Getting Started with 3D Printing for miniatures

Getting Started with 3D Printing for miniatures

3D PRINTING

3/9/20263 min read

Have you ever thought about getting a 3D printer but didn’t know where to start? With so many machines, materials, and technical terms, the learning curve can seem a little intimidating at first. The good news is that getting started today is easier than ever. With some basic research and a bit of experimentation, anyone can begin producing their own prints at home.

Here are a few things that may help you get started.

1) Decide What You Want to Print

The first question to ask yourself is what you want to print, because that will determine what type of printer is best for you.

There are two main categories of consumer 3D printers:

FDM Printers (Filament Printers)

FDM stands for Fused Deposition Modeling. These printers work by melting plastic filament and depositing it layer by layer to build an object.

Common characteristics of FDM printers:

  • Use plastic