Best 3D Printer For Miniatures of 2020 – With ABS And PLA Filament

If you’ve ever needed to print miniatures, you need to know which printers to choose. Below, you’ll find a list of you next best 3D printer for miniatures. From portrait miniatures to your favorite superheroes, you can create your miniatures in detail.

Comparison of 10 Best 3D Printer For Miniatures in 2020

Top 10 Best 3D Printer For Miniatures Review in 2020

You may want to stay away from 3D printers that require assembly. But apart from printing out of the box, there are few other features to look at. Self-leveling and self-cleaning are features already included in the best 3D printers for miniatures. However, not all of them are the same. For plug-and-play designs, the following machines stand out the most.

1. Monoprice Select Mini V2 Printer

This printer comes with a strong cooler. Arguably the best 3D printer for 28mm miniatures, it allows the nozzle to work the long hours needed to create the most detailed miniatures. With a heated build plate and extruder temperatures, the printer works with any type of filament.

As a result, it is among the most suitable designs for versatility. Regardless of the miniature’s aspect, it represents one of the most interesting choices for beginners. Furthermore, it also comes with proper practicality when it comes to the chosen materials.

They vary from the most basic ABS and PLA. But the considered materials can alternatively also be among the most expensive options such as conductive PLA. A sample filament size of 1.75mm of about 10 feet can be loaded on the printer.

Even so, it is one of the most compact designs to be considered for miniature printing. It may sit on the desk or on the floor. It also comes pre-calibrated so users simply plug it to print. With its heated aluminum plate nozzle, it is one of the best for long-term use. It even supports microSD and micro USB printing.

2. FlashForge Creator Pro 3D Printer best for ABS and PLA

As one of the best 3d printer for D&D miniatures, the FlashForge 3D is one of the leading names in the industry. Stepping away from wooden materials and designs, it now features a very robust build platform. Made from metal, it is warp-resistant and it can support miniatures in the making for hours at a time.

There’s also a new Z-axis guide axle to support the precise movement. Interestingly, the printing process also benefits from an added LED illumination light. Users can see their print coming to life easier even when printing at night.

With new wiring, the latest FlashForge offers improved durability. Its extruder wiring is now stronger than before. There’s an improve door for easier print access as well. Since it safely prints inside, the printer is also suitable for artists with kids who need to keep them away from the print.

Inside the pack, users also get an SD card. The 16GB card comes with FlashPrint with a couple of sample files. Those who’ve not used such a printer before can rest assured it is one of the most reliable methods of ensuring they understand how the 3D printer works.

In terms of compatibility, the printer goes beyond FlashPrint. It is also compatible with ReplicatorG and Simplifies 3D. However, this software is not included in the pack. As it’s a paid product, users need to get a subscription plan for it to work with the printer.

3. Dremel Digilab 3D20 Printer

This best 3D printer for making miniatures according to anti-clogging discussions is ready to work in the long term. It already comes with a spool of filament and clear setup instructions. Users need to learn how to properly use the spool in order to keep it working clog-free, especially with ABS.

The printer also stands out the inaccuracy. Part of rigorous testing, it offers some of the most impressive miniatures which can then be decorated and painted to make their details stand out even more. But the printer can work with all types of miniatures. Plenty of free miniatures are already available to print online.

Those who are more artistic can also create their own miniatures. Software options include CAD and they are not included within the pack. Those who also want full control of the printer can rely on its built-in LCD screen. This screen allows users to modify printing settings. But it is also where users control full printing options when the source file is stored on an SD memory card. With stable interior temperatures, it doesn’t necessarily need a computer for the prints.

The manufacturer also recommends using its own PLA filament. This filament is recommended as non-toxic. It may even be used in family homes with children in the house as a result. But even with a non-toxic profile, the PLA is strong and it supports detailed miniatures.

4. LulzBot Mini Desktop Printer

With auto nozzle cleaning, the Mini Desktop 3D Printer is one of the best 3D printers for printing miniatures. Auto leveling is also added to the machine. With a convenient carry handle, it offers practicality when moved from one spot to another. Those who print at the office and at home might consider it above other printers.

Made to resist temperatures of up to 572°F, the 3D printer is ready for serious business. When it works with the best materials, it has a top speed of 275mm per second. Interestingly, this speed can be reached with different nozzles. Made with the modular head carriage, it allows users to add various print heads for different types of printing filaments.

Another advantage of the printer is its bed surface. Unlike most 3D printers, it is a surface that doesn’t come with such problems as bed adhesion. The heated glass doesn’t require users to purchase all types of solvents just to have the surface ready for the next print.

With PLA, nGen, and HIPS filaments, creativity has an endless list of possible miniatures. Furthermore, those new to 3D printing also find it particularly appealing. While it’s not compatible with dual extruders, it still features a layering thickness between 0.05 and 0.5 which covers most popular types of prints and materials.

5. Dremel Digilab 3D45 Printer

This enclosed machine is arguably the best 3D printer for gaming miniatures. Without clogging, it recreates favorite characters from famous games. It even works for car modeling with plenty of inspiration form the NFS series. Most importantly, the 3D printer is made to run smoothly. This means a low noise as well as a constant performance free from clogging.

It also works with some of the best filaments of the moment. The printer is made to run on nylon and ABS. They have been known to create some of the most impressive miniatures. For extra inspiration, you may also check Etsy and Pinterest to see the final results with these filament options.

An advanced feature of the printer is its automatic filament recognition. Its G-code automatically adapts to the material and it adjusts the temperature, print speeds and feeds accordingly. WiFi printing is supported by all of these functions.

