Are you a nerd, a comic enthusiast, a gamer, or even a doctor or a prosthetics designer? In that case, you do need and, in some cases, want a good quality 3d printer. Basically, it doesn't even matter; a 3d printer makes life a whole lot easier for daily chores.
So, if you're in search of the best 3d printers for miniatures, you came looking for the right place. Here I'm going to introduce you to the world of veterans of the 3d printer world. Because with this you can make yourself literally anything that you can imagine from thin air. Well, not literally, but it's almost there.
Buckle up and join me in this journey, and find out about your dream 3d printer that you've been searching for this long.
10 Best 3D Printers for Miniatures
Whether it's for building models for your building, a brand-new car, or a new One punch man action figure for your kids, you need a cutting-edge 3D printer to complement your visions to reality. So, I'm here to help you find the ultimate 3d printers for miniatures. Just dive into my list!
1. Ender 3 Pro
Suppose you've worked hard on your CAD drawing and started to print the prototypes for your building. You went to the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee, and when you return, you find out that the nozzle malfunctioned, and the command was aborted. Fret not! Comgrow Creality is here for the rescue.
Ender 3 Pro cares deeply for your project. Do you know what happens when the base plate doesn't heat evenly in all directions? The figure gets wobbly, and the plastic becomes uneven. That's why the removable surface plate heats homogeneously to provide an impeccable finish!
The easy-to-heat plate also cools easily so the model can be removed easily. But power surges can be a nuisance, especially in case of a rapidly approaching deadline. Well, the UL certified power supply unit that comes with this printer can protect your projects when power gives in!
And don't worry about quality. The PSU can heat the plate up to 110 degrees Celsius; hence there's no compromise on accuracy!
What's really a pain though, is failing to assemble a newly bought printer in front of your son and ignoring his nagging gaze. Well, this one will arrive partially assembled. Assembling the rest is just a walk in the park! You can even be smug about it in front of your wife who'll probably think that it's rocket science!
With 24-hour customer service, you'll always have the feeling that someone out there looking out for you in case of a printer malfunction!
2. ELEGOO Mars
All of us who use Windows OS computers often complain because it's not open source. Open source operation allows you to easily write commands and control the device. For 3D printing, it has a disadvantage as it takes too long to take a file apart.
This is where ELEGOO Mars is unique. It only takes 1 minute for this sturdy printer to take apart a 10 MB. Stl (stereolithography) file, which's 10 times faster than any other open-source printer! Just input the file, and ELEGOO Mars will jump on it like a hungry hound!
When I say sturdy, you can take this to the bank because it's one strong hunk! Protected by its acrylic cover and having an all-aluminum fuselage, it not only looks cool but also lasts long! Because the printer comes semi-assembled, it will start printing in just 5 minutes!
Imagine that you ordered an action figure, and its nose came out long. You're probably going to keep your cool if something else comes out long. But the nose? You can't just stand it if it looks weird.
With a 2560×1440 HD masking LCD, you can always expect this printer to get your nose right. It has a 0.00185inches / 0.047mm in the XY axis to get everything precisely.
Okay, so you planned everything perfectly, and just when you're about to input the file, there's a bolt of lightning, and the Wi-Fi drops dead. Leave it to ELEGOO Mars to save the day! You can even print it offline directly from a USB device.
Operating this printer's just a piece of cake! The steel ball design, you only need to calibrate the Z-axis to print! A huge 3.5-inch color LCD screen will let you get every detail right! You can even see the progress in real-time by connecting it with a Windows OS computer.
3. Comgrow Creality Ender 3 3D Printer
It's been about two decades since we were introduced to the idea that a printer can print 3D figures. Till then, the open-source operation of printers took everyone by surprise because it gives the designers the freedom to make changes and improve as they please! Guess what, this one comes with fully open source operation!
When you're looking for the best 3d printers for minis, one thing comes above all, precision. Especially when you're designing a prototype of a car or the model of a building. With this one, you can get every tiny detail right, so the model comes out exactly how you drew!
In case of a power surge, this one's your lifesaver! The branded power supply can heat the base plate quickly! How quick you ask? Well, it can raise the temperature to 110 degrees Celsius in just 5 minutes! And when the printer loses power, it will start exactly from where the extruder left off during the power cut!
How many of us have dealt with a poor extrusion of resin? It's not fair that you have to receive the scolding from your boss instead of the printer. But Ender 3 3D comes with a cutting-edge extruder technology to combat poor extrusion and plugging risk!
It can be a handy tool to have for your STEM project! Even the kids will have a fun time with it printing mustaches! The parts are tested for longevity. Ender 3 3D can be the best learning opportunity for the kids about the basics of designing!
