随着新技术的发展，3D打印已经普及到每个人。从医学到工程，3D 打印机正在成为标准工具的各个行业。但游戏玩家也喜欢为DnD(DnD)或Warhammer 40K等桌面游戏制作自己的微型模型(miniature models)。您可以轻松地使用 3D 打印机为您喜爱的游戏制作角色和怪物模型。
微缩模型是对生物和人物的高度详细的展示。现代 3D 打印机现在可以制作微小的细节，例如龙的鳞片或盔甲上的凹痕。这是用于打印微缩模型和桌面模型的最佳 3D 打印机。
树脂打印机(Resin Printers)与耗材(Filament)打印机
并非所有 3D 打印机都能制作出微缩模型所需的高水平细节。此外，了解树脂打印机和长丝 ( FDM ) 打印机之间的区别也很重要。
基本上有两种消费级类型的 3D 打印机。第一种类型是 Fused Deposit Modeling或FDM打印机。这种类型的打印机熔化塑料并将其分层放置以创建 3D 对象。第二种类型，立体光刻或SLA 3D打印机，使用紫外线来硬化液态树脂以形成物体。
长丝打印机(problem with filament printers)的问题在于，熔化的塑料会留下可见的层，并且无法实现出色的细节，除了少数例外。树脂(Resin)总体上更适合微缩模型和小雕像，因为它可以捕捉到最微小的细节。
也就是说，FDM打印机在微型世界中仍有用途。它们打印速度更快，而且材料比树脂便宜。耗材打印机更适合创建地形和大型建筑物、山脉、城堡模型以及桌面游戏中使用的许多其他项目。
尽管树脂打印机(resin printers)在制作微缩模型方面要好得多，但它们也有自己的缺陷。树脂(Resin)有毒，您需要在通风良好的地方工作。您还必须戴上手套和口罩作为预防措施，因为通风本身是不够的。除此之外，SLA打印机比FDM打印机慢得多，您的运营成本也会更高一些。
在微缩(Miniatures)模型和桌面模型(Tabletop Models)的 3D 打印机中寻找什么
决定打印视觉质量的最重要因素是分辨率。但 3D 打印机的分辨率与显示器分辨率不同。它以微米为单位，告诉您打印头在打印一层时可以进行的最小运动。
3D 打印机中有两种分辨率测量：XY 平面和Z 轴(Z-axis)。XY 平面分辨率测量二维平面打印的尺寸或层高，而Z 轴(Z-axis)是打印层的厚度。桌面游戏的优质微缩模型要求分辨率至少为 50 微米，但最新的打印机（如Saturn 2）可以达到 28.5 微米的精细分辨率。
您应该在 3D 打印机中寻找的下一件事是构建体积。它会告诉你你的微缩模型有多大。你需要考虑你希望在未来创造什么。您会仅限于微缩模型，还是想打印更大的模型？3D 打印机需要维护，您还应该研究它们的易用性。尽可能
选择最适合您所有需求的一款。(Choose one)
Anycubic Photon Mono是一款入门级 3D 打印机。它在打印速度和可用性方面表现出色。它的价格也很低，适合那些刚刚开始微型打印爱好的人。它的 XY 分辨率为 51 微米，这意味着它不会制作出最好的印刷品，但你会得到一些物有所值的高质量模型。
这台 3D 打印机使用LCD屏幕将紫外线投射到树脂上。这使得打印时间非常短，每层大约 1 到 2 秒。但是Anycubic Photon Mono的构建体积非常有限，这将限制您的微缩模型和模型的大小。您将无法在 6.5 英寸（165 毫米）以上的高度进行打印。对于常规的DnD(DnD)微缩模型来说，这是一个足够好的尺寸，但小雕像或建筑物是不可能的。
Anycubic的这款 3D 打印机专为大尺寸打印而设计。是一款可实现60mm/小时打印速度的液晶(LCD)屏树脂打印机。除了令人印象深刻的速度外，Mono X还可以打印大型 3D 模型，因为它的构建体积为 192 x 120 x 245 毫米。
Anycubic Photon Mono X的 XY 分辨率为 50 微米，Z 轴分辨率为 10 微米。这使它能够高速打印精细的细节。它配备了触摸屏用户界面，可以通过Anycubic应用程序从您的 iPhone 或(Anycubic)Android设备进行控制。
比Anycubic Photon Mono(Anycubic Photon Mono)更贵，Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K提供类似的规格。它可以打印高达 6.5 英寸的微缩模型，它还使用单色LCD投射紫外线来硬化树脂。
然而，让Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K成为打印微缩模型的更好选择的是它的 XY 分辨率。它的厚度为 35 微米，这使这款 3D 打印机能够创建高细节，即使是在只有 28 毫米的微型模型上也是如此。其 0.01 毫米的 z 轴分辨率也令人印象深刻。
