Fusion360, TinkerCAD, and a wide variety of others, it is possible to create miniatures for use in 3D printing. Even if there is a learning curve, Blender is perhaps the finest CAD program for creating miniatures for 3D printing since the sculpting approach is simple.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eMaking miniatures suitable for 3D printing requires technical and artistic skills, which means mastering this talent will take some time. Meanwhile, you will need to set aside part of your spare time to work on developing this ability. For example, you can design versions of characters you’ve seen in movies, on television, in cartoons, and in various video games.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eDownloading and installing theu0026Acirc;u0026nbsp;u003ca href=u0022https://www.blender.org/download/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eBlenderu003c/au003eu0026Acirc;u0026nbsp;software on your computer is the first step in getting started with the sculpting capabilities of the program. The vast majority of users choose to download it onto a desktop computer, portable laptop computer, or even a tablet device.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIf you are utilizing the mouse on a personal computer or laptop, having one with a scroll wheel will greatly assist you while moving about the screen.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eBlender indeed has a large number of capabilities, and because of this, using it for the first time might be intimidating. However, suppose you have a decent tutorial and understand that you only need to utilize a handful of the functions. In that case, you will find that using Blender is far simpler.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eUSING THE BLENDER APPLICATIONu003cbru003eu003cbru003eWhen you launch the Blender program, the program will prompt you to pick u0022u003cstrongu003eSculptingu003c/strongu003eu0022 from the u0022u003cstrongu003eNew Fileu003c/strongu003eu0022 option on the left side of the interface.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThis will bring up your sculpting view, which by default may be a cube, spherical, or cylindrical form, with which you may begin sculpting.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eBlender has a wide variety of tools and features, some of which you may use for sculptings, such as Texture, Stroke, Falloff, Symmetry, and Display. Whatever you sculpt on one side of the model will more easily reflect on the opposite side of the object thanks to the symmetry.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAfter you have completed the process of creating a sculpture, you can easily export the file as an STL. You can then load this file into your slicer, and the sculpture may be 3D printed right away using either filament or resin, depending on your preference.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe ability to sculpt is not limited to the production of models alone. You may use it for various other productive uses. You can also start with pre-existing models and sculpt them in such a manner as to reduce the number of overhangs, allowing the model to get printed without the need for support.u003cbru003e
Final Words
Regardless of their level of competence, everyone will be able to select a 3D printer appropriate for manufacturing desktop miniatures according to their specific objectives. Getting a 3D Printer for your tabletop games is always an added advantage. That’s because you can make larger models and print high-quality miniatures.
The present market offers various solutions suitable for users of all experience levels. Internet resources are available to assist in the form of models that are ready to be printed and helpful advice on various technical issues.
The Phrozen Sonic Mighty is, without a doubt, the best 3D printer for tabletop miniatures that is also reasonably priced. It is inexpensive, dependable, and simple to use, and it makes 3D prints of high quality. Choose the Phrozen Sonic Mini UV printer if you want high-resolution 3D prints that are much better than other printers.
It is impossible to make a mistake with this 3D printer if you are a novice and are interested in purchasing a 3D printer that is within your price range. The print quality is ten times better than an FDM printer, but the price is even lower.
Grab one of these printers and head on your way to print miniatures and other miniature models with highly detailed prints.
Also, if you are looking for fastest 3D printer specifically, check out our guide!