Spikey Bits » 3D Printing » The Best 3D Printers For Miniatures & Your Budget

Considering 3D printers for making miniatures but don’t know where to start, well here are the best machines for everyone’s budget!

3D printing things like miniatures is quickly becoming beneficial for any hobbyist. Whether it’s making things to help organize your hobby table, Paint holders so you don’t spill your pots, or even bringing your miniature ideas to life, there’s something for everyone.

There may have never been a better time to learn 3D printing for miniatures than now! It’s pretty fun and about as difficult as building an army display board. If you want to learn more about the “hows” of 3D printing, check out these tutorials.

So let’s take a look at all the best 3d printers for miniatures and your budget!

Best 3d Printers for Miniatures Under $300 Retail Price

Monoprice MP Select Mini

Starting from $220, the MP Select Mini is a very low cost 3D printer. Despite it’s small build volume of 12 x 12 x 12 cm, it comes packed with features more commonly found on more expensive 3D Printers such as an insulated heated build plate and WIFI connectivity. The only downsides to this printer are the noise it makes whilst printing and it’s slow print speed of 55 mm/s.

Anycubic Mono

Get Yours On |Amazon| |Direct From Anycubic (cheaper)|

• FAST PRINTING:3D printer photon mono is compatible with the latest Anycubic slicing software, and has more powerful functions. It supports up to 8 times anti-aliasing. The printing speed is Max 50mm/h, which is ~2.5 times faster than ANYCUBIC photon.
• Z-AXIS DUAL LINEAR SLIDE: The LCD 3D printer photon mono’s dual Z-axis slide avoids the movement of the platform during the printing process, improves the stability of the Z axis, eliminates the stripes in the final printing, and produces a smooth surface and fine texture.
• ACCURACY AND 2K HIGH RESOLUTION: Photon mono is equipped with a 2K black and white screen, which can be quickly cured by matrix ultraviolet light to provide accurate printing results,the light transmittance is high, and the screen life is up to 2000 hours.

• ANTI-UV LIGHT TRANSPARENT COVER DESIGN: Photon mono adopts one-piece transparent cover, the structure is stable,the bidirectional UV light resistance,you can clearly see the printing process, while still blocking 99.95% of the UV light.
• MORE FUNCTIONS: 1. Quiet printing: does not affect work and sleep; 2. One-piece release film: Eliminate the cumbersome steps of replacing the release film, and replace it quickly; 3. Door opening detection switch: The machine can be set to stop working immediately after opening the cover, design carefully, and use the lock icon to lock it safely.

Basically the most cost-effective Anycubic version of 3d printer that is still great for miniatures, the Mono has quickly become the go-to starter 3d printer.

ELEGOO Resin 3D Printer Mars 2

Get Yours On Amazon’s Elegoo Store | Direct From Elegoo (Cheaper)

• 【Fast Printing and less maintenance】Mars 2 Pro comes with a 6.08 inch monochrome LCD of 2K HD resolution and only takes 2 seconds per layer exposure to cure resin, which could significantly enhance your printing efficiency. Mono LCD has a much longer lifespan and stable performance during long term printing, thus saves your cost.
• 【Outstanding prints and ultra accuracy】Brand new light source structure provides more even UV light emission and working together with 2K mono LCD, the printing details and precision are greatly improved and the 3D printed models are fascinating.
• 【Sturdy build quality】CNC machined aluminum body makes Mars 2 Pro a very formidable machine. Newly-designed sandblasted build plate has a much stronger adherence during printing and enables consistent printing success. Built-in active carbon could absorb the fume of resin and offer you a refreshing printing experience.

• 【Multi language interface】Mars 2 Pro now supports 12 kinds of languages so customers across the world could operate the 3D printer more conveniently without barriers. The newly added 10 languages are Japanese, Dutch, Korean, French, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Turkish and Portuguese.
• 【Warranty and Service】We provide a 1-year warranty on the whole printer and 6-month warranty for the 2K LCD (FEP film is excluded). Mars 2 Pro comes with 2 extra FEP films for you to replace the original one if needed.

Clocking in generally cheaper than the Anycubic series of printers (except the base mono) ELEGOO Mars 2 is a perfect “in-between” printer that is a great quality at a great price!