The V shape polyoxymethylene wheels are what make it strong durable and eliminate the noise of operation! It's a must-try for those who are seeking quality printers.
4. Creality Ender 3 Pro
Nowadays everything, and by that, I mean everything, relies heavily on precision. Even a 2- or 3-mm warp can stand between a safe drive and a trainwreck. Creality Ender 3 Pro is a printer that takes precision very seriously! It comes with a Y rail groove for flawless positioning and viscous platform stickers to prevent unnecessary warps!
You don't have to deal with sticky tapes and 'icky' glue again! The stickers have got that covered. That'll cut down your printing cost too!
Remember that awkward silence while waiting for the heated bed to warm up? Well, forget about that now because the 'Pro' can heat the plate in just about 5 minutes! The power supply's UL certified, so it's well suited to look out for your printer in case of a power surge.
Speaking of power surges, if you're worried that your model's going to get ruined when the power comes back again, fear not! All Ender 3 is designed carefully to resume exactly where it left off, so you can expect the perfect finish and flawless designs!
When looking for a printer to print miniatures, the size capability isn't probably the first thing you check. This printer has an efficient and convenient design so it can fit in anywhere! But you can still print figures of any size! Its ingenious design allows a wide range of parameters to choose from.
With all the fuss about the accuracy, it's still so easy to assemble. Many have asked me why Ender 3 pro can print so accurately. With an ergonomic design and a large, easy-to-turn nut, even a beginner can get hold of the leveling.
It's made specifically for beginners who also happen to be enthusiasts. The printer's easy to build and with fantastic positioning, stable structure, and good printing quality, it's a favorite among beginners. It has got the exact features to get the most impressive 3d printers for miniatures review.
5. ANYCUBIC Photon
Still doing your homework on the best 3d printers for miniatures review? Have a look at the ANYCUBIC Photon. Just from the looks, you'll realize that this one's a class apart. With stylish construction and exciting colors, this one means business. It's not all looks you know. The parts are tested rigorously to ensure that it lasts long.
But hey, it's not only on our list for the longevity. Like the other printers on our list, this one's also easy to assemble. But after you finish building an FDM (Fused deposition Modelling) printer, you have to deal with its complicated software.
Well, ANYCUBIC Photon runs with just 4 settings, which's way more convenient than the conventional FDMs! The user-friendly smart 3D interface will even let you monitor what it's printing in real-time. You can make changes as much as you want!
The metal and Computer Numeric Control (CNC) parts allow it to last long and maintain its prime performance and time runs on! It will still print out those Predator action figures with fantastic accuracy and consistency!
Having an XY and Z resolutions of 47 and 10 microns respectively, it can print 3D models with crazy accuracy and fantastic details! You can easily distinguish between the Aquaman and Namor that comes out of it! That's two awesome action figures your son will have that'll make other kids jealous!
Remember how file slicing can be so time-consuming? Well for FDM printers, this sure can be a pain. Well ANYCUBIC Photon can effortlessly break down a complicated and large file to get extraordinary results in no time.
In any workspace, this genius can bring out the best in your creativity. It's an FDM printer that stands out among others.
6. MP Mini Delta 3D printer
Suppose you want to explore the world of 3D printing, and as a complete beginner, you want something cheap and easy to start your journey. Then I present you the most budget-friendly 3D printer with a quality, entirely professional, MP mini delta 3D printer.
You will be astonished to see the excellent quality of the print at such a low cost. And you do not have to get scared of all the nail-biting process of assembly because once you unpack this, this little buddy is ready to go.
It is natural to doubt the longevity of the product based on its low cost. You will be glad to know that the product's continuation is quite opposite to its value. Provided with maximum durability and stability with the all-aluminum frame.
This little machine is quite sturdy with its metal casing. Carrying your printer around is easier because it has a built-in carrying handle. Isn't it cool? What's the most annoying thing to do while setting up a 3D printer?
Yeah, right, it's leveling. Monoprice worked pretty well on this. It has auto-calibration and leveling features. So, it will take you seconds to level the plate out.
MP mini delta 3D is a speed beast, making it a better delta primer. With a maximum speed of 150 mm per second, it didn't compromise with one of the essential features: quality. You will get pretty high-quality prints with a resolution of the 50-micron layer.
7. Creality Open Source CR-10 3D Printer All Metal Frame
You could be an educator, an office worker, or an enthusiast when the idea of 3D printing of miniatures comes into your head, you wonder about the best 3d printers for miniatures in the market.
I must addOfficial Creality Open Source CR-10. It doesn't matter whether you are a professional, a beginner, or a hobbyist; this guy will serve all of your purposes like a pro.
