The era of underwhelming miniatures is over. With the popularity of 3D printers, creating miniatures and terrain for your favorite games like Warhammer and Dungeons & Dragons has become much more convenient. In the past, hobbyists had to do a lot of the work manually, which was extremely time-consuming, and the end result would still not be great.
Got a favorite character from your own campaign that hasn't been brought to life on the tabletop yet? With 3D printing, imagination is the new limit. Find a decent model online or make your own, appease the printer gods, and poof - your own custom mini is ready! A few deft strokes from a good airbrush for miniatures, and you'll have your very own miniature masterpiece.
If you are a seasoned tabletop gamer, you know how realistic terrain and well-built miniatures can bring a tabletop game to life. 3D printers allow endless customization and creativity, enhancing the tabletop game experience. We showcase different 3D printers and discuss which printer is best for each use case, considering factors such as price, quality, and print speed, so you can decide which printer is best for your needs.
Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra 3D Printer
Best for Precision See at AmazonCreality Ender-3 V3 3D Printer
Best High Speed See at AmazonAsani Mini 3D Printer
Best for Beginners See at AmazonPhrozen Sonic Mini 8K S 3D Printer
Best Value See at AmazonFlashforge Adventurer 4 Pro 3D Printer
Most Efficient See at Amazon- See More
Anycubic Photon M3 Max 3D Printer
Best Overall See at Amazon
Best 3D Printers For Miniatures
Best for PrecisionElegoo Saturn 3 Ultra 3D Printer
Your Vision, Perfectly Realized in 12K.
Build Volume 218.88 x 122.88 x 260 mm Printing Speed Max 150 mm/h Materials Used Compatible with most resins (water-washable, standard, ABS-like, plant-based, etc.) Brand ElegooThe Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is a game-changer for tabletop gamers and hobbyists. Featuring a 10-inch 12K LCD touchscreen, COB+Refractive light source, and laser-carved build platform, it delivers exceptional precision and smooth prints.
Pros & Cons- High resolution
- Offers Wi-Fi support
- Good heat dissipation
- Complex setup for beginners
- High Price
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is a powerhouse for tabletop gaming enthusiasts and miniature hobbyists. Its advanced 10-inch monochrome LCD screen delivers incredibly detailed and precise prints, making it ideal for creating intricate miniatures or terrain pieces for games like Dungeons & Dragons. The printer's high-speed capabilities mean you can produce models quickly without sacrificing quality, saving valuable time on your projects.
One standout feature is the COB+Refractive light source system, which ensures even light distribution for smoother surfaces and greater accuracy. This means your miniatures will have sharp, clear details that truly stand out. Additionally, the laser-carved build plate improves model adhesion, significantly increasing the success rate of your prints and reducing the frustration of failed attempts.
The Saturn 3 Ultra also boasts an efficient cooling system, with dual heat-conducting copper tubes and cooling fans, ensuring the printer operates optimally for longer periods. Its user-friendly 4-inch HD IPS touchscreen supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience. Wi-Fi support and the new Linux operating system provide fast and stable file transfers, enhancing the overall user experience.
With the Voxeldance Tango Slicer software, you have versatile printing modes and an open-source file format, offering flexibility and ease of use. Even though the learning curve on the Saturn 3 Ultra is steep, the exceptional quality and convenience it brings to your creations is worth every effort.
Best High SpeedCreality Ender-3 V3 3D Printer
Where Speed Meets Quality
Build Volume 220 × 220 × 250 mm Printing Speed Max 600 mm/s Materials Used Compatible with PLA, TPU, PETG, ABS, PLA-CF, PETG-CF, CR-carbon Brand CrealityThe Creality Ender-3 V3 sets a new standard for speed and quality in 3D printing. This printer delivers exceptional performance with its innovative motion system, top-notch direct drive extruder, and easy assembly. It offers features like auto-leveling and remote monitoring that are ideal for hobbyists and professionals.
Pros & Cons- Easy to use
- Large build volume
- Heating issues
The Creality Ender-3 V3 3D Printer is designed to make high-speed, high-quality 3D printing accessible and enjoyable. Capable of printing up to 12 times faster than typical i3-style printers, it significantly reduces production time while maintaining exceptional quality. This rapid performance is achieved through a lighter, faster motion system with X and Z motors mounted at the base, ensuring smooth, precise prints.
