Resin-based 3D printers are gradually capturing the spotlight as their capabilities get more recognition. Countless exquisite miniatures have been born from these machines, and many enthusiasts are flocking towards them for similar results. In this article, I’ll delve into which resin 3D printers excel at crafting those captivating miniatures and figures cherished by gamers. Producing top-notch miniatures involves considering various aspects, and I’ve carefully weighed them to curate a list that ensures optimal outcomes. Key attributes include print clarity, denoted by layer thickness, and the presence of a monochrome display for efficient printing.
1. Elegoo Mars 3
The Elegoo Mars 3 stands out as a reputable and superior resin 3D printer tailored for miniature crafting. As an evolved version of its predecessors, it boasts enhanced resolution and swifter operations. This MSLA printer delivers precise outputs with its 6.6-inch mono LCD offering an ultra 4K HD view. Enjoy a 30% boost in XY resolution at 0.035mm and a generous 37% increase in build volume compared to its precursor, the Elegoo Mars 2.
When it comes to illumination, it’s revamped with 36 unified LED bulbs, supplemented with a cutting-edge COB lens ensuring 90% UV light consistency, which is essential for pinpoint 3D printing. They’ve further refined the cooling system by incorporating copper tubes and an efficient fan, ensuring effective heat dispersion. Notably, after 6,000 printing hours, the UV LED’s light decay remains under 5%.
With the Elegoo Mars 3, you also receive a complimentary one-year access to ChiTuBox Pro. This slicing software offers enhanced functionalities from automated supports to model repair utilities – making it apt for novices and veterans alike. One passionate gamer who ventured into custom D&D miniature creation shared how the machine splendidly achieved his vision. Utilizing default configurations and water-washable resin yielded impressive results. However, tweaking the settings catapulted the outputs to perfection.
Acquire the Elegoo Mars 3 from renowned platforms like Amazon to sculpt immaculate figures.
2. Anycubic Photon Mono
The Anycubic Photon Mono is an avant-garde apparatus that prints at a velocity 2.5x faster than typical 3D printers – a boon for those on tight schedules. Featuring a 6.08″ 2K monochrome LCD, it processes layers in a fleeting 1.5 seconds. While it might be more economical than the Elegoo Mars 3, it doesn’t compromise on delivering commendable precision and detailing. It stands out with its parallel light source containing 15 lamp beads, ensuring consistent exposure.
Structurally, the Photon Mono boasts a robust Z-axis guide rail coupled with stepper motors, ensuring stability and precision. Operating this marvel is a breeze, and it offers a substantial build space of 130 x 80 x 165mm. Its acrylic shield effectively prevents 99.95% of UV light intrusion, guaranteeing that external light sources don’t interfere with the resin’s curing process. The Photon Mono also simplifies FEP film replacements with its unique design.
A beginner user acclaimed its user-friendly nature, highlighting that initializing it was a matter of minutes. For those venturing into resin printing, starting with basic projects like keychains is recommended.
If you’re keen on crafting figurines, detailed miniatures, or intricate artifacts, the Anycubic Photon Mono is an ideal choice, and its competitive price ensures a valuable long-term investment.
Consider getting the Anycubic Photon Mono from platforms like Amazon to bring your miniature dreams to life.
3. Elegoo Saturn
Elegoo Saturn is a crowd-favorite, magnified resin 3D printer furnished with an 8.9-inch 4K Monochrome LCD, exhibiting an HD resolution of 3,840 x 2,400. Its prowess lies in diminishing standard layer exposure durations to about 2-3 seconds – a remarkable 60% enhancement compared to the Mars Pro. Its build space is ample, measuring 192 x 120 x 200mm, permitting simultaneous printing of numerous miniatures, enhancing productivity and model creation efficiency. This translates to a voluminous 290% size increase when contrasted with the Elegoo Mars 2.
To handle its larger stature, Elegoo has integrated a dual linear guide-way mechanism to ensure fluid motion and increased accuracy. A standout feature is its capability to transmit files through local networks using the rear Ethernet port.
Illumination-wise, it houses 54 UV LED bulbs that uniformly emit light, ensuring flawless miniatures with exact dimensions. They’ve also fortified the build plate with robust screws to maintain its level, minimizing recurrent adjustments. Furthermore, the build plate surface undergoes sandblasting to enhance resin adhesion.
One enthusiast praised the machine’s quality, noting that from unpacking to operational status, it took a mere 10 minutes. The packaging standards ensure your investment arrives intact. On the performance front, he managed to print approximately 15 32mm figures on the build plate within 3-4 hours, which translates to roughly four miniatures hourly. Considering the price range of miniatures, the investment is recouped swiftly.
Discover the Elegoo Saturn on platforms like Amazon.
Are Resin Printers Superior for Miniatures?
Absolutely! Resin printers are unparalleled for 3D miniature printing due to their ability to achieve extremely fine layer heights, ensuring unmatched quality and resolution. Resin devices effortlessly achieve 0.02mm or 20-micron layer heights, while filament machines struggle to attain 0.05mm or 50-micron resolutions.
Those transitioning from filament to resin for miniatures instantly discern the exponential quality and detail surge. The SLA technology, paired with strategic illumination, guarantees a precision that filament printers struggle to replicate. A noteworthy resin printer advantage is its time efficiency – whether you’re crafting a singular miniature or an ensemble on the build plate, the time remains constant as it cures entire layers simultaneously.
With resin 3D printers, crafting a single or 15 miniatures within four hours is feasible. In contrast, filament printers would consume significantly more time for similar tasks.