While printing, you don't have to worry about your work versatility because the almost unique feature of this workhorse, its enormous build-platform, will allow you to do any creative work. The 15.5 inches large work bed will allow you to work with any product.
Be as experimental as you want with your work without any worries; you get a heated bed that can endure up to 115°. So, feel free to experiment with any exotic filaments.
Its open-source technology allows you to use the printer in a better way by providing you with all the step-by-step guides, improvements, and models. You can be sure of high-quality prints with a durable machine.
Be confident in getting a long life with this work monster. The aluminum made high-quality components, and V-Slot wheels make this guy extraordinarily stable and durable.
And the noise? You won't even realize that it's working because it was designed to work without sound. Isn't it great? With the perfectly even glass bed, you can print from the teensy-weensy to the tallest stuff flawlessly.
8. Flash Forge 3D Printer Creator Pro
Imagine you are 3D painting a multicolored pot, your filament ends, and you halt to swap the filament material out. But in your carelessness, you get an electric shock from one of the printer components. Horrible, right? What if you could send the picture to the printer and relax with a coffee cup waiting for the final print?
Yes, not only can you chill while printing, but you can also be saved from all those horrible experiences. Bring home Flash Forge 3D Printer Creator Pro. Its dual extruder feature, along with the closed-door system, will enable you to print multiple materials in less time without much hassle.
It ensures your safety while using different materials like ABS, because of its removable cover that keeps the printing condition temperature stable. The dust remains inside, giving you extra protection.
You don't need to hide it in your garage because it comes with a stylish and very uncomplicated configuration. Right after you unpack it, it's ready to go! It has a well-built platinum frame around it; the unibody ensures the stability of the moving parts. So, you will be bringing home a much durable machine.
Don't be confused about the speed and quality hearing of its older version. Compared to the previous Flash Forge model, you will get 60% more print speed. And also, due to the less vibration, the print quality is even better than before. So overall printing will be fast and of high precision. Working under very high heat will never be a problem with the heated build platform made of aluminum alloy with a 6.3 mm thickness.
9. Monoprice Maker Select V2 3D Printer
There's plenty of expensive 3D printers with many features in the market, but when it comes to the primary task, many of them lack performance. Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer v2 is undoubtedly not one of them. It's one of the best 3d printers for miniatures and you're about to find out why.
When it is about performance, our friend here knows no compromise. Such high-quality print at such a low cost is rare.
It's not a toy for the newbies; it's mostly for the pros. Once you assemble it correctly, this workhorse is ready to impress you with its speed and performance.
Don't let the budget fool you for its printing volume because that's what happens with the most budget printers: they compensate the printing area. But this guy will give you endless possibilities of printing with its large print area.
Like I said before, this guy is all about work. It may not have ten different features like many high-end printers, but essential features like heated bed and material freedom are active in this work monster exactly like any high-end 3D printer.
The heated bed made of aluminum will let you work with exotic material with ease, and it gives you the liberty to work with literally any material, including PLA, ABS, NYLON, and more. Working with this work hero is a breeze. There is no extra connectivity to make the system complex. For processing the 3D models, there's only one SD card slot and a USB port, and that's it! When all you care about your work correctly done, isn't it a relief to not have to look for those other bugs that delay your work?
10. Monoprice Mini 3D Printer-V2
We're going to wrap up the 3d printers for miniatures review section with the Mini 3D printer from Monoprice. With this beast right here, you can look for all the best qualities even in the lowest budget.
We understand how troublesome and lengthy it can be to assemble all the parts of a 3D printer after unpacking. You will be glad to know that all those problems are solved with this work-giant. It's fully assembled and already calibrated from the factory. Seriously! You are not going to find anything like this at such a low cost.
Like any high-quality 3D printer, it is equipped with an insulated heat bed with BuildTak Matthat's preinstalled. So, you can print filaments from different companies with a smooth z-axis movement.
Of course, while working with a variety of filaments, there will be heat problems. But you needn't worry about it. Its double cooling fans located at the extruder and another on the mainboard will enable you to work with high temperatures without any tension.
The color screen, along with its multiple connectivity system with easily accessible functions and settings, makes this printer more convenient for users to use it.
Its solid construction won't let your work fail midway through. With the max temperature 250 degrees at the hot end and 60 degrees at the print bed, the extruder can work with any filaments in this range, which allows you to work with many materials making your work more versatile.
Things to Consider Before Buying
If you are in the market for a 3d printer there are several things that you might want to look out for. Here I'm going to mention some aspects. Take a look and go bananas.
Can You Rely on This?
