The best 3D printer for miniatures can be the greatest tool for creatives. It allows you to give free rein to your creative ideas. By 3D printing miniatures and figurines, you can explore your artistic side even more. What’s more, there are a lot of budget 3D printer models out there. This makes it even easier to dive deep into your creativity. It does not matter whether you are getting started or are a professional. You can easily find a 3D printer for miniatures as per your requirements.
Here are some of the best 3D printer for 28mm miniatures and D&D models. Just make sure to choose one that will serve your needs in the best way.
FlashForge Creator Pro
FlashForge Creator Pro is a dual extruder 3D printer. It features a sturdy and durable metal frame build and acrylic covers. There is an LCD controller on top, which makes 3D printing miniatures very easy. Creator Pro also allows you to print using an SD card.
The 3D printer for miniatures works with all kinds of filament materials. This includes ABS, PLA, PVA, HIPS, PETG, TPE, TPU, and more. You can even print in dual colors without disrupting the ongoing print job. FlashForge Creator Pro also supports using water-soluble materials. It has a high heat resistant metal platform. It will remain perfectly leveled during operation.
FlashForge Creator Pro is easy to clean and maintain. It comes pre-assembled. That means you can get started with your projects right away. The heavy-duty Z-axis guide rod makes sure that you get steady and accurate movement. Besides, the full enclosure model keeps the temperature inside constant. This allows you to create miniatures with the best precision.
Key Features:
- Dual extruder 3D printer
- A strong metal frame body
- Build volume: 227 x 148 x 150 mm
- Resolution: 100 – 500 microns
- Integrated LCD screen
- 10mm guide rod for precise Z-axis movement
- 2 spool holders
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux
Pros:
- Great print quality
- Allows printing from SD card
- Works well with a wide range of filament materials
- Stable metal platform
- Dual color printing option
Cons:
- Spool holders are very small
- Built-in software could be better
- Leveling may require manual adjustments
Also Read: Best 3D Modeling Software Tools (Free & Paid)
Comgrow Creality Ender 3
Comgrow Creality Ender 3 is the best 3D printer for miniatures in terms of pricing. The budget 3D printer comes with impressive features as well. This ensures that you get great print quality for all D&D miniatures and 28mm models.
Creality Ender 3 allows you to adjust the printer source code. This gives you an improved experience as per your needs. It also has a smart resume print function. This avoids the need to start all over again if your project is disrupted by a power outage. Comgrom 3D printer also features a safety protected power supply features. Thi 3D Printer only takes around 5 minutes for the hotbed to reach 110℃ temperature.
Comgrow Creality Ender 3 comes with advanced extruder technology. It has upgraded POM wheels too. This gives you the best performance with minimal noise. The 3D printer comes partially assembled with detailed instructions to get started quickly. Endre 3 has a 0.1mm layer resolution too, which gives you precise output for miniatures.
Key Features:
- Fully open-source budget 3D printer
- Build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
- 0.1mm layer resolution
- Integrated LCD screen
- Auto resume print function
- Partially assembled kit
- Upgraded extruder design
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Best 3D printer for 28mm miniatures
- Easy to assemble and get started
- High precision printing
- Noiseless and smooth movement
Cons:
- Printer base is slightly unsteady
- X-axis belt is relatively long
- LCD screen response is poor at times
ELEGOO Mars
ELEGOO Mars is an entry-level 3D printer for miniatures. Yet it comes with the latest edition of the CHITUBOX slicing software. This is much faster than what you get with open-source software applications. In turn, it ensures that you have a great experience in 3D printing miniatures.
The 3.5-inch color touch screen panel makes printing very simple with ELEGOO Mars. You can even hollow out your 3D model before slicing. This allows you to save your resin significantly during the photo-curing process. Moreover, the 3D printer comes with 40W UV lights as well. This works to give you the best printing results.
