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Although video games are the most popular role-playing medium, many people still prefer to play games with others in person. Regrettably, miniature game models can be prohibitively expensive. For fans, printing their characters in 3D is a practical and possibly cost-effective alternative.
In addition to highlighting our top picks for the best 3D printer for miniatures across eight essential categories, this article also discusses the critical features to consider when making your choice.
Finding the right model is crucial, especially for those new to 3D printing. It can be challenging to strike a good balance between cost and performance.
The best miniature 3D printers can create high-resolution models by curing liquid resin with a UV light source. The MSLA method enables these printers to produce models with a resolution of as little as.035mm on the XY axes by selectively blocking the UV light on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This high resolution comes at a cost because UV resin must be handled carefully when printing parts on a resin 3D printer, which requires post-processing. Because handling resin requires gloves and a mask. We advise beginners or anyone with young children to think about one of the FDM (fusion deposit modeling) printers. Although we don’t have any FDM 3D printers on our list.
Before purchasing one of the best 3D printers for miniatures, there are several things to consider, so be sure to ask yourself these questions.
Shopping Tips for Best 3D Printers for Miniatures
- Mono or RGB LCD? Your resin 3D printer’s masking LCD type could have the most significant single impact on how quickly you print things overall. RGB masking LCDs are less expensive because they are frequently used in other electronics. Still, they are slower because they don’t efficiently let UV light through and require more exposure time per layer. For instance, while the Mono LCD on the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro only needs 2.2 seconds per layer, the RGB LCD on the Creality LD-002R needs 9 seconds per layer.
- What build volume do you require? You might run into limitations because 3D printers for miniatures typically have smaller build volumes than FDM 3D printers. Consider a large format resin 3D printer like the Elegoo Saturn or the Anycubic Photon Mono X if you’re interested in printing large parts.
- 2K, 4K, or Beyond? The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro resin 3D printer has a 6.08-inch 2K screen and can print with a layer height of .05mm and an XY resolution of .05mm. Even a relatively low-resolution resin 3D printer can produce great details that cannot be delivered on an FDM printer. A 4K screen, which can create finer details if you need even more resolution, is typically more expensive.
- Post Processing Equipment? 3D printers for miniatures produce parts that must be post-processed before they are complete. After they have been rinsed in a solvent to remove any excess resin from their surface. UV light cure cycle is usually used to polymerize the pieces fully. This procedure can be carried out manually by immersing the part in a solvent and using a cheap UV light to cure it. Still, some manufacturers have developed post-processing tools like the Elegoo Mercury X that automate the procedure and minimize the mess.
- Best 3D Printer for Miniatures for Beginners: Elegoo Mars 3
- Best High-End 3D Printer for Miniatures: Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K
- Best Super-Large Format 3D Printer for Miniatures: Elegoo Jupiter
- Best Large Format 3D Printer for Miniatures: Elegoo Saturn
- Best Medium Format 3D Printer for Miniatures: Creality Halot-One Plus
- Best Budget 3D Printer for Miniatures: Elegoo Mars 2 Pro Mono MSLA
- Best 3D Printer for Miniatures Printing Speed: Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
- Best 3D Printer for Miniatures Overall: Anycubic Photon M3
How We Picked the Best 3D Printers for Miniatures
Many machines can be used to produce 3D printed figures, but purchasing a giant machine that is not necessary is rarely worthwhile. The machines we selected, as a result, are all relatively inexpensive and compact. The following are the additional elements we took into account when choosing:
Precision:Â In general, being able to create fine detail is more significant than being able to build volume (model size). To get the most out of your purchase, however, versatility means that other types of models can be made as well. Our selections can also produce different models, though we focused on the machine’s capacity to print 3D miniatures.
Ease of Use: Resin and filament are the two main types of 3D printers used for miniatures. Resin allows for greater detail but is unpleasant to work with and can be challenging. Although it doesn’t produce the same level of detail, filament is perfect for beginners.
Brand and Price: It’s not difficult to find very cheap machines capable of producing 3D printed miniatures. However, results can be disappointing. While we have tried to minimize costs where possible, we have restricted our picks to brands known for quality and reliability.
Best 3D Printer for Miniatures You Can Buy Today
Elegoo Mars 3
Best 3D printers for miniatures for Beginners
SPECIFICATIONS
- Technology: Resin
- Build Volume: 143 x 89.6 x 175mm
- LCD Resolution: 4098 x 2560
- LCD Size: 6.6-inch
- XY Axis Resolution: .035mm
- Connectivity: USB
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
PROS
- 4K resolution
- Quick 2.5 second cure time per layer
- Easy to level
- One year of Chitubox Pro for free
CONS
- The plastic base is unappealing.
The Elegoo Mars 3 is a fantastic place to start if you’re looking for a reliable 3D printer to begin 3D printing miniatures with resin printing. The printer can produce models with exquisite detail with its excellent 4K resolution and straightforward leveling system.
