The Top 5 3D Printers for Miniatures and Models in 2023

From tabletop gamers to hobbyists, 3D printing miniatures and models is becoming increasingly popular. A good 3D printer can produce highly detailed miniatures for games like Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer 40k, and more. It can also print intricate model kits, action figures, and other decorative items.

But with so many 3D printers on the market, how do you know which one is the best for miniatures and models? In this guide, we’ll cover the top things to look for and recommend the top 5 best 3D printers for miniatures and models for 2023.

Key Factors To Consider

When choosing a 3D printer for miniatures and models, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Print Resolution: You’ll want a printer with a high resolution, ideally 25 microns or lower. This allows it to produce very fine details necessary for miniatures.
• Printer Type: Most 3D printers use FDM (fused deposition modeling) or SLA (stereolithography). SLA uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin, producing highly detailed prints good for miniatures. FDM is faster and cheaper but lower resolution.
• Print Bed Size: A larger print area allows you to print bigger miniatures and multiple models at once. Look for at least 4 x 4 inches.
• Supported Materials: Many 3D printers only print with PLA or ABS. For miniatures, you’ll want one that supports flexible and durable resins.
• Enclosed Frame: An enclosed 3D printer is safer and prevents temperature changes that could warp prints. This is especially important when printing tiny details.
• User-Friendliness: Look for 3D printers that are easy to set up, maintain, and produce successful prints. You don’t want to be constantly troubleshooting failed prints.

With these factors in mind, let’s dive into the top 5 3D printers for miniatures and models this year!

1. Anycubic Photon Mono X – Best Overall

For its large build volume, ultra high resolution, and affordable price point, the Anycubic Photon Mono X is our choice for best overall 3D printer for miniatures and models.

This SLA 3D printer delivers exceptional detail with its 3840 x 2400 pixel LCD and 0.051mm XY resolution (25 microns). Perfect for printing miniatures with intricate designs and textures. The build plate measures 8.9 x 5.5 x 6.1 inches, giving you enough space to print multiple minis at once.

The Anycubic Photon Mono X uses an advanced UV lighting system to quickly cure each resin layer in as little as 1.5 seconds. This makes your prints come out clean and detailed. Supports a wide range of tough, flexible resins. Fully enclosed with a filter to keep fumes contained.

For its large build volume, print quality, and reasonable price, the Anycubic Photon Mono X is hard to beat for 3D printing miniatures and models.

2. Elegoo Mars 3 – Most User Friendly

Elegoo makes some of the most beginner-friendly SLA 3D printers, and the Mars 3 is no exception. The easy setup, intuitive controls, and stellar print quality make it our pick for best user-friendly 3D printer for miniatures.

This printer has a 76 micron XY resolution capable of printing minis with decent detail quality. The 5.5 inch square build plate gives you a good amount of print space. Supports standard and flexible resins.

Where the Elegoo Mars 3 really shines is in its ease of use. The colored touchscreen walks you through printer preparation and starting prints. Auto bed leveling and print file validation help ensure successful prints. Wifi connectivity allows monitoring and controlling from a smartphone app.

Reasonably priced for an SLA printer, the Elegoo Mars 3 offers beginners an accessible device for getting started printing quality miniatures and models. If you’re new to resin 3D printing, this is a great pick.

3. Creality LD-002R – Most Affordable

For those looking for an affordable way to get into resin 3D printing for miniatures, the Creality LD-002R is a great budget choice. Despite the low price, it still delivers good detail and a generous build volume.

The LD-002R has a 2560 x 1440 pixel LCD capable of 50 micron XY resolution. While not as razor sharp as more expensive printers, this can still produce miniatures with enough detail for tabletop gameplay.

The build plate measures 132 x 82 x 165mm, giving you room to print multiple minis at a time. Supports standard resins. Fully enclosed with active carbon filter. Simple setup and controls.

For less than $300, the Creality LD-002R gives you an inexpensive way to start printing miniatures and models with smoother surface quality than comparably-priced FDM printers. If your budget is limited, this is a great entry-level option.

4. Formlabs Form 3 – Best for Professionals

Formlabs has earned a reputation for making some of the highest quality SLA 3D printers. The Form 3 lives up to that with incredible print resolution and advanced laser technology optimized for printing superb miniatures and models.

This professional printer achieves 25 micron XY resolution and 50 micron Z layer resolution for stunning print quality. The 140 x 80 x 180mm build volume gives you plenty of print space.

The Form 3 uses a precision laser beam to cure each resin layer, resulting in sharp details and smooth surfaces. It’s compatible with Formlabs’ extensive materials library of standard, flexible, castable, and specialty resins.

While the Form 3 costs several times more than consumer printers, it’s a reliable workhorse able to print large volumes of pristine miniatures. The ideal choice for professional wargaming studios, hobby shops, and design firms.

5. Prusa SL1S – Most Reliable

When you need a 3D printer that consistently prints miniatures and models with precision and reliability, the Prusa SL1S is a top contender. As Prusa’s reputation would suggest, this is an incredibly reliable machine.

This printer uses a 2560×1440 pixel LCD screen for 46 micron XY print resolution and 7.5 micron Z resolution. The build plate measures 140 x 140 x 180 mm. Supports a wide variety of resins from Prusa and third parties.

The SL1S has features that improve print consistency and part longevity. Automatic resin mixing helps prevent print errors. A curing system and wash chamber give parts more uniform curing. The stainless steel & anodized aluminum body resists corrosion.

While on the more expensive side, the Prusa SL1S will work day in and day out to produce perfect prints. Ideal for studios and schools running high volumes of miniature prints.

Key Factors for Great Miniature Prints

To get the most out of your 3D printer for miniatures and models, there are some best practices to follow:

• Choose a Resin with Good Detail – Standard resins work, but flexible or ABS-like resins hold sharper details. Specialty resins like Siraya Tech Blu are formulated for miniatures.
• Optimize Print Orientation – Tilt miniatures at an angle to maximize surface area and prevent supports from marring details.
• Use Light Supports – Fine supports that can be easily cut away keep miniature surfaces smooth.
• Scale Models Properly – If scaling a model, ensure features are still thick enough to print properly.
• Clean Prints Properly – Follow post-print washing and curing steps carefully to get clean miniatures.
• Take Time Supports Off – Remove supports carefully using flush cutters, hobby knives and files to avoid damaging details.

With some fine-tuning, these tips will help you get the most crisp, detailed miniatures and models from your 3D printer.

Get Your Miniature Printing Started!

Thanks to technological advancements, there are now many great 3D printer options for miniatures and models at different price points. From gaming miniatures to scale models, a good 3D printer lets you produce highly-detailed prints impossible with traditional manufacturing.

Any of the 3D printers in our top 5 list will serve you well for printing miniatures, models, and other small objects requiring fine features. Just keep in mind the factors like print resolution, build volume, and supported materials when choosing the right 3D printer for your needs and budget.

With a high quality desktop 3D printer, you’ll enjoy printing an endless collection of custom miniatures and models for all your gaming, decorating, and hobby needs. Get started creating today!