如果您正在寻找能够制作高质量、高细节打印件的专业MSLA 3D打印机， (MSLA 3D)Phrozen Sonic XL 4K可能适合您。该机器是作为入门级牙科 3D 打印机开发的，具有平行UV LED矩阵系统，可实现高 XY 平面精度和每层 0.2 秒的快速树脂固化。它具有 190x120x200mm 的大打印量和令人印象深刻的 10 微米精度。Sonic XL 4K在珠宝设计师中很受欢迎，所以它对于微缩模型来说绰绰有余。
Phrozen Sonic XL 4K具有Dental Synergy切片机和易于使用的软件。此列表中的其他 3D 树脂打印机具有简单的USB或以太网(Ethernet)连接，但Sonic XL还为您提供 microSD 和 Wi-Fi 连接。这款 3D 打印机在展现微缩模型的所有细节方面令人惊叹，它将把您的DnD或桌面游戏提升到一个新的水平。
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro的价格低至 180 美元，但打印质量很高。在 2 秒内打印一层的速度也非常快。它有一个只有 2K 分辨率的单色LCD，但这对于 129×80 mm 的小型构建平台来说绰绰有余。
Mars 2 Pro拥有 50 微米的 XY 分辨率和 0.00125 毫米的(Pro)Z 轴(Z-axis)精度，可以很好地处理复杂的细节。对于这样一款小型低成本 3D 打印机(low-cost 3D printing machine)，Elegoo Mars 2 Pro具有一些豪华功能，例如内置空气系统和触摸屏控制。它还配备了一个CHITUBOX切片器和工具，可以在打印前将 3D 模型挖空。这将大大节省打印材料。
如果您想打印更大的怪物微缩模型或您最喜欢的游戏角色，您有两种选择。要么使用构建体积较小的 3D 打印机并将这些部件粘合在一起，要么使用Elegoo Saturn 2将它们打印成一件。第二种选择总是更好，因为您不会冒胶合部件随时间脱落或翘曲的风险。
Elegoo Saturn 2具有 28 微米的精细 XY 分辨率和 0.01 毫米的 Z 轴分辨率。但其最令人印象深刻的特点是其 218.88×123.12×250 毫米的超大打印体积。您可以使用它来打印一个大件，或一次打印一批多个微缩模型。
Creality是消费类 3D 打印机的生产商，他们的Ender 3 Pro是一款打印体积为 220x220x250 毫米的灯丝打印机。它具有许多以前的Ender 3(Ender 3)模型
所缺少的新内置功能。
其中包括彩色LCD、静音主板、工具抽屉等等。您可以使用Ender 3 V2 打印战争游戏微缩模型，但您必须打磨它们以去除层线。但由于塑料的高精度和低价格，这款 3D 打印机在打印地形方面表现出色。
Ender 3 V2的精度对于口蹄疫(FMD)打印机来说是很高的。XY平面和Z轴(Z-axis)的分辨率均为0.1mm。与专为创建精细微缩模型而设计的SLM(SLM)打印机相比，这并不是一个令人印象深刻的数字，但对于耗材打印机来说，这是一个很好的价值，尤其是这么小的尺寸。
Raise3D E2是具有独立双挤出(Independent Dual Extrusion)( IDEX ) 的 3D 线材打印机。它可以以复制或镜像模式打印。它有一个灵活的加热打印床，使 E2 成为打印不同材料的理想机器。这意味着您不仅可以用塑料制作微缩模型和地形，还可以用碳纤维、玻璃纤维、金属或木材填充物制作。感人的！
E2 3D打印机具有 330x240x240mm的大构建体积，非常适合用于桌面游戏的地形和建筑物。它具有用于底板的视频偏移校准系统和易于使用的软件。然而，这是一台专业的 3D 打印机，它的价格反映了这一点。除了价格高，这台机器唯一的缺点是它需要彻底清洁，这会花费很多时间。
您会选择哪种 3D 打印机，为什么？在下面的评论中让我们知道！
8 Best 3D Printers for Printing Miniatures and Tabletop Models
With the development of new technologies, 3D printіng has become accessible to everyone. There are various industries from medicine to engineering where 3D printers are becoming standard tools. But gamers аlso enjoу making their own miniature models for tabletop games such as DnD or Warhammer 40K. You can easily use 3D printers to make models of characters and monsters for your favorite games.