With a typical build volume for its class, there is ample space for gaming miniatures and models. When considering their first printer, beginners should consider the high resin cost. The Elegoo Mars 3 only requires 350ml to fill its vat.
For a premium experience, the Elegoo Mars 3 comes with a free year premium membership to Chitubox Pro. It is a leading paid slicer for 3D resin printers.
Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K
Best High-End3D printers for miniatures
SPECIFICATIONS
- Technology: MSLA
- Build Volume: 165 mm x 72mm x 180 mm
- LCD Resolution: 7500 x 3240
- LCD Size: 7.1 inch
- XY Axis Resolution: 0.022mm
- Connectivity: USB Thumb Drive
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
PROS
- highest resolution currently available
- Pre-built, unpack, calibrate, then print
- a build plate with laser etching for better adhesion
CONS
- Priced twice as much as rivals with a comparable build volume
- build plate is difficult to clean
Unlike other resin printers on the market, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K delivers an excellent 7500 x 3240 pixels and.022 mm XY axis resolution on its 7.1 inch LCD screen. It produces flawless details and buttery smooth surfaces using even regular resin. For sharp details in your model’s hair, wrinkles, and creases, fill it with Phrozen’s Aqua Gray 8K resin.
This printer is incredibly stable, with a large metal base and two rails supporting the Z axis. When the FEP sheet is removed from the machine, the all-metal vat’s easy pour corners and feet help to protect it. The build plate was laser etched by Phrozen to have an extra-grippy surface that easily adheres to models.
Suppose you’re an experienced miniature maker or jewelry designer ready to upgrade to ultra resolution. In that case, this printer is a steal at $599.99. The Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K retails for $349.00 and still outperforms most printers on the market.035mm XY resolution is a good option for consumers on a tighter budget who want a high-resolution printer.
Elegoo Jupiter
Best Super-Large Format3D printers for miniatures
SPECIFICATIONS
- Technology: MSLA
- Build Volume: 277.8 x 156.3 x 300 mm
- LCD Resolution: 5448 x 3064
- LCD Size: 12.8-inch
- XY Axis Resolution: .05mm
- Connectivity: USB
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
PROS
- Huge build volume
- Easy leveling
- Automatic resin feeder
- Great build quality
CONS
- Competitors have higher resolution
- Only pre-order
Elegoo’s Jupiter printer will provide excellent quality and a significant build volume when it becomes available. Still, it is only currently available for pre-order. The Jupiter is a great bargain for its size despite costing $1,300 because competitors are closer to $1,000.
Jupiter has a much larger volume than the $499 the Saturn, measuring 277.8mm x 156.3mm x 300mm, which is a significant increase. And when we printed a detailed model of Notre Dame Cathedral, we found the print quality was pretty good.
Jupiter’s solid, all-metal chassis is another feature we adore; it gives the device a premium feel, befitting its high price. The touch screen interface was simple to use, and leveling was not too difficult.
Elegoo Saturn
Best Large Format3D printers for miniatures
SPECIFICATIONS
- Technology: MSLA
- Build Volume: 192mm x 120mm x 200mm
- LCD Resolution: 3840 x 2400
- LCD Size: 8.9-inch
- XY Axis Resolution: .05mm
- Connectivity: USB, Ethernet
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
PROS
- Huge build-volume-to-price ratio
- Rigid dual-Z linear rail system
CONS
- Difficult to find in stock
The Elegoo Saturn can print large parts quickly and easily, as well as many small parts at once, by combining the ease-of-use of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro and the bigger build volume of printers like the Anycubic Photon Mono X. Although the Saturn’s.05mm XY resolution is on the lower end compared to most 3D printers for miniatures. It can still produce smooth parts that need little post-processing.
The Saturn uses a spring-loaded, self-leveling platform, similar to its smaller sibling, the Mars 2 Pro. It makes calibration a breeze when you have such a large build volume. The native integration with the Chitubox app makes the printing process as frictionless as possible, and replacing the FEP film on the vat is similarly straightforward.
The Saturn is the perfect option if you want a resin printer with a large build volume but don’t want to settle for a print of lower quality. The build volume of the Saturn is 280.46 cubic inches, which is significantly larger than the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro’s build volume of 100.81 cubic inches. Elegoo has since caught up with demand, making it easy to purchase the $499 the Saturn on Amazon and the Elegoo website after it was initially challenging to find in stock at launch.
Creality Halot-One Plus
Best Medium Format Resin Printer
SPECIFICATIONS
- Technology: MSLA
- Build Volume: 172mm x 102mm x 160mm
- LCD Resolution: 4320 x 2560
- LCD Size: 7.9-inch
- XY Axis Resolution: .04mm
- Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
PROS
- Sharp detail and consistent surfaces are provided by 4K+ resolution.
- Large, quick, and responsive 5-inch LCD interface.
- Remote print monitoring and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- The Halot BOX slicer software is simple to use and intuitive.
- Integrated air filtration system
CONS
- Z endstop is positioned at the top of the Z stage rather than at the bottom.
