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Best 3D Printer for Miniatures To Get Pro Results Easily

With 3D printers becoming widely accessible in recent years, the desire to print off custom miniatures has also grown.

Whether you are looking to start your own collection of miniatures or if you are a designer, 3D printers are an ideal choice for producing miniatures.

With so much choice on the market, it can seem that it’s impossible to decide which printer is the best for you, but that is why I have done all the research.

So whether you are a beginner looking for your first 3D printer or are a seasoned designer wanting a replacement or upgrade, I’ve compiled a list of the top models on the market so you don’t have to look any further.

3D printers may seem intimidating because they have only become accessible for all in recent years, but they are not that much different from regular printers.

In this article, I’ll be giving you the top five 3D printers you should consider followed by a Buyer’s Guide and an FAQ section so you can make a fully informed decision.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a full understanding of what to look for when researching 3D printers as well as considering your own needs.

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Don’t have time to read the full article? Read about the winner here:

Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer

My top pick is the Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer. It is the best model on the market for a variety of reasons.

A fantastic and easy printer to use, this is perfect equipment for users of all ages and comes semi-assembled for further convenience.

Its upgraded extruder design prevents any clogs in the nozzle for a clean print, which is hugely important for small projects such as miniatures.

The build surface is made from the highest quality materials to ensure that you can easily pick up your models after they have finished cooling.

What makes this the winner?

The resume printer function is a brilliant feature; should there be a power outage or any other disturbance while printing, the printer will know where to pick it up after it is back up and running.

This printer is ideal for an array of projects but its ability to print quality miniatures makes it a hugely desirable asset.

Its brilliant price point also means that it is accessible to both professionals and aspiring designers.

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Review of The Best 3D Printers For Miniatures

#1 3D Printer For Miniatures: Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer

Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer with Removable Build Surface Plate and Branded Power Supply, FDM 3D Printers for DIY Home and School Printing Size 8.66x8.66x9.84 inch
  • REMOVABLE BUILD SURFACE PLATE: Provide all-round protection to your 3D printer build...
  • SAFE POWER SUPPLY: Ender 3 Pro comes with a branded power supply, protecting your...

The Official Creality Ender 3 Pro is the best choice on the market thanks to its high-quality materials that make it hugely accessible for all abilities and ages.

Whether you are a beginner or expert, the Creality Ender 3 Pro has a variety of features that put it ahead of its competitors.

From the Branded Meanwell power supply for fast heating to the build surface that allows you to easily pick up your miniatures after cooling without sticking, Creality is a leading brand on Amazon for good reason.

It comes equipped with software so that you can start to use it once you have assembled the printer.

The Creality Ender 3 Pro is favored by those who are beginners as well as advanced users looking to upgrade their current models.

Easy to set up and use, the Creality Ender 3 Pro comes with one-year warranty and lifetime technical support with 24/7 customer service so that you’re guaranteed to have support should you require it.

Likes:

  • Great price point.
  • Easy to assemble and use.
  • Ideal for users of all ages and abilities.

Dislikes:

  • The software that the printer comes with is an older version.

Other Great 3D Printers For Miniatures

Runner-Up: Dremel Digilab 3D20 3D Printer

Dremel Digilab 3D20 3D Printer, Idea Builder for Hobbyists and Tinkerers - 3D20-01
  • Countless hours of high quality printing with the most reliable low-cost 3D printer
  • Quickly and easily make your 1st print out of the box with completely pre-assembled printer,

My second pick is the Dremel Digilab 3D20, which is made specifically for those who want to design miniatures.

Coming fully assembled and ready to use, the Dremel Digilab 3D20 is a fantastic choice for those who are going to get a lot of use out of their printer.

With a one-year warranty and lifetime technical support, this is a 3D printer that is made to last for years to come.

The Dremel Digilab is made to be connected to the latest Dremel Slicer software for a cleaner print.

The Dremel brand has been a pioneer in design since the 1930s, and the advanced materials used in their 3D printer has made it a favorite among those who are advanced designers wanting to advance their skills.

The Dremel Digilab 3D20 is a fantastic choice for those who wish to print model designs found for free on the internet as well as those who wish to use CAD software to design custom miniatures.