Ease of use is a hallmark of Ender-3 V3. Assembly is straightforward, and calibration is effortless with the self-check function that handles auto-leveling, input shaping, and much more with a single tap.
Precision linear shafts and timing belts on the Z-axis prevent layer shifts, while dual cooling fans enhance printhead quality by providing strong, even cooling. The cooling fans' dynamic balance reduces vibrations, minimizing ringing (echoes in the print) and ghosting (faint outlines of previous layers). Built with aerospace aluminum alloy, the Ender-3 V3 is incredibly sturdy and durable, making it a reliable choice for all your 3D printing needs.
Best for BeginnersAsani Mini 3D Printer
Effortless 3D Printing
Build Volume 100 × 120 × 100 mm Materials Used Compatible with 1.75 mm PLA, PLA pro, & TPU filament Brand AsaniThe Asani Mini 3D Printer is the perfect starter kit for kids and beginners, offering a fully assembled, space-saving design. With features like auto-leveling, one-touch filament loading, and a flexible magnetic build plate, it ensures a hassle-free printing experience. Compatible with various filaments and slicing software, it’s ready to fuel your creativity right out of the box.
Pros & Cons- Beginner friendly
- Compact and portable
- Cost-effective
- Limited build volume
- Supports only basic features
The Asani Mini makes 3D printing accessible to everyone, especially beginners. This complete starter kit includes everything you need to start printing right away, from the mini printer and 10 meters of PLA filament to a microSD card preloaded with model designs and splicing software. Compact and lightweight, it fits perfectly in homes, classrooms, and dorm rooms, weighing just 6.6 lbs.
Setting up is a breeze with the fully assembled printer. It features auto-leveling and a dual Z-axis rail for high-precision prints, ensuring that even those new to 3D printing can achieve great results. The 2.4-inch LCD screen and flexible magnetic build plate make operation and model removal simple and intuitive. The one-touch filament loading system further enhances ease of use, allowing you to load and retract filament with the press of a button.
The printer supports a range of filaments, and the Active Pause & Resume Print functions give you more control over your printing process. Additionally, its open-source nature means it’s compatible with multiple operating systems (MAC, Windows, Linux) and a variety of slicing software, including WiiBuilder, Cura, Simplify3d, and Slicr3d.
RelatedBest Board Games For D&D Fans In 2024
D&D fans will love these board games for when you're tired of roleplaying.
Posts Best ValuePhrozen Sonic Mini 8K S 3D Printer
Detail Beyond Reality
Build Volume 165 × 72 × 17 mm Printing Speed Max 80 mm/h Materials Used Compatible with 8K Resin Brand PhrozenThe Sonic Mini S delivers the highest resolution on the market at 22 µm, producing highly detailed and realistic models. Its smooth surface finish, compatibility with popular slicing software, and user-friendly operation make it an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned pros alike.
Pros & Cons- Exceptional Resolution
- Beginner Friendly
- Limited Build Size
The Sonic Mini 8K S provides unparalleled precision and quality, allowing you to create incredibly detailed and realistic models. Whether you're crafting intricate miniatures or complex prototypes, the high resolution ensures every fine detail is captured perfectly.
One of the standout features is its ability to produce models with up to 50% fewer layer lines, resulting in smooth, sleek surfaces. This enhances the aesthetic appeal of your prints and saves you hours on sanding and finishing.
The open-source system offers flexibility and compatibility with popular slicing software such as Lychee, Chitubox, and Tango, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred tools. Designed for simplicity and ease of use, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S is suitable for users of all experience levels. Its intuitive operation ensures a seamless transition into 3D printing, making it perfect even for beginners.
Most EfficientFlashforge Adventurer 4 Pro 3D Printer
Efficient and Smart Printing
Build Volume 220 × 200 × 250 mm Printing Speed Max 300 mm/s Materials Used Compatible with ABS, PLA, PETG, PLA-CF, PETG-CF Brand FlashforgeThe Flashforge Adventurer 4 Pro is a high-efficiency printer that combines precision, speed, and convenience. Featuring automatic bed leveling, rapid nozzle replacement, and a high printing speed, it delivers quality prints effortlessly. Enhanced cooling, effective air filtration, and useful smart features make it perfect for professionals who demand the best.