- Four bolt build platform leveling can be difficult to clean.
The Creality Halot-One Plus is the flagship of the Halot line of MSLA3D printers for miniatures, offering an impressive set of features while coming in at a prosumer-friendly price of $399. Unlike other printers in this price range, the Halot-One Plus includes Wi-Fi connectivity and a slicer app which allows users to quickly process models and prepare them for printing almost effortlessly.
The large 7.9-inch Mono LCD provides 4K resolution (4320 x 2560), fast per-layer cure times (3 seconds per layer), and a solid dual linear rail Z axis to allow quick and accurate printing. The Halot-One Plus also includes an integrated air filtration system which reduces the amount of odor when printing, a surprising addition not typically seen at this price point. Finally, the 5-inch LCD interface allows users to adjust settings mid-print (including exposure time) and provides an accurate estimate of the remaining time during a print.
The Creality Halot-One Plus costs $399.99, but it performs better than similarly priced printers like the Elegoo Mars 3 and less expensive printers like the Creality LD-002R resin printer from the previous generation. The Halot-One Plus is a feature-rich hobbyist tool that offers the best performance for the money. Consider a higher-end machine like the Prusa SL1S if you’re a professional looking for a more simplified software interface and are less concerned with cost.
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro Mono
Best Budget 3D Printer for Miniatures
SPECIFICATIONS
- Technology: MSLA
- Build Volume: 129mm x 80mm x 160mm
- LCD Resolution: 2560 x 1620 px
- LCD Size: 6.08-inch
- XY Axis Resolution: .05mm
- Connectivity: USB Thumb Drive
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
PROS
- Good detail for the price
- Built-in carbon filter
- Industry-standard software
CONS
- Larger pixels
- Noisy fans
The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro should be considered by anyone looking for a cheap 3D printer to make miniatures. Experts frequently contrast it with our top pick, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K. Only very slight differences separate the two.
The print screen on the Elegoo is 6.08 inches with 2K resolution, giving 2560 x 1620 pixels, though PPI (pixels per inch) is not quoted. Vertical pixels are 10 microns (typical of many 3D printers for miniatures), and horizontal pixels are 50 microns. While the statistics aren’t as impressive as 4K machines, the differences in detail are pretty slight in real-world use. The definition of finished models is not as high as some other 4K printers provide. Still, you have to look closely to see the difference. The printer’s speed is a competitive maximum of 50mm (2 inches) per hour.
Like many of its rivals, the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro arrives ready to use, except for leveling. The 3.5-inch touch screen is simple to use, and Chitubox, a well-known independent developer, provided the software. Additionally, this printer has active carbon filters that significantly reduce the smells that resin 3D printing produces. However, for safety reasons, you should still allow plenty of ventilation.
Although the fans are a little loud and the filters seem challenging to replace, these are only minor issues. The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro produces excellent 3D miniatures for gamers looking to save money and is a good alternative.
Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
Best 3D Printer for Miniatures Printing Speed
SPECIFICATIONS
- Technology: LCD
- Build Volume: 134mm x 75mm x 130 mm
- LCD Resolution: 3840 x 2160 px
- LCD Size: 6.1 inch
- XY Axis Resolution: .035mm
- Connectivity: USB Thumb Drive
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
PROS
- Highly detailed miniatures
- High-speed printing
- Competitive pricing
CONS
- Larger pixels
- Noisy fans
It has a 6.1-inch screen with a 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and a 722 PPI. Layer height is 10 microns, and horizontal pixels are 35 microns. Technically, the print specifications for the Phrozen and the Anycubic are nearly identical, and the detail for 3D miniature printing is excellent. The Phrozen can operate at an impressive 80mm (3.15 inches) per hour, which is about a 30% improvement over its closest competitor.
As is typical, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K only needs leveling before printing can start. It has a clear LCD for many functions and comes with industry-standard Chitubox software.
Anycubic Photon M3
Best 3D printers for miniatures Overall
SPECIFICATIONS
- Technology: MSLA
- Build Volume: 163 x 102 x 180mm
- LCD Resolution: 4098 x 2560
- LCD Size: 7.6-inch
- XY Axis Resolution: .04mm
- Connectivity: USB
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
View at Shenzhen Anycubic Technology Co.,LTD
PROS
- high-resolution 4K prints
- Quick 2 second exposure time per layer
- Easy print removal
- space-saving build volume for a tiny printer
CONS
- four-bolt leveling platform
The best all-around 3D printer for miniatures we have reviewed is the Anycubic Photon M3. With a wide build plate, it can produce larger models than rivals in its class and delivers crisp details with 4K+ quality that can compete with more expensive machines.
The etched build plate does a great job of holding models firmly during printing while enabling simple removal afterward. The metal vat has a handy pour spout. Anycubic also includes a screen protector for the LED light source to stop unintentional drips from damaging your printer.
With a suggested retail price of $299, the Anycubic Photon M3 is an affordable addition for any maker, advanced or not.