When you buy anything really you don't think about that it's going to break or give you a hard time while operating. Well, you have to keep this aspect in mind when you are in the market for a 3d printer.
The best 3d printers for miniatures will not be a pain in the bum when you are operating that. So look out for pesky printers that promise you the world and do not want to marry you at the end, ahem! I mean print at the end with precision and quality.
Bed Size
Tomorrow is the annual anime con, and your costume isn't ready yet. What to do? You can look at your 3d printer and light up like a thousand-watt bulb but wait. First of all, it takes a lot of time to print something, and you have a helmet and a sword to print.
This is exactly where bed size will come into action. You see, a bigger bed means a bigger space. And when you have a bigger bed, you can print two things at a time. It's a given that a 3d printer will take time to print things but if you can print two things at a time it saves a ton of time.
So, if you are a procrastinator like me, go for a bigger bed. And anyways bigger is better! Wink!
Quality and Timing
It's a crucial detail so pay attention. When you go on and look for printers the sales staff might say something impressive like it prints at 155mm per second at maximum. Whoa! Quite an amazing printer, right? Wrong. Here's why.
You see, it prints really fast, but what about the quality? When you run that particular printer at the max speed, you might be sacrificing the quality that it can deliver at a slower pace. So, even if it prints faster, it will give you half-ass results. That will mean, you wasted some precious filament for a garbage project.
Be extra careful while falling for some features and don't be blind sighted with other ones.
Accuracy
A detailed project needs much more attention to the details. In that case, you need a printer that is absolutely tremendous when it comes to smaller details, like patterns and curves and grooves, etc.
Suppose you're printing part of a mini model of your next project. You need absolute precision when it comes to miniature things. Because they are extra small, and it is extra important for it to be precision to be a mini model. So, while printing that you see, it's mostly a blob of filament than a figure. Annoying, isn't it?
Go for a printer with absolute steady hands, of course, it's a robot, but you know what I mean. Filaments are expensive, well, maybe not all, but good quality ones are. I'm sure you're using those and, in that case, if you want to waste that, it's your choice. But I would like to think that you don't. So, go for the printer that gives you accuracy.
User Friendliness
I don't know about you, but 3D printers are very intimidating to me. And I have an interest in cosplays and other basic 3D projects that don't even require very much attention to details. Still, it's painful for me to go through the process by myself without asking for help.
The printer that you are going for should obviously be user friendly. Otherwise it kind of defeats the purpose of owning one in the first place. Imagine getting a printer that makes you think 'rocket-science' when you try to operate it.
Go for one that makes your life easier when it comes to printing your favorite chibi figurine. Life is hard enough to wait on a chibi friend.
FDM or SLA 3D Printer?
Here FDM stands for fused deposition modeling, and SLA stands for stereolithography Apparatus, this basically indicates how you're going to print your model and through what method.
In FDM, you're going to fed the machine plastic filaments. Those will be going through a hot extruder then shaped into size; this will be done in layers. But with SLA, things are a bit different.
Here you use a different type of material. Typically resin. Here also you do it in layers, but after you have to cure it under UV light to get the model hardened.
If I have to choose, I would go for an SLA one as it is more precise, and the results would be more accurate as you have the freedom to harden things at your pace. With an FDM printer, you don't get that. But if you're worried about your pocket, FDM is the way to go. If not, don't hesitate to get the SLA 3D printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question answer time!
1. What should the material for printing be?
In case it's an FDM kind, then PLA or plastic material should be your choice if not the resin and materials like that. If you are a beginner, don't use melted resin as it can be quite tricky to use PLA or ABS plastic as they are non-toxic as well.
2. Setting? Which one?
Most come with recommended software. So, it is quite handy to use those. But if you insist on changing or customizing, it is always a good idea to consult someone who knows what they are doing at a core level. AKA, a specialist.
3. Is resin dangerous?
To be frank, quite a bit. So, if you don't know what you're doing or just figuring things out, do not go for resin. Use plastic, become a pro, then use resin for better accuracy and precision. It's like a double-edged sword.
4 Unsupported filaments can ruin a 3d printer. Is it true?
Kind of yes. Those who are not compatible with your 3d printer can overheat it. Thus, it causes unnecessary trouble. So, don't take chances.
5. Where to start?
As 3d printing is quite intimidating you should start by watching some tutorials. If you want to design something of your own then there are plenty of software available to help you with that.
Final WordsBest 3d printers for miniatures are actually hard to find. First comes the material problem if you're a beginner, but that can be solved by acquiring knowledge. A bad 3d printer problem can only be solved by getting a new one.
Be smart with your decision, and may the new printer win your heart.
