The Best 3D Printers for Miniature

Original Prusa MK3 (Best 3D Printer for Starters)

Original Prusa MK3 3D Printer has been proven to be the best when it comes to convenience and value. Automated print bed leveling is one of the numerous features the printer is loaded with, which is essential for every beginner.

Features of Original MK3

• One of the good qualities of the MK3 printer is that it can be easily arranged. However, it takes a long time to be shipped across to diverse destinations from the Czech Republic, but it is worthwhile due to the good quality and value provided by the product.
• It offers an open structure that makes operation easier for both professionals and hobbyists.
• It boasts of a high-quality mainboard that easily detects shifted layers and runs quietly while printing.
• It has a filament sensor, which can be used to determine whether or not a jam takes place and then automatically pauses the ongoing job.

Pros of the Original Prusa MK3

• It is best for learners.
• It produces a top-notch print quality.
• Automated bed leveling network
• You can remove the magnetic build network.
• Built-in filament types sensors

Cons of the Original Prusa MK3

• Luminous materials create problems with filament types sensor.
• There is no provision of the enclosure.

Wanhao Duplicator 7 (Best for printing in large quantities)

This printer is a desktop offering designed mainly for users who desire the best layer resolution. Like AnyCubic Photon, Wanhao Duplicator 7 is an LCD SLA 3D printer with a UV LED light source.

Although these two printers have some similarities, there are still some features that differentiate them.

Features of Wanhao Duplicator

• For beginners, Duplicator 7 offers users with grander printing size. On the other hand, Duplicator 7 does not have the firm competencies offered by the Photon.
• It is a simple and straightforward printer that comprehensively prints the 3D miniatures.
• The Wanhao Duplicator 7 provides different structures ranging from being a perfect cooling system, a solid frame, and a vent that allows for free inflow. Also, the Duplicator 7 included the power button behind the machine to avert accidental bumping into the middle of a printing job.

Pros of the Wanhao Duplicator 7

• It is an open material platform.
• It possesses high detail printing.
• Large base
• It has a grander printing size than AnyCubic Photon.
• It is a stable and sturdy frame.

Cons of the Wanhao Duplicator 7

•  It has a limited volume figure.
• The materials can be expensive.
• Its customers’ support is not consistent.

FlashForge Creator Pro (Most Versatile 3D Printer)

FlashForge is a dual extruder 3D printer. For learners, the unit offers new methods for users to print, making use of string, which entails printing in dual colors without putting the print job on hold.

FlashForge Creator is more durable and stable than lots of other open-frame 3D printers simply because it is constructed with a durable and robust metal frame.

Also, it provides an LCD controller that permits one to print through a heated print bed, a pair of black-mounted spool holders, and an SD card. You’ll also discover that you can easily remove the acrylic covers.

Features of FlashForge Creator Pro

• It is very easy to set up since it comes in an assembled form.
• It makes sense to change the stock settings in order to attain excellent results. This does not mean to say that you will not be able to print at a stretch.
• One of its best features is that it can conveniently make use of water-soluble support materials. The result it produces is such that the unit will produce more challenging miniatures that do not skimp on the details.
• In addition, FlashForge can print with a huge number of materials, which means that one isn’t limited to only one type.
• Creator Pro is flexible as it allows the use of other filaments that aren’t its type.

Pros of the FlashForge Creator Pro

• It contains solid print quality.
• It gives absolute backing to third-party filaments.
• It gives an excellent backing.
• The metal frame is encircled.
• It entails a two-fold extruder option
• It has a grander plate physique
• Solid print quality

Cons of the FlashForge Creator Pro

• It is very cumbersome.
• Its built-in software is limited.
• Its bed leveling needs a manual checkup.

Monoprice Maker Select- Best 3D Printer on a Budget

These printers are affordable even though, in the real sense, 3D printers aren’t cheap. Its open-frame 3D printer makes Maker Select a perfect choice for those who prefer the fused deposition modeling (FDM) route.