Its enclosed design is great to ensure that the print will have a higher success rate by maintaining a stable temperature.

Loved by those who are used to printing as well as those who have never printed before, the Dremel Digilab 3D20 can be trusted to produce quality prints again and again.

Likes:

  • Ideal for beginners and advanced users.
  • Designed specifically for miniature printing.
  • Enclosed design for successful prints at maintained temperature.

Dislikes:

  • Does not come equipped with updated software.

ELEGOO Mars Pro MSLA 3D Printer

ELEGOO Mars Pro MSLA 3D Printer UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer with Matrix UV LED Light Source, Built-in Activated Carbon,Off-Line Print 4.53in(L) x 2.56in(W) x 5.9in(H) Printing Size
  • 【Higher Precision and Excellent Performance 】Z axis utilize linear guideway structure, which...
  • 【 Refreshing and Safer Experience】Mars Pro comes with a silicone rubber seal that can be...

My third recommendation comes in the form of the ELEGOO Mars Pro MSLA, another enclosed printer that has advanced guideway structure to ensure an accurate print and reduced layer lines on the final product.

The silicone rubber seal stops any resin leakage or odor from escaping, making your printing experience cleaner and safer.

The Mars Pro also comes with a USB port located at the front of the printer, which is ideal for those who want to print off custom designs.

The sliced file format reduces the file size by 90%, meaning you will have more space for even more designs.

This printer comes with a one-year warranty for the printer and a six-month warranty for the 2K LCD.

It comes with a Myminifactory Membership Card that gives you access to millions of 3D designs on the ELEGOO software.

The Mars Pro has been praised for the quality of the prints as well as its versatility in what can be printed.

This is a printer that is particularly ideal for those who know the initial basics of 3D printing as it can be complex to get to grips with if you are unfamiliar with it.

Ideal for miniature printing, the Mars Pro produces fantastic quality printing for a great price point.

Likes:

  • Enclosed structure for successful printing.
  • Silicone rubber seal prevents any resin leakage or odor.
  • Sliced file format reduces the file size by 90% to provide more storage space.

Dislikes:

  • Not ideal for beginners as it is designed for advanced users.

Flashforge 3D Printer Creator Pro

FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro, Metal Frame Structure, Acrylic Covers, Optimized Build Platform, Dual Extruder W/2 Spools, Works with ABS and PLA
  • Full manufacturer's warranty fulfilled by Flashforge, and free email support provided by expert...
  • A sturdy metal frame that is substantially more stable than the Creator's original wood...

My penultimate recommendation is the Flashforge 3D Printer Creator Pro.

Made from high quality metal materials, the Flashforge Creator Pro is a sturdy printer with an enclosed design complete with an even aluminum plate to ensure that the miniatures will not get warped while printing.

Complete with warranty and email technical support, the Flashforge Creator Pro is a brilliant printer for those who are looking to upgrade their current model.

It comes equipped with two spool holders and two spool filaments so that you can start printing straight away as soon as you have assembled the printer.

The PC top cover allows for the temperature to remain stable, meaning that your miniatures will have a higher success rate when printing.

The new extruder wiring router protects the wiring from wear and tear, meaning that you will be able to use the printer for years to come.

The Flashforge Creator Pro is ideal for those who are familiar with the basics of 3D printers.

The quality of the miniatures it produces is astonishing as the design of the printer itself ensures that the designs are not warped and are clear in their details.

Whether you are wanting to design your own custom miniatures or take designs from various software, the Flashforge Creator Pro is a fantastic investment, especially for those who plan on using their printer a lot.

Likes:

  • Made from high quality materials for an even and smooth finish.
  • Enclosed design provides a stable temperature.
  • Ideal for those who know the basics of 3D printings.

Dislikes:

  • Can be quite noisy.

ANYCUBIC MEGA X 3D Printer

ANYCUBIC MEGA X 3D Printer, Large Metal FDM 3D Printer with Patented Heatbed and PLA Filament, Build Size 11.81in(L) X 11.81in(W) X 12in(H)
  • Fast Assembly, Mega X 3D printer came in two modules and all it takes is to plug in 12 screws...
  • High Print Precision, This 3D Printer’s print precision is greatly improved by equipping it with Y...