ELEGOO Mars features a sturdy all-aluminum body with acrylic cover. This makes it an elegant machine that you can display on your desktop. The build platform of ELEGOO Mars is equipped with a steel ball balancing structure. It comes partially assembled as well. This allows you to get started with your 3D printing projects very quickly.
Key Features:
- 3.5-inch LCD screen
- Build volume: 120 x 70 x 155 mm
- 2560 x 1440 2K HD resolution
- Robust aluminum body
- UV integrated light
- 1-year machine warranty
- Steel ball balancing structure
- Semi-assembled kit
Pros:
- High precision output
- User-friendly system
- Fast USB connectivity
- Relatively taller build area
- Removable cover for easy cleaning and maintenance
Cons:
- Printing can be a bit slow at times
- Works only with ELEGOO resins
- It can give off very pronounced chemical smell
ANYCUBIC Photon
ANYCUBIC Photon is a resin-based 3D printer unit. It gives you incredible quality output with the best detailing. The unique industrial design of the printer makes it easy to set up and use. It comes semi-assembled with a steel ball design to make things further simpler.
ANYCUBIC Photon features a metal and CNC-made structure. This offers your repeatable and consistent performance for your projects. It has a 2.8-inch smart touch color screen as well. The interactive interface allows you to preview and monitor print status in real-time. ANYCUBIC Photon also comes with the latest version of in-house slicer software. This gives you great user experience.
The 3D printer for miniatures can deliver high-speed printing of 20 mm – 30 mm per hour. It also has an XY resolution of 47 microns and Z layer height of 10 microns. This gives you an output of 2560 x 1440 2K HD resolution. That makes it possibly the best 3D printer for 28mm miniatures and D&D models.
Key Features:
- Resin-based 3D printer
- 2.8-inch smart LCD screen
- Build volume: 115 x 65 x 155 mm
- Metal and CNC-made build
- Smart slicer software
- 2560 x 1440 2K HD resolution
- Intuitive touchscreen user interface
- High-speed printing
Pros:
- Works on photo-sensitive resin
- Amazing print quality and detailing
- Easy to set up and use
- Comes partially assembled
- Simple maintenance
Cons:
- Works only with ANYCUBIC Photon resins
- Relatively smaller print size
- Resin can be messy and smelly
Also Read: 3D Printer Buying Guide: Things You Need to Know Before You Buy
Monoprice Maker Select
Monoprice Maker Select is a FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printer. It gives you blazing fast print speeds of up to 70 mm/s. You can work with any type of 3D printing filament as well. This includes ABS, PLA, PET, TPU, TPC, FPE, PVA, HIPS, and more.
The open-frame budget 3D printer is an excellent choice for beginners. You can connect it via USB or print using an SD card. It comes semi-assembled and there is a 2GB microSD card included too. The memory card is preloaded with printable 3D models. This makes it very easy to get started with your 3D printing miniatures straight away.
Monoprice Maker Select sports a strong and durable aluminum frame design. It has a heated build plate, which allows for high-reliability printing. This assures you the best results with slow cooling materials. Monoprice works with all popular slicing software. This includes Cure, Repeater, Simplify 3D, and more. You get sample PLA filament with the printer as well.
Key Features:
- A sturdy aluminum frame body
- Build volume: 200 x 200 x 180 mm
- 100 – 400 microns print resolution
- Printing speeds of up to 70 mm/s
- Heated build plate
- Sample PLA filament included
- Semi-assembled kit
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux
Pros:
- Large printing volume
- Easy to assemble and use
- High-reliability printing
- Works with any type of 3D filament
- Compatible with most slicing software
Cons:
- Requires manual bed leveling
- May need some upgrades for professional use
- Not the best 3D printer for 28mm miniatures
ADIMLab Gantry Pro
ADIMLab Gantry Pro is an open-frame FDM 3D printer. It features an aluminum base heated bed with lattice glass platform. This gives you the best output possible. The extruder of the 3D printer works extremely fast but very quietly too. You can get up to 150 mm/s printing speeds for your projects.
