11 Best 3D Printers for Miniatures – Detailed Minis for Hobbies and Businesses

ELEGOO Saturn MSLA provides decent printing volume of 7.55 x 4.7 x 7.8 inches to print several full-sized objects simultaneously. The surface is sandblasted to strengthen adherence for large 3D prints and the build plate features set screws for stable leveling that reduces the need for frequent calibration. The display is 8.9-inch 4K monochrome LCD with high resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels which also increases layer printing speed. There is a USB port for transferring files over your Ethernet and a matrix LED light source with 405 nm UV-resin printing. The dual linear Z-axis improves precision in motion for greater accuracy, more detail and a smooth surface.

This is the best 3D printer for figurines with super-vivid detail for board games. The 8-time anti-aliasing has been upgraded with image blur mechanism for smoother and accurate prints.

What are its best features?
• Compared to Mars Pro, this 3D printer for minis prints layers at a 60% faster rate. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty and a shock absorption unit at the base to prevent wobbling and muffle sound for quiet operation. We also like the Chitubox slicer with a user-friendly interface and multiple adjustable settings, for thickness and density among other qualities. Finally, it is well-packaged with protective foam and plastic layers.

What could be improved?
• There is an initial learning curve when using Chitubox software. Check YouTube tutorials for efficient use. There are complaints about this printer being costly because there are vendors selling it at a high price, but you can get it cheaper if you order it from Elegoo. Make sure you pre-order because you may have to wait for a while before receiving your unit. However, it would definitely be worth the wait.

What stands out?
• We like the high speed and the detachable metal build plate which you flex to pull out objects. It prints with either polylactic acid (PLA) or PLA PRO (ABS) filaments, providing users with another option for those who would rather not use ABS which is prone to emitting unpleasant fumes. Buyers also appreciate the impressive +250°F max extruder temperature.

What cons did we manage to find?
• The most noticeable drawback of this 3D printer is the printing volume which is the smallest among the models we have reviewed. Some users had trouble with a spool holder. Other complaints include a starter supply of filament. Otherwise, most buyers recommend this printer as an entry-level model.

Why are we impressed?
• The Anycubic Photon D2 delivers sharper details at the same resolution as LCD M-SLA printers, with remarkably low power consumption and an impressive 20,000-hour projector lifespan. Plus, it's already compatible with Photon Workshop, streamlining your 3D printing experience.

What negatives must you be aware of?
• Lots of users complained about the cost of DLP-resins and the printer itself.

What makes it special?
• What we liked most about this 3D printer was the attention to detail and the excellent build quality. This is a well thought out package that’s designed to ease a beginner into the exciting world of 3D printing. But, this is a capable machine with a bright 4K LED screen that’s easy to read and simple to navigate. During testing, we had no failed prints and the level of detail was impressive.

What cons did we find?
• The main thing that could be improved on the Photon Mono 4K is the build plate. The build quality of the build plate is excellent for the modest price but it’s too small for medium to large scale projects. You can print multiple objects at the same time, but if they are larger miniatures or other prints you cannot print many of them. The build plate measures 6.5” x 5.6” x 3.5” which is sufficient for 3D printing newbies but you may outgrow the limitations quickly.

The Artillery Sidewinder SW-X2 3D Printer is one of the most popular printers on the market due to its ultra-quiet operation. Featuring Direct Drive Extruder technology and a fast heating AC heat bed, this printer is perfect for those who want high-quality prints without sacrificing speed or accuracy. With a built-in thermal runaway protection system, this printer is also one of the safest on the market. Additionally, the Lattice glass’s smooth surface makes filament management a breeze. Finally, the machine’s synchronized dual Z system ensures that your prints are always accurate and stable.

What are its best features?
• There are sensors for power failure recovery and others that prompt you to reload filaments when they run out, and also auto pause printing. The printer comes with a full touchscreen, a rapid heating AC heat bed and an assembly tool kit. It has maximum build plate temperature of 130C and works with multiple types of 3D printing software. The unit has wonderful print quality and the customer support is responsive.