My last pick is the ANYCUBIC MEGA X, which is a fantastic and convenient choice for those who want a printer that is easy to assemble.

It is able to build larger models, but the detail in miniatures is perfect with a high success rate.

The patented heat bed means that there is no more hassle with the products sticking to the printer.

Once the miniature has cooled, you can simply pick it up with no worries of breakage.

With lifetime technical support, you are guaranteed to get the best out of your 3D printer, especially if you are a beginner who is intimidated with the basics.

Like the top pick, the ANYCUBIC MEGA X comes with a resume feature where the printer will continue from where it left off if power outages or other such situations occur.

This is particularly helpful when your miniature is an intricate design.

The ANYCUBIC MEGA X is a great choice for beginners who are unfamiliar with the basics of 3D printers while also being a major asset for those looking to upgrade.

Its ease of use means that you don’t have to worry about any further issues, and the speediness of the technical support team has also been praised.

The USB port in the printer means that you can easily connect your own designs to the printer without any issues.

Likes:

  • Great for users of all abilities, particularly beginners.
  • Patented heat bed prevents the miniature from sticking.
  • Resume feature so the printer will resume from where it left off if there is a power outage.

Dislikes:

  • Software that comes with it is dated.

Buyer’s Guide

When researching which 3D printer to purchase, it can seem a bit overwhelming with the variety of choices as well as thinking about what you want to get out of the printer.

With so many different kinds of models catering to different fields, it can be easy to get lost in knowing which one is perfect for printing off miniatures.

The five products included here are the best miniature printers in the market today, and it will be hard to find one that tops them.

However, if you are still unsure and want to conduct further research before making your final decision, then this is the section to read.

Knowing what kind of projects you are wanting to print is probably the most important thing.

It’s also important to contemplate whether you will just be printing off miniatures or maybe you also plan to pursue larger projects, how often you plan to use your printer, and how much you plan on spending on the printer itself.

Because a 3D printer is an investment product, you want to make sure that you get the best out of your printer.

What Products Will You Print?

This article naturally is centered around 3D printers specifically for miniatures, which all of the recommendations are geared toward.

However, if miniatures aren’t the only products you plan on printing, then a couple of the recommendations can cater to larger items also.

Also think about what kinds of miniatures you want to print off.

Whether they are minimalist ornaments or intricate miniatures designed for gaming, there is a 3D printer out there for you.

How Often You Plan on Using the Printer

Knowing how often you plan on using the printer is another hugely important factor.

This is because you want to look at whether the printers come with any warranty or access to technical support.

Also, bear in mind the reviews on the printer’s longevity because you want to ensure it will last for years, especially if you are a professional designer who will be using it on a regular basis.

If you’re a budding hobbyist wanting to make miniatures for your own personal use, you may be using it a lot less.

Nevertheless, you want to make sure you have a printer that will last a long time and produce quality end results.

Budget

Lastly, it is most important to know how much you are wanting to spend.

Whether this is your first 3D printer or your fourth, there is a quality 3D printer for you at any price point.

Bear in mind how much it costs for your refills or any spare parts should you need them as cheaper models may end up costing more in the long run and vice versa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Worth Getting a 3D Printer?

It all depends on what your needs for the printer are.
If designing is your career, then it is definitely a worthy investment to explore another medium that can boost your skill set.
However, if you are a hobbyist, then bear in mind whether the costs of the printer and running the printer outweigh purchasing miniatures outright on retail.
With 3D printers becoming widely accessible, they are becoming easier to run and are typically worth the initial cost.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a 3D Printer Per Hour?

The average monetary cost to run a 3D printer per hour depends on the printer itself and how much the refills cost, but in terms of electricity, a 3D printer uses around 50 watts per hour, so bear this in mind when creating your miniatures.
However, the length of time it takes to print a miniature isn’t too long, so this shouldn’t be an issue.

How Long Does It Take to Learn 3D Printing?

Again, this depends on what you want to get out of your 3D printer.
It is recommended to learn as you go as you can easily familiarize yourself with the specific software that comes with your printer as well as the various design features that it has.

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