$300 to $500 Retail Price

FlashForge 3D Printer Adventurer 3C 

 

$500 to $1,000

Original Prusa i3 MK2S Kit $799.00 (Prusa)

Get Yours Here: |Amazon| |FastTech| |Prusa|

The Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ is the latest version of our award-winning 3D printers. We have upgraded the MK3S with a brand new SuperPINDA probe for improved first layer calibration, added high-quality Misumi bearings and various useful design tweaks to make the printer easier to assemble and maintain. The MK3S+ includes all the proven features of the previous models, including the heatbed with removable PEI spring steel print sheets, automatic Mesh Bed Leveling, filament sensor, power loss recovery (power panic) and safety features. And it is still as silent as ever!

This is the 3D printer we have used currently use, and this is by far the best that I’ve personally had experience with when it comes to bigger models and terrain.

The kit is a great way to go that way if anything breaks on your 3D printer you’ll know exactly how to get to it and fix it. Prusa just released the MK3 printer that features a lot of upgrades, one being a magnetized heat bed for easy removal. The kit is going to cost you $749, or you can buy it preassembled, and factory tested, for $999, still keeping the price of the printer under the $1,000 mark for this category.

ELEGOO Saturn Resin 3D Printer 4k

Get Yours On Amazon’s Elegoo Store| Direct From Elegoo (Cheaper)

• 【Faster printing speed】Saturn 3D printer comes with an 8.9inch 4K Monochrome LCD with an HD resolution of 3840 x 2400, reducing the layer printing time to 2s-3s, which is 60% faster than Mars Pro yet still delivers outstanding printing results.
• 【Larger build volume】Saturn has a large printing volume of 192*120*200mm/7.55in*4.72in*7.87in, and you can print multiple full-sized models at the same time, which can dramatically improve your productivity.
• 【Higher precision and easier printing】Z-axis utilizes a double linear guide-way structure, which can achieve steadier motion and greatly enhanced moving accuracy. With the Ethernet port on the back, Saturn now supports file transfer through your local area network, which is very handy for fast printing.
• 【Quality Prints and Consistent Success】Matrix light source consists of 54 UV LED lights with uniform light emission, ensuring superior print results and a more accurate printing size. The set screws on the build plate assure long-lasting leveling, no need for frequent calibration, and the sandblasted surface provides a much stronger adherence, especially when printing large 3D models.
• 【Warranty and Service】We provide a 1-year warranty on the whole printer (4K LCD, FEP film, and tool kit excluded). Replacement parts will be shipped from the overseas warehouse to offer you quality and fast customer service.

Between the much larger print area and a resolution approaching actual 4k, the Elegoo Saturn has quickly become a favorite of hobbyists for 3d printing miniatures!

Anycubic Mono X 

Get Yours Here: |Amazon| |Direct From Anycubic (cheaper)| 

• 3X Fast Printing: 4K monochrome screen Photon Mono X 3D printer single-layer exposure only takes 1-2 seconds, and the printing speed is Max 60mm/h, which is 3X faster than ordinary resin printers. Do you want to finish printing faster? This printer help you to obtain higher quality models in a shorter time.
• Larger Print Size: 8.9“ ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X large 3D printer has an amazing print volume of 192 * 120 * 250mm/ 7.55″x4.72″x9.84″, about 1.48 gallons. The print volume can meet the creative needs and print more at one time Models and larger models, and get higher printing efficiency.

• Power Adjustment Function：Compared with other similar 3D printers, Photon Mono X can achieve 30%-100% exposure power adjustment function, compatible with other special resins such as dentistry and high temperature. And the LCD screen has a service life of up to 2000 hours, which is more durable than ordinary color screens.
• High Precision & 5% High Transmittance: ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X is a brand new UV light curing 3D printer, using quartz lamp beads, newly upgraded matrix parallel UV light source, the light source is more uniform, and has a higher transmittance than similar 3D printer. Super high resolution (3840*2400 pixels), highly detailed restoration.
• APP Remote Control & High Stability: Use this Mono X UV light-curing LCD 3D printer to realize the same space WIFI remote printing management, monitor the printing progress in real time, and adjust the printing parameters at any time. adopts the combination of double linear guide rail + screw motor + anti-backlash nut to improve the stability of the Z axis, eliminate printing layer lines, and prints more smoothly.

Anycubic Photon D2 Printer

Get Yours Here From Amazon| or cheaper from Anycubic

Let’s start with the specs on this bad boy and then jump into the video.