What could be improved?
• Some people have complained that the Artillery Sidewinder SW-X2 3D Printer is a bit too quiet. Some users have reported that the printer does not always print at the highest quality possible.

Creality CR-10 has the highest printing volume among our featured products; 11.8 x 11.8 x 15.75 inches. It features a durable aluminum frame and “Triangle-Slot” wheels for a stable printing platform, a 0.4 mm nozzle and a glass bed with an even surface. The 3D printer for models has decent maximum extruder temperature of +212°F. It is compatible with 1.75mm PLA filaments. Other features include adjustable layer thickness of 0.05 to 0.4mm and maximum printing speed of 200mm/s which is ideal for large-scale projects.

The build space of this model makes it suitable for a wide range of custom projects for hobbyists to create figurines, miniatures and other objects.

What makes it stand out?
• This 3D printer has amazing speed and printing speed and it includes a roll of PLA filament to start you off. Most users were able to create several objects as soon as they received their unit because the machine is easy to operate. It is also quiet. We would have liked it more if it had automatic leveling option and detailed instructions and it was easy for prints to adhere to the glass bed. Apart from that, this is a printer we highly recommend for diverse prints.

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
• Owing to the ample build space, Creality CR-10 is also large with dimensions of 23.6 x 23.2 x 24 inches which might not fit in limited spaces. Setting it up is a hassle because of the multiple components that need to be tightened with screws. Some users found the YouTube tutorials useful in easing the process. You may also have to update the included slicer software. Fortunately, the firmware is open source and not proprietary.

FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite is compatible with various types of filament such as ABS, PLA, PEARL, metal, or wood. It comes with a detachable nozzle that heats up quickly to 392°F in 50 seconds, an intuitive 2.8-inch touchscreen and FDM printing technology. This is the lite version of Adventurer 3D; unlike the latter, this model does not come with a full roll as well as a web cam for viewing your prints on Ethernet. It would be ideal for small prints for beginners because it has a small printing volume of 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches.

This 3D printer for models is suitable for offices and classrooms because it operates quietly, generating noise of 45 decibels which is equivalent to a library.

What stands out?
• The prints stick to the heated bed and you only need to calibrate the build plate, but you cannot level it since that’s already done at the factory. We consider this a plus although some users find the limited ability to customize the printer as a drawback. We also appreciate its Wi-Fi connectivity and Ethernet capability because it means you don’t have to rely on USB or SD card to transfer files.

What cons did we manage to find?
• The printer comes with only a quick start guide. Users have to download the manual on the Company’s website. The sample filament included with this lite version 3D printer is so small that you must babysit it while printing to prevent it from binding on itself. Besides that, this 3D printer for making miniatures mostly uses proprietary software and accessories such as spools which are smaller than the standard-sized spools.

There are cheap 3D printers for miniatures that cannot detect when the filament is running out. That is not the case with Monoprice Voxel which comes with auto feeding function as well as an integrated sensor that detects low filament levels and pauses printing until you reload filaments. There is also assisted leveling function, and you can adjust the settings on the 2.8-inch IPS touchscreen. Other features include printing speed of 60 mm per second, +464°F max printing temperature, 8 GB internal memory, and a nozzle that you can quickly change in seconds without requiring any tools.

This 3D printer for minis would be an ideal choice if you are creating objects for your hobby, or you are a student who needs a good machine for practice. This is because it has a low volume of 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches which wouldn’t meet a high 3D printing demand.

What makes it special?
• It has sensors to alert you when filament is depleted and stop the machine from operating at that time as a safety precaution. We like the inclusion of a built-in camera, USB port for prints transfer, and sample filament and 3D models. You can easily dislodge the model from the bed by flexing the removable build plate which can be heated to temperatures of up to 60°c. Lastly, it comes fully assembled and it is easy to swap nozzles.

What cons did we find?
• You can only access the camera by using an IP address which must be configured whenever the printer restarts with a different MAC address. This can be tedious. Some buyers report that they had issues when their printers could not connect with any slicer software they tried to print the model. The company would also do well to update this product’s description and remove “auto leveling” which is false advertising.