Pros & Cons- Good print quality
- Cost Effective and efficient
- Health and safety features
- Bulky design
The Adventurer 4 Pro is a game-changer for tabletop gaming enthusiasts looking to create stunning, detailed miniatures. Like playing as the Dungeon Master? Print your chosen monsters in a jiffy with this 3D printer and bring your D&D campaigns to life.
The Adventurer 4 Pro elevates 3D printing with its blend of efficiency, precision, and user-friendly features. Capable of printing at an impressive speed of 300mm/s, it significantly reduces print times without compromising quality, thanks to its three extruder fans that provide optimal cooling and consistent temperature control. This results in flawless finishes and reduces the risk of print damage.
Health and safety are also key considerations. The built-in HEPA13 air filtration system captures ultrafine particles, ensuring clean air in your workspace. Smart and energy-efficient, the 4 Pro features filament detection and print resume capabilities to prevent any print interruptions. The built-in camera allows remote monitoring and an energy-saving mode that optimizes power consumption. If you prioritize minimizing environmental impact and want a high-speed 3D printer that efficiently delivers high print quality, it doesn't get any better than the Adventurer 4 Pro.
Best OverallAnycubic Photon M3 Max 3D Printer
Large and Detailed Prints at Your Disposal
Build Volume 300 x 298 x 164 mm Printing Speed Max 60 mm/h Materials Used Compatible with most resins(water-washable, standard, ABS-like, plant-based, etc.) Brand AnycubicThe Photon M3 Max is a Resin 3D Printer with an impressive print volume and high resolution, perfect for large models and detailed prints. An excellent LCD light source offers precise projection, curing the photosensitive resin for exceptional print quality, acing any model you throw at it without a hitch.
Pros & Cons- High Resolution
- Large print volume
- High operational cost
The Anycubic Photon M3 is a powerhouse for tabletop gaming aficionados. If you've played tactical RPGs like Gloomhaven, you know the gameplay can get stale without expansions and upgrades. But with the Photon M3's generous build volume at your disposal, that's no longer a problem. Online communities like Thingiverse are dedicated to creating 3D models of everything from monster miniatures to overlay tiles. Simply choose the components you need, print them out, and voilà—your custom upgrade is ready!
At the heart of the Photon M3 Max is its 7K UV LCD light, which offers outstanding resolution. This, combined with a contrast ratio of 450:1, ensures that your models have sharp details and smooth edges, improving overall print quality and success rates.
While not the fastest resin printer on the market, its 60mm/h print speed is still quite respectable, allowing you to produce a 12 cm model in just 2 hours. The printer's powerful matrix LED lamp beads ensure that even at these speeds, your prints will retain their exceptional quality and detail, making it an excellent choice for tabletop gaming enthusiasts.
The M3 Max also streamlines the printing process with automatic resin feeding, a smart function that efficiently manages resin levels by automatically refilling and stopping when needed. This, combined with the laser-engraved platform's strong adhesion, drastically reduces the risk of failed prints, ensuring your prints come out perfectly every time.
FAQ
What maintenance does a 3D printer typically require?
Regular maintenance includes cleaning the build plate and nozzle, checking and tightening any loose screws, and ensuring the printer is dust free. Periodically check belts and pulleys for wear and replace them as needed. Lubricate moving parts and update the printer's firmware to keep it running smoothly.
How do I troubleshoot common print quality issues?
Common print quality issues can often be resolved by checking a few key areas: ensure the bed is properly leveled, the nozzle is clean and not clogged, and the filament is of good quality and properly loaded. Adjusting print settings like layer height, print speed, and temperature can also help. If problems persist, consult the printer's manual or online forums for specific advice.
Can I leave my 3D printer running unattended?
While many modern 3D printers are designed to operate safely for extended periods, it's generally best to monitor prints when possible. If you need to leave the printer unattended, ensure it's in a safe, well-ventilated area and that you’ve taken precautions like using a smoke detector.
NextBest 3D Printers For Miniatures In 2024
These 3D printers are what you need if you plan on creating your own miniatures.
Posts