• [𝐃𝐋𝐏 𝟑𝐃 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲], Anycubic Photon D2 uses thousands of mirrors (DMDs) to concentrate light directly to the bottom of the 3d Printer resin tank, minimizing light source distortion and diffusion, achieving better printing accuracy than LCD 3D machines of the same resolution.
• [𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲], Due to the Double light uniformity algorithm, Photon D2 3d Printer can raising the light uniformity up to more than 92%. and with an anti-aliasing algorithm, the anti-aliasing effect is significantly enhanced, bringing better details to the miniatures.
• [𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠], Empowered by the DLP projector that has a lifespan of 20,000 hours, 10X more durable than an LCD printer screen, and printer power is low as 15W, 1/4 of LCD printer, allowing you to save a lot of money.
• [𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞], Compared with ordinary 3d printers that generate a lot of heat when running, DLP 3d printers generate low heat can be directly dissipated without fans, the sound of the machine working is as low as 35 db and hardly noticeable
• [𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧], Compared to the Anycubic Photon Ultra, the printing volume of the Anycubic Photon D2 3d machine increases by 62% to reach 130.5mm x 73.4mm x165 mm/5.13 in x 2.88 in x 6.49 in

$1,000 to $2,000

Makergear M2 $1,825.00 (Amazon)

The US manufactured M2 is the 3rd generation of Makergear’s 3D printers. It is built on a solid metal chassis, giving it a sturdy structure. This machine comes equipped with a heated platform which uses PLA or ABS to build objects of a maximum dimensions of 20.3 x 25.4 x 20.3 cm. It is a versatile 3D Printer that comes pre-assembled, while users can also tweak the machine with on-board controls, interchangeable nozzles and dual-extruder upgrade.

$2,000 to $3,000

Raise3D N2 Fully Enclosed $2,799.00 (MatterHackers)

The N2 makes use of a patent-pending all-metal hotend, allowing it to print most 3D printing filaments including but not limited to PLA, ABS, PC, PETG and HIPS. You can monitor the print process and control the printer through the full color touchscreen. The N2 also boasts great connectivity, accessible through WIFI, LAN, USB and SD card. One of the most incredible features of the N2 is the maximum z layer resolution of 10 microns which is very high for an FDM printer.

$3000+

Formlabs Form 2 $3,499 (Formlabs)

Formlabs introduced the first desktop resin 3D printer in 2012 with the launch of the original Form 1 on Kickstarter, which became an instant success. The Form 2 is the company’s 3rd generation printer boasting a whole range of new features including a new peeling mechanism, heated tank, touchscreen display, wireless controls and an automated resin system. The resulting prints that come off of the Form 2 have consistently been among the highest quality objects to come off of any desktop 3D printer.

There are many more options for 3D printers, especially when looking into desktop SLA printers (resin). But if you’ve been looking at getting into 3D printing, these are some great places to start. Though, if you have absolutely no experience with 3D printing, you might want to focus on printers below $1,000. These tend to be a lot more friendly for beginners, so you don’t have to change too many settings to get the perfect print.

3d Printing Supplies & Post Processing for Miniatures:

When your first start your 3D printing, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need on hand. But don’t worry, the 3d printer won’t be spitting miniatures out left and right. Nowadays, depending on what you have, it can take anywhere from 1-3 hours to print a full plate of 32 mm-sized minis.

Video of Rob’s First Printer and Air Filter in use: 

 

This one is the most important because it affects your health. Make sure you set up your printer in a well-ventilated space with plenty of room for the resin-filled air to be filtered out. Rob made this filter out of a few parts (and it’s easier than it looks- check out this tutorial).

Carbon Scrubber Air Filter:

Kotto Fune Extractor: Pictured with Photon and resin printed exhaust adaptor.

This cool, self-contained unit may do the trick as well for half the price and work (print this adapter piece for the hose).

Once you finish 3d printing your miniatures, you’ll need to let them soak in a mix of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). This eats/washes away any excess unreacted resin before you let it cure. You’ll want to get some big containers for your miniatures to fit into without bumping the sides.

3D Printing Supplies:

You won’t need the pickle jars or the UV cure unit if you get the Anycubic Wash & Cure Station. The new version is pictured below.