ADIMLab Gantry Pro has a 3-inch LCD screen and comes with auto-leveling feature. This makes it the best 3D printer for miniatures in terms of usability. It has a big print area that can be ideal for professional use as well. You can easily adjust the hot bed and Y-axis as needed. Besides, it works with all kinds of 3D printing filament materials too. This includes PLA, ABS, HIPS, PC, wood, wax, and more.
ADIMLab Gantry Pro supports printing via USB or SD card. Just send STL, AMF, OBJ, or G-Code files to the machine and start printing. Gantry Pro gives you 0.05 to 0.3 mm print layers. This means high-precision printing for miniatures. There is also a filament run-out detector in the printer.
Key Features:
- FDM printing technology
- 3-inch LCD display
- Build volume: 310 x 310 x 410 mm
- Aluminum base heated bed with auto-leveling
- Lattice glass platform
- Up to 150 mm/s printing speeds
- 0.05 to 0.3 mm print layer
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
Pros:
- Comes around 90% pre-assembled
- Massive printing volume
- Impressive print quality
- Best suited for professional use
- Works with all kinds of 3D printing materials
Cons:
- Supports only single-color printing at one time
- Open-frame build may not be suitable for beginners
- It may take some time to reach optimal temperature
Monoprice Mini Delta
Monoprice Mini Delta is a lightweight and portable 3D printer. It comes fully assembled with auto calibration feature. This allows you to use it for 3D printing miniatures right out of the box. The printer also sports a steel and black anodized aluminum frame. This makes it extremely durable.
Monoprice Mini Delta gives you up to 50 microns layer resolution. The print bed and extrusion nozzle heat to a wide range of temperatures. This allows you to print with different materials as well. Besides, you also get printing speeds of up to 150 mm/s with the 3D printer. It even supports WiFi and MicroSD card connectivity. That makes it the best 3D printer for miniatures.
Monoprice Mini Delta is a budget 3D printer that will suit the needs of beginners perfectly. It comes with a full-color LCD screen to make things simpler. What’s more, you can also customize the print bed and extrusion nozzle heat as needed.
Key Features:
- Full metal construction
- Lightweight and portable design
- Build volume: 110 x 110 x 120 mm
- Print layer resolution of up to 50 microns
- Integrated LCD screen
- Up to 150 mm/s printing speeds
- WiFi, USB, and MicroSD card connectivity
- Compatible with Windows and Mac OS X
Pros:
- Automatic bed leveling feature
- Comes fully assembled
- The best 3D printer for 28mm miniatures for beginners
- Remarkable performance
- High-speed printing
Cons:
- Build surface is comparatively fragile
- Wi-Fi printing could be better
- Print resolution is not up to the mark
Also Read: 10 Best Budget 3D Printer under 300 USD
BIBO 2 Touch Laser
BIBO 2 Touch Laser is one of the best multi-featured 3D printers. It can be the ideal machine for those who want to print miniatures and terrains. The 3D printer comes with dual extruders. This improves the printing speeds significantly. At the same time, the quality is consistent throughout.
BIBO 2 Touch Laser features an aluminum composite panel. This makes it more reliable than other budget 3D printer models. The printer is also fully enclosed with an acrylic cover. This helps to maintain the temperature inside for higher precision output. There is a full-color touch screen on the printer to make it more user-friendly. Touch Laser works with all major 3D printing filaments as well, such as ABS, PLA, HIPS, and TPU.
BIBO 2 Touch Laser also comes with auto printing resume features. This allows you to continue from where it left off in case of a power outage. You also get laser-engraving options with the printer. It is extremely good at engraving on wood, plastic, leather, paper, and other materials.