Features of the Monoprice Maker Select

• it is fully loaded with an open-material system
• it comes with a strong and stable aluminum frame, including a separate controller box for the device
• it can be easily set up
• it is reliable and offers high-quality considering the fact that it is one of the best printers you can get on a budget
• it is equipped with a heated printer bed, a build-volume, and an open material suitable for creating the miniatures of your choice

Pros of the Monoprice Maker Select

• It produces great print quality
• It can be easily set up
• It is a sturdy frame
• Very decent print size
• It has a heated bed

Cons of the Monoprice Maker Select

• Its bed leveling isn’t an automatic process
• It may require upgrades out of the box
• It is not good for printing smaller miniatures

AnyCubic Photon (Best Overall 3D Printer)

Among other 3D printers, AnyCubic is the best overall 3D printer for miniatures. It is a resin-based unit and can print quality miniatures of your choice. It has more functions compared to other 3D printers and is also affordable.

Features of AnyCubic Photon 3D Printer

• It provides a maximum layer tenacity that checks in at 25 microns, which happens to be the highest among every other 3D printer model.
• This 3D printer comes with a UV LED light source.
• It produces very detailed products, not minding how difficult they appear.
• AnyCubic Photon prints from top to bottom
• It can be easily set up.
• The printer comes with a solid frame containing a touchscreen interface that allows you to have in detail your miniature before they are finally printed.
• The unit offers a simple procedure that allows the bed to be properly leveled and also ships with a slicer, which is user-friendly.
• AnyCubic Photon is one of the best 3D printers when it comes to creating complicated and detailed miniatures.

Pros of the AnyCubic Photon

• It is very simple to maintain
• The print quality provides amazing results.
• It can be used to print offline.
• It can be easily operated.
• It is not difficult to set up.
• It comes completely assembled.

Cons of the AnyCubic Photon

• It is smaller in size compared to other 3D printers.
• Its materials are expensive.

Where Then Can I Buy a 3D Printer?

I want to be sure this is the next question on your mind right now! Do not worry because there are several places you can purchase your 3D miniature printer once you’re ready to do that. Meanwhile, it is important to bear in mind that the type of 3D printer you want may be a determinant of its availability.

However, it is possible that you find the 3D printer on Amazon just like every other thing you could get there. But, if you are unable to purchase it from there, it’ll be good you try retailers like MatterHackers.com.

 If you are unable to get the printer from any of the above-listed places, try contacting the manufacturers.

Differences between SLA 3D Printer and FDM?

FDM 3D printers make use of an extruder with a hot-end, which makes it easy to melt the filament. Once this is done, it is then deposited onto the building plate, which is what generates the 3D prototype. Nevertheless, FDM printers do so a single layer at a time.

Furthermore, FDM printers are very easy to operate, and they come with lower costs of operation and a grander build volume than SLA printers.

The end results of SLA 3D printers are not usually of high-quality compared to those of FDM. It is, however, important to bear in mind that FDM printers do not offer complete quality offered by SLA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cost of printing a 3D miniature?

You have so many reasons to print your own 3D miniatures, among which is cost—the average cost of printing an unpainted miniature falls within $10.

Is PLA stronger than ABS or otherwise?

Although ABS has better functions in matters relating to mechanics, it is however not easy to operate when 3D printing than PLA. If your focus is on aesthetics, PLA is the best 3D printer to use. Meanwhile, ABD is perfect for its stability, durability, and strength. Also, it is important to bear in mind that ABS distorts when printing.

How Long does it take to print a 3D miniature?

Miniature can be printed within ten minutes, but the outcome will not be a quality one. On the other hand, high quality and complex miniature take almost a day to be printed.

What are the high-end features the printer tends to offer?

It doesn’t appear easy to get a 3D printer of your choice; however, if you want qualities like touchscreen interfaces, dual filament options, and heated glass beds, it is essential for you to include them among your must-haves.

What are the available safety features?

A 3D printer that provides a number of features is one that is well-designed. Take, for instance, a good printer does the job of cooling the bed when it’s heated up and lets out when a printing job is finished. Also, some 3D printers usually point the nozzle away from the object when it is put on hold.

Does it come with end-user backup?

Now that you’ve found the printer you want to buy, it is important for you to consider the customer support guide provided by the manufacturer.

When it comes to operating, the 3D printer appears to be more difficult than everyday printing; hence, if it happens that you aren’t sure of what to do in a cumbersome situation, it is advisable to reach out to someone that is more experienced in 3D printing.

It doesn’t matter the years of experience you have in 3D printing or whether you are just starting, there are so many options available for you in the market that will keep you on the right track as long as you are willing to follow them. Also, you can get a 3D printer depending on your budget once you’re ready to buy it.

However, to be on the safer side, it is advised that you make a list of choices, so you’ll be able to accomplish your plan.