Miniatures are highly detailed representations of creatures and characters. Modern 3D printers can now produce minute detail such as a dragon’s scales or dents in armor. Here are the best 3D printers for printing miniatures and tabletop models.
Resin Printers vs. Filament Printers
Not all 3D printers can produce the high level of detail needed for miniatures. Also, it’s important to understand the differences between resin and filament (FDM) printers.
Essentially there are two consumer-grade types of 3D printers. The first type is Fused Deposit Modeling or FDM printer. This type of printer melts the plastic and places it in layers to create a 3D object. The second type, stereolithography or SLA 3D printers, uses UV light to harden liquid resin to form the object.
The problem with filament printers is that melted plastic leaves visible layers and it is incapable of achieving great details, minus a few exceptions. Resin is overall better for miniatures and figurines because it can capture the tiniest details.
That said, FDM printers still have uses in the world of miniatures. They print much faster and the material is cheaper than resin. Filament printers are better for creating terrain and large models of buildings, mountains, castles, and many other items used in tabletop games.
Although resin printers are much better at creating miniatures, they have their own set of pitfalls. Resin is toxic, and you will need a well-ventilated space in which to work. You will also have to wear gloves and a mask as a precaution because ventilation itself is not enough. Besides this, SLA printers are much slower than the FDM ones, and your operating costs will be somewhat higher.
What to Look for in 3D Printers for Miniatures and Tabletop Models
The most important factor that determines the visual quality of the print is resolution. But the resolution of 3D printers is different from display resolution. It is measured in microns and tells you the smallest possible motion a print head can make while printing a layer.
There are two resolution measurements in 3D printers: XY plane and Z-axis. XY-plane resolution measures the dimensions of a 2D planar print or the layer height, while the Z-axis is the thickness of a printed layer. Quality miniatures for tabletop games demand a resolution of at least 50 microns, but the latest printers like the Saturn 2 can achieve a fine resolution of 28.5 microns.
The next thing you should look for in 3D printers is the build volume. It will tell you how big your miniatures can be. You need to think about what you wish to create in the future. Will you restrict yourself to miniatures only, or will you want to print larger models? 3D printers will require maintenance, and you should also research how easy to use they are. Choose one that suits all your needs as best as possible.
Anycubic Photon Mono is an entry-level 3D printer. It excels in printing speed and usability. Its price is also low, making it suitable for those who are just starting their miniature printing hobby. It has an XY resolution of 51 microns which means it won’t make the finest prints, but you’ll get some high-quality models for your money.
This 3D printer uses an LCD screen to cast UV light on the resin. This makes the printing time very short, around 1 to 2 seconds for each layer. But Anycubic Photon Mono has a very limited build volume that will restrict the size of your miniatures and models. You won’t be able to print in heights above 6.5 inches (165mm). This is a good enough size for regular DnD miniatures, but figurines or buildings are out of the question.
This 3D printer from Anycubic is designed for large-scale prints. It is a resin printer with an LCD screen that is capable of achieving a printing speed of 60mm/hour. Besides the impressive speed, Mono X can print large-scale 3D models as it has a build volume of 192 x 120 x 245mm.