• Waterproof Silicone Prep Mat (makes containing and cleaning up spills of both resin and IPA mixes easy)
• Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (for the print film)
• Pickle Jar for washing parts
• 90% or higher Isopropyl Alcohol (12 pack)
• Basic UV Curing Station (3-time settings)
• Anycubic Wash & Cure Station (previous design)
• New Anycubic Wash & Cure Station Large Capacity
• Resin filter & funnel: Strain out uncured bits of resin from your printer vat.

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Plus, Largest 2 in 1 Wash Cure Machine

Get Yours Here: |Amazon| |Direct From Anycubic (cheaper)| 

These are the end all be all both in size and quality of post-processing 3d prints. Upgrades in size, capacity and even the angled UV lights with under turntable reflector really make a noticeable difference for the price over their smaller (but cheaper) version.

• 2-In-1 Wash and Cure Station: Dual functions of cleaning and curing can not only remove most of the chemicals, settle scrubbing and mess issues, but also seriously streamline the whole post-processing; A professional solution to the messy clean up job of your fabulous prints
• Largest Wash Cure Station: It has a large washing volume of 192mm(L) x 120mm(W) x 290mm(H) and curing volume of 190mm(D) x 245mm(H), so you can wash cure models printed by large resin printers such as Photon Mono X, which can dramatically simplify messy post-processing
• Two Washing Modes: A. Basket washing, remove the model and put it into the basket for direct cleaning; B. Suspension washing, directly hang the print platform on the basket or cleaning stand to clean, reducing exposure to resin

• Real 360° Curing: The 360°auto-rotating curing platform, equipped with L-shape strip light and reflective mirror sticker, enables the wash and cure machine to realize a real thorough curing; Prominently, its L-shaped strip light make the top UV lamp adjustable, solving the problem of model top part curing
• Anti-UV Light Hood: The transparent cover of this wash cure machine can block up to 99.95% of ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 405nm, thus able to be effective in high resin solidification rate; and adopts enclosed washing busket to prevent liquid splashing and volatilization

We started out with their Wash and Cure station 2.0 (below), but when these larger versions became available we upgraded and it really showed in the quality of the post-processing of the prints. The problem is, these larger versions cost double the original ones, but depending on your workflow you may not need as many.

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Station 2.0

Get Yours Here: |Amazon| |Direct From Anycubic (cheaper)| 

• 2-In-1 Wash and Cure Station: Dual functions of cleaning and curing can not only remove most of the chemicals, settle scrubbing and mess issues, but also seriously streamline the whole post-processing. It’s a professional solution to the messy clean up job of your fabulous prints and also helps reduce the clutter on your desk. 1-60min time adjustable, customize knob cleaning and curing time. Each layer of the 3D printer model can be better cleaned and cured according to your DIY needs
• Widely Compatibility: The ANYCUBIC wash and cure machine is a great addition to most type of regular resin printer, Compatible with most LCD/DLP/SLA 3D printers such as QIDI Shadow, NOVA, Mars series and other regular resin printers with similar build volume size as it does for photon series, this Wash & Cure machine has opened up a whole new world of 3d printing for you and greatly enhance your workflow
• Effective and Diverse Washing Modes: There is a propeller in the bottom of wash cure station, when work, it spins the solution like a little tornado and changes spin direction halfway through the wash , which creates the perfect flow to clean every inch of the print. 2 modes of Cleaning: 1. Basket washing, Remove the model and put it into the basket for direct cleaning; 2. Suspension washing, Directly hang the print platform on the basket or cleaning stand to clean, reducing exposure to resin
• Anti-UV Light Hood: The transparent cover of this wash cure machine can block up to 99.95% of ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 405nm, thus able to be effective in high resin solidification rate; and this wash and curing box adopts sealed cleaning, which effectively prevents the cleaning agent from splashing and volatilization, and provides more safety.

Here is the very first spin of the 2.0 wash stations that we purchased, which for the price and capacity is a real value!

 

Now we even have a video on how to remove those pesky supports from your models after you cure them:

 

3D printers can be a lot of fun once you learn how to use yours, but there is always some learning involved as is with any hobby.

The Hobby Products & Tools We Swear By

Have you been planning on getting yourself a 3D printer? Do you already have one? Or do you feel there should be a 3D printers in our list of the best that didn’t make it? Let us know in the comments below.

Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group, and make sure you enter the latest monthly giveaway for FREE today!

About the Author: Juan Lopez

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