Key Features:
- Sturdy aluminum build
- Laser engraving
- Build volume: 215 x 185 x 160 mm
- Full-color touchscreen display
- Dual extruders
- Printing layer resolution of 0.05 to 0.3 mm
- Auto resume printing feature
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
Pros:
- Works with all kinds of filaments
- Easy to set up and use
- Fast printing speeds
- Consistent quality for miniatures and terrains
- SD card, USB, and WiFi connectivity
Cons:
- It may take some time to get used to operating the printer
- Laser engraver is not that powerful
- Takes too much time to heat up
Creality CR-10
Creality CR-10 is a simple to operate FDM 3D printer. It comes with an extra-large build platform. This allows you to work on any 3D model as per your needs. It features a high-quality aluminum extrusion frame. This ensures that you get the best structural integrity and quality control.
Creality CR-10 has a removable flat glass bed. This makes it easy to print miniatures as well as large 3D models. The heated bed has an operating range of up to 115 degrees. This is ideal for working with all kinds of filaments. You can also use any slicing software with Creality CR-10. Besides, it supports uploading the file via microSD card for quick printing as well.
Creality CR-10 can work with most types of 3D printing filaments. This includes carbon Fiber PLA, ABS, PETG, and more. There is a small roll of PLA filament included with the printer as well. What’s more, it comes semi-assembled to make things easier for you.
Key Features:
- High-quality aluminum body
- Open-frame sturdy build
- Build volume: 300 x 300 x 380 mm
- Open-source FDM printer
- Integrated spool holder
- Removable flat glass bed
- Sample PLA filament included
- Supports printing via microSD card
Pros:
- Massive build area
- Easy to assemble and use
- Great structural integrity
- Works with most types of filaments
- Quality performance in any environment
Cons:
- Bed requires a long time to heat up
- May not offer continuous heat
- Not the best option for beginners
10 Best Sites to Download Free STL Files and 3D Printing Models
Sindoh 3DWOX DP200
Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 is one of the high-end 3D printers for miniatures. It comes with a filament cartridge system that makes it very convenient to use. This is especially beneficial for those who are looking to get started with 3D printing. It also has an assisted leveling system. This helps you with the hot bed leveling relative to the nozzle.
The print quality and detailing is quite admirable with Sindoh 3DWOX DP200. It gives you up to 50 microns print layer resolution. There is also a 5-inch LCD screen on the machine. This allows you to check the printer status easily. Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 supports a wide range of connectivity options too. This includes USB flash drive, Ethernet, WiFi, and USB cable.
Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 has a closed-box design. It comes with detachable print beds as well. This makes upkeep and maintenance of the printer very simple. Another notable feature in the 3D printer is its internal monitoring camera. It allows you to keep an eye on the printer remotely. You can connect to it via PC, laptop, or smartphone.
Key Features:
- 5-inch touchscreen display
- Build volume: 200 x 200 x 185 mm
- Print layer resolution of up to 50 microns
- Fully automated loading
- Integrated camera for remote viewing
- Assisted bed leveling feature
- Extensive connectivity options
- 1-year product warranty
Pros:
- Filament cartridges improve ease of use
- Simple set up
- Supports easy mode for beginners
- Fast heating and performance
- Best 3D printer for 28mm miniatures, terrains, and D&D models
Cons:
- Filament cartridges can be expensive
- Does not work with third-party filaments
- No SD card connectivity
Also Read: Best Websites to Download Free 3D Models
Finding the Best 3D Printer for Miniatures
3D printing miniatures can be fun and exciting when you have the right machine at hand. Many budget 3D printer models offer you the flexibility you need. Yet not all do. Therefore, you should make the choice very carefully. The best 3D printer for 28mm miniatures may not always help with D&D models. So weigh your requirements correctly when making a choice.
You should always keep an eye on the cost of the 3D printer. If you are a professional user, you may go for an expensive one with high-end features. Yet if you only want to explore your creativity, then a budget 3D printer may do just fine. Note that some affordable printers come with superb productivity features. In fact, a few reasonably-priced models may even suit professional use. Comparing a few 3D printers within your budget and beyond will give you a better idea.
The above-listed 3D printers do fairly well for all kinds of projects. However, they all have some benefits and drawbacks. So take into account all their features well. This will help you to get the best 3D printer for miniatures for your needs.
