From 3D modeling to tabletop gaming, miniatures have captured the hearts of enthusiasts. With the rise of 3D printing and free modeling tools, the possibilities for creating miniatures are limitless. However, to bring your creations to life, you need the best 3D printer for miniatures 2024. 

In this article, we’ll explore the factors to consider when choosing a 3D printer and recommend the top models that will elevate your crafting experience. Let your imagination soar and discover the perfect printer from our carefully curated list of the best 3D printers for miniatures 2024. Get ready to embark on a journey of creativity and bring your miniature visions to life with unparalleled precision and detail.

Choosing the Right 3D Printer

Technology and Materials

Resin printing uses liquid resin hardened by UV light, while FDM printing melts materials layer by layer. Each technology offers different material options for hobbyists.

Print Quality

Resin printing offers higher resolution, with pixel sizes of around 35-50 microns, while FDM printing is limited by nozzle size, typically 0.4 mm.

Ease of Use

Ease of use refers to how user-friendly and straightforward a 3D printer is in terms of setup, interface, slicer compatibility, and available support. Resin printers are generally technologically simpler, but may have more demanding setup requirements. 

Print Area

Print area refers to the space available for printing on a 3D printer. Resin printers typically have a print area of about 200 x 120 mm, while FDM printers have larger average print areas of around 220 x 220 mm. Larger print areas are advantageous for batch printing and creating larger models or terrain alongside miniatures.

Price

Price is a significant factor when choosing a 3D printer. Consider your budget and find a printer that meets your needs within that range. Compare costs to similar models and factor in material and time expenses for a well-rounded evaluation.

Printer Speed

While speed is not the sole factor to consider, having a printer with efficient features and a sturdy frame allows for faster printing capabilities.

Extra Features

The presence or absence of additional features can greatly impact the overall feel and operation of a 3D printer. 

Now, let’s dive into our top picks for the best 3D printers for miniatures! We have categorized our selections based on the two most common 3D printing technologies: resin and FDM.

Best 3D Printer for Miniatures in 2024

Resin : Elegoo Mars 2

For those seeking the best 3D printer for miniatures, the Elegoo Mars 2 stands out as an exceptional choice that offers excellent value. While its build volume may be relatively smaller compared to other printers, it remains competitive within the realm of resin machines. The Elegoo Mars 2’s popularity is well-deserved, thanks to its impressive features and the strong community support it enjoys. Troubleshooting becomes hassle-free with readily available online resources. Notable specifications include a remarkable print quality of approximately 50 microns with 2,540 x 1,620 pixels, a build volume of 129 x 80 x 160 mm, and an approximate price of $120.

Resin : Elegoo Mars 3

The Elegoo Mars 3 stands out as an impressive 3D printer for miniatures, surpassing its predecessor, the Mars 2, with notable enhancements. With a 37% larger build volume, enhanced resolution, and a powerful light source, it offers superior performance. Additionally, the inclusion of a one-year subscription of ChiTuBox Pro, valued at $170, adds further value. Priced around $320, the Elegoo Mars 3 presents an enticing choice for enthusiasts seeking to elevate their miniature printing capabilities.

Resin : Elegoo Saturn 2

The Elegoo Saturn 2 stands out as one of the largest resin printers for 3D printing miniatures. With its expansive print surface and impressive 8K resolution (~28.5 microns), it offers exceptional precision. While the abundance of features may appear intimidating, the Saturn 2’s capabilities make it worth the investment, despite potential challenges with the light engine. Priced at around $600, it delivers outstanding value for enthusiasts seeking high-quality 3D printing for miniatures.

Resin : Elegoo Saturn 8K

The Elegoo Saturn 8K is an upgraded successor to the popular Saturn 3D printer, offering enhanced capabilities for 3D printed miniatures. With a precision of around 28.5 microns and a resolution of 7,680 x 4,320 pixels, it delivers impressive quality. While it has a slightly smaller build volume compared to other models, its reduced price tag of approximately $500 makes it a compelling choice for miniature enthusiasts.

Resin : Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K

The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K stands out with its impressive resolution and resulting print quality. With a large LCD screen and respectable speed, it offers great potential. However, its size and strong build plate adhesion may require some adjustments. Priced at around $700, it provides exceptional precision of approximately 22 microns with 7,500 x 3,240 pixels. With a build volume of 165 x 72 x 180 mm, it caters to enthusiasts seeking top-notch 3D print resolution for miniatures.

Resin : Anycubic Photon D2

The Anycubic Photon D2 is a carefully designed 2K printer known for its high-quality prints. Despite its smaller build size and higher price, it utilizes digital light processor (DLP) technology to achieve exceptional precision and resolution. With a precision of around 50 microns and a build volume of 131 x 73 x 165 mm, the Anycubic Photon D2 is priced at approximately $680. 

Resin : Anycubic Photon M3

The Anycubic Photon M3 is a popular choice for 3D printing miniatures, thanks to its respectably-sized build plate and high-resolution capabilities. With a large LCD screen and an affordable price, the M3 benefits from a supportive community that provides online solutions. With a print quality of around 40 microns and 4,098 x 2,560 pixels, as well as a build volume of 163 x 102 x 180 mm and priced at approximately $300. 

Resin : Anycubic Mono 4K

The Anycubic Mono 4K impresses with its affordable price and powerful features. With a printable area of 132 x 80 mm and a 4K LCD, it achieves a pixel resolution of 35 microns. The monochrome LCD enables faster layer curing times and the 400:1 contrast ratio contributes to sharper prints. Its respectable build volume allows for more than just typical miniatures. Priced at approximately $290, it offers impressive precision with 3,840 x 2,400 pixels and a build volume of 132 x 80 x 165 mm. 

FDM : Prusa Mini+

The Prusa Mini+ is among the best 3D printers for miniatures, offering a moderate print size that surpasses most miniature printers. Renowned for its reliability and build quality, it enjoys strong community support. While the higher price for the build size may deter some users, its commendable quality and versatility for printing both miniatures and functional household objects make it a worthwhile investment. With impressive precision and a recommended slower speed for better detail, the Prusa Mini+ delivers outstanding results with a minimum layer height of ~0.05 mm (~50 microns) using a 0.2-mm nozzle. Priced at around $430, it is an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking reliable and high-quality 3D prints.

FDM : Ender 3 S1

The Creality Ender 3 S1 is a popular choice among hobbyists and DIYers as an entry-level 3D printer. It offers improved functionality and convenience. Being part of the open-source movement, the Ender community provides ample support and troubleshooting options. With a default travel speed of 150 mm/s (though ~60 mm/s is recommended for miniatures), it delivers precision of around 0.05 mm (~50 microns) using a 0.2-mm nozzle. With a build volume of 220 x 220 x 270 mm and an approximate price of $380. 

FDM : Anycubic Kobra Max

The Anycubic Kobra Max is the go-to 3D printer for large-scale prints, especially terrain pieces. With a spacious build volume of 400 x 400 x 450 mm, it excels in handling big batches of miniatures and large prints. Its user-friendly design allows for seamless printing of terrains as a single object. Priced at around $570, the Anycubic Kobra Max offers impressive precision and a recommended speed of ~80 mm/s, making it a top choice for high-quality, large-scale 3D printing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with the best 3D printer for miniatures in 2024, you can unleash your creativity and bring your imaginative designs to life. Whether you choose a resin-based printer like the Elegoo Mars 2 or opt for an FDM printer like the Prusa Mini+, each model offers unique features and exceptional precision. Explore our carefully curated list and discover the perfect printer to elevate your miniature crafting experience. Let your imagination soar and create stunning, detailed miniatures that will captivate and inspire.