Creality Ender 3 is a great bargain. It features high 491°F max extruder temperature, an upgraded extruder that limits the chance of a clogged nozzle, 7 in/sec printing speed, and resume printing function in case of power outage. You get these features at a budget-friendly price for such a 3D printer for minis. There are wheels to ease mobility and the branded power supply enables the hot bed to reach 110℃ within 5 minutes.

This is a great printer for introducing children to 3D printing. It is also a suitable choice for students and beginners.

What stands out?
• The printer arrives partially assembled and includes the tools for complete installation. It is easy to level the bed and the bed’s surface grabs the plastic so you won’t have to use glue for adherence. This is a great alternative to resin 3D printers which can be expensive over time because resin costs a lot more than filament. It produces fairly good prints with a few tweaks and upgraded firmware.

What cons did we manage to find?
• The filament that comes with the printer is very short. This makes it difficult to attach it to the notches in the hot end. The directions are not detailed, so users have to watch videos online for comprehensive tutorials. The placement of the micro SD card could be better, and a couple of users report that the quality of their prints was inconsistent when they printed the same file several times.

The X-Pro 3D Printer from QIDI TECH is one of the most advanced 3D printers for printing miniatures, education, and design hobby printing. It has a 4.3′ touch screen with conditional breakpoint printing for more effortless and more competent operation. Its 6mm aviation-grade aluminum platform is resistant to high temperatures and is durable and heat-resistant up to 120°C. As a result, it can accommodate a wide range of filaments thanks to its ability to be heated to 120°C.

The printer’s design upgrades also include a detachable curved metal plate that makes building the end-product easy. It may be used repeatedly, and its mobile nature minimizes offsets or damages to the build plate. The support rod is extended from 10 mm to 12 mm, with improved components including a mechanical structure, engine, and motherboard to ensure more reliable printing.

The printer’s PBP function also keeps track of the breaking point, while its PBF feature protects against power failure and ensures that no jobs are double-printed. Still, the printer has a power-breaking point function to save you from having to remember it. This mechanism is convenient when there’s a power outage or big projects that can’t all be completed in one printing session.

The QIDI Print slicer program is simple to use. It may also be customized to match your time and quality standards. If the in-built version of Simplify 3D doesn’t meet your 3D printing demands, the equipment is compatible with it. Their one-to-one QIDI TECH customer service and a complimentary one-year warranty give assurance in terms of quality.

What makes it stand out?
• The X-pro was extremely simple to put together. It only took about an hour. This makes it a great project for the kids or something you can do quickly by yourself. The fact that PLA is a largely PLA-friendly material is also ideal for cookie-cutter printing since it is the most common cookie cutter filament. The USB drive is a wonderful addition that improves the efficiency of operation.

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
• We had a lot of difficulties with the printer's customer support. There are long wait times. We also discovered that you couldn't leave the printer in use when it's not printing. It's easy to lose adhesion, so you must keep an eye on it and ensure it isn't sliding off. The extruder frequently clogs as well. Overall, this 3-D printer is more high-maintenance than other models.

If you’re looking for a small, lightweight, and easy-to-use 3D printer for beginners, the Creality 3D Mini FDM 3D Printer is a great option. With a printing size of only 6.5 x 6.5 x 7 inches, it’s perfect for students or anyone who loves science and invention. It also weighs just 4.65 kg, making it super easy to move around. Plus, it comes with an easy-to-carry handle. The cantilever structure design offers a lightweight and stable printing experience, while the built-in power supply increases safety and reduces installation worries. And if there’s ever a power failure, the resume printing function automatically saves your content so you can pick up where you left off. So why wait? Get your Creality 3D Mini FDM 3D Printer today!

What stands out?
• The Creality 3D mini FDM 3D printer is one of the most affordable 3D printers on the market, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers. It is also very easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners. The Creality 3D mini FDM 3D printer offers a wide range of features, making it a versatile machine that can be used for a variety of applications.

What cons did we manage to find?
• One of the main drawbacks is that it only has a single extruder, meaning you can only print with one type of filament. This can be limiting if you want to experiment with different materials or colors. Additionally, the build area is relatively small, so you may be unable to create large or complex designs.