Furthermore, those without a USB port may also print directly from the cloud. This is the case of ultrabook users as well as the case of those creating their miniatures on tablets. Interestingly, the printer for miniatures also includes a streaming camera. This can be used for promotional purposes. Artists can also include a video of their creating in the making together with their miniature.

6. Hictop Creality CR-10S Printer

Arguably the best cheap 3D printer for miniatures, it comes with 3 parts. It is not a printer that is ready to run out of the box. It’s mostly assembled by those who’ve already used a 3D printer before. But it only takes up to 10 minutes to assemble. Even the wires are already labeled so that the user knows where they need to connect.

It is also a calibrated printer. The user only needs to assemble it as it comes in 3 parts to minimize shipping size. Inside the pack, users find the DIY kits which include tempered glass. It’s known to offer a solid performance when it comes to cleaning and removing the miniature print. Screws and even a small wrench are also included in the pack.

This 3D printer is capable of creations of a maximum size of 300 X 300 X 400mm. Its print speed is not the fastest at 180mms. However, for its affordable price, it does its job. Users can rely on multiple input methods. USB and SD memory cards are supported.

This simple printer also works with various printing software. It is suitable for UG, Pro/E, 3D Max, Solidwords and other programs. Users who want to use it both in their creative shop and at home need to know it’s not the lightest release. The 3D printer has a weight of just over 10kg, which makes it heavy to move around.

7. Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 3D Printer

This 3D miniature printer is one of the most capable options on the list. It has won the Red Dot Award for design and this speaks volumes about its practicality and efficiency. This can be seen even by looking at it as it has been constructed with plenty of attention to detail.

First of all, it has automatic filament loading. All users do is insert the filament in its location and then securely close in its place. This also means changing the filament is considerably easier than with other similar printers. Bed leveling adjustments are also faster and easier than with most other 3D printers for miniatures.

When it comes to the printing process, it’s also taken to the next level. For example, it comes with smartphone and tablet compatibility. Users can control their prints on the go. But it is also these mobile devices that show the best results in terms of monitoring the print. A small camera has been included inside the printer. It connects to the local WiFi network and it streams to the user’s smartphone. This means that even when away from home, the user still knows where the printing process lies.

Since it heavily focuses on design, the 3D printer is specifically made for someone who needs the printer to look good apart from doing a good job. Artists dealing with customers who want to showcase their printing process are among the first to benefit from its futuristic design.

8. Ultimaker 2+ 3D Printer

Artists may still ask what is the best 3d printer for printing miniatures? It is the one that offers accurate printing but it is also easy to clean. This is also the case of the second generation Ultimaker 3D Printer. It already comes with a spool holder. Artists can rely on a cleaner printer as a result, especially since it comes with its own glue stick.

Connecting the printer to the computer is fast as well. It is only based on USB connectivity. A USB cable is included in the pack together with a small wrench. Grease is also added for maintenance purposes. Practically, users get both the 3D printer and a simple maintenance box filled with useful goods.

The heated platform works with materials such as ABS, PLA, and CPE. It is suitable for miniatures with a maximum height of 22.3cm. With a single extruder, there’s no room for any accidents and even beginners can rely on this glass-enclosed printer. Users also note the heated glass stays level through the printing process.

9. XYZprinting Da Vinci Jr. Printer

As one of the most versatile machines, this performer is one of the best 3D printers for making miniatures. It supports various updates. Among them, the steel nozzle upgrade. Such an upgrade allows artists to create PLA and carbon miniatures. Made for big volume printing, it is a solution made for experienced or enthusiast printers.

But this is not all. It even supports 3rd party filaments. It uses the popular 1.75mm filament instead of the rare 2.85mm filament which means it supports plenty of creations. This type of filament is widely found in stores and online.

Other possible upgrades include the capability of creating laser engravings. These engravings are not limited to wood. They also work on paper, cardboard, and leather. Creative options are endless with the right upgrade to this capable 3D printer. Even with no updates, it is still reliable, especially when paired with powerful software such as CAD.

10. Weedo Portable 3D Printer

This 3D printer for miniatures is one that simplifies the life of the user. This is specifically applicable to the G-Code files. CAD files are also compatible. Users can also print via TINA 2.

Other advanced features show tips and tricks for printing. Among them, the suggestion for the direction of the printing is popular. Particularly useful to newbies, it is one of the features which improve the final result and also minimize the created mess.

Assisted bed leveling is also included. It is also one of the features which come with creative suggestions. Users may also decide not to follow these suggestions, especially when trying avant-garde miniatures.

Remote printing is also supported by this top performer. Artists prefer all types of mediums. Some of them are known to only create on iPads. Others use various tablets such as those made by Microsoft for their added mouse control. All of these different mediums are supported by this capable 3D printer. It connects via WiFi. The TINA 2 app is all that’s needed for the prints to become reality.

Autoloading is also supported by the printer. Less time is spent preparing the prints and more time is spent enjoying the creative process. Among possible drawbacks, artists need to beware of filament availability. Sindoh PLA and ABS are the only options at hand.

Final Considerations

Choosing the best 3D printer for miniatures is one of the most enticing moments in the life of artists. So many miniatures may be made with these printers that there are options to print a new design every day. Most printers above may be used by professionals.

But not all are as friendly to the beginner. Connectivity options may seriously limit printing speed as well. This is particularly applicable to artists creating on tablets who cannot rely on USB wired connectivity.

However, it is important for beginners to correlate their creations to the price and availability of the filaments. Some 3D printers such as the Sindoh-made machine only work with the manufacturer’s filaments. Artists looking to sell their work need to find the right balance on pricing and ease of use as well.

However, 3D printers have evolved rapidly. If it was a chore simply changing filaments just a few years ago, this doesn’t have to be the case anymore. Auto-loading is now supported by the best 3D printers for miniatures.