Anycubic Photon Mono X has an XY resolution of 50 microns, and a Z-axis resolution of 10 micrometers. This enables it to print fine details at a high speed. It is equipped with a touch screen user interface, and it can be controlled from your iPhone or Android device with the Anycubic app.
More expensive than the Anycubic Photon Mono, Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K offers similar specs. It can print miniatures up to 6.5 inches high and It also uses a monochrome LCD to cast UV light to harden the resin.
However, what makes Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K a better choice for printing miniatures is its XY resolution. It stands at 35 microns, which enables this 3D printer to create high details, even on small miniatures of only 28 mm. Its z-axis resolution is also impressive at 0.01mm.
If you are searching for a professional MSLA 3D printer, capable of producing high-quality, high-detailed prints, Phrozen Sonic XL 4K might be for you. This machine was developed as an entry-level dentistry 3D printer with a parallel UV LED matrix system for high XY plane accuracy, and quick resin curing of 0.2 seconds per layer. It has a large print volume of 190x120x200mm, and accuracy of an impressive 10 microns. The Sonic XL 4K is popular among jewelry designers, so it’s more than enough for miniatures.
Phrozen Sonic XL 4K has a Dental Synergy slicer and software designed for ease of use. Other 3D resin printers on this list have a simple USB or Ethernet connectivity, but Sonic XL additionally provides you with microSD and Wi-Fi connection. This 3D printer is amazing in bringing out all the details in your miniatures, and it will bring your DnD or tabletop games to a new level.
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro can cost as low as $180 but its print quality is high. It is also impressively fast with printing a layer in 2 seconds. It has a mono LCD of only 2K resolution, but this is more than enough for a small build platform of 129×80 mm.
Mars 2 Pro can handle intricate details very well due to its XY resolution of 50 microns, and Z-axis accuracy of 0.00125mm. For such a small and low-cost 3D printing machine, Elegoo Mars 2 Pro has some luxurious features such as an in-built air system and touch screen controls. It also comes with a CHITUBOX slicer and tools that can hollow out the 3D models before printing. This will greatly save the printing material.
If you want to print bigger miniatures of monsters or your favorite game characters, you have two options. Either use 3D printers with smaller build volumes and glue the pieces together or use Elegoo Saturn 2 to print them in one piece. The second option is always better as you won’t risk the glued parts falling off or warping over time.
Elegoo Saturn 2 has a fine XY resolution of 28 microns and a Z-axis resolution of 0.01mm. But its most impressive feature is its large print volume of 218.88×123.12×250 mm. You can use it to either print one big piece, or to print a batch of multiple miniatures in one go.
Creality is a producer of consumer 3D printers, and their Ender 3 Pro is a filament printer with a 220x220x250 mm build volume. It has many new built-in features that were lacking on previous Ender 3 models.
Among them are color LCD, silent mainboard, tool drawer, and many more. You can use Ender 3 V2 to print wargames miniatures, but you will have to sand them to get rid of the layer lines. But this 3D printer excels when it comes to printing terrain due to the high precision level and low price of the plastic.
The precision of Ender 3 V2 is high for an FMD printer. The resolution of both the XY plane and the Z-axis is 0.1mm. This is not an impressive number when compared to SLM printers designed for creating detailed miniatures, but it is a good value for a filament printer, especially of such a small size.
8. Raise3D E2 – Best for Variety of Materials
Raise3D E2 is a 3D filament printer with Independent Dual Extrusion (IDEX). It can print in a duplicate or mirror mode. It has a flexible heated printing bed which makes E2 an ideal machine for printing with different materials. That means that you can create miniatures and terrain not only from plastic but also from carbon fiber, glass fiber, metal, or wood fill. Impressive!
The E2 3D printer has a large build volume of 330x240x240mm, ideal for terrain and buildings for tabletop games. It has a video offset calibration system for the build plate and easy-to-use software. However, this is a professional 3D printer and its price reflects this. Aside from the high price, the only other downfall of this machine is that it requires thorough cleaning that will take a lot of time.
Which 3D printer would you choose and why? Let us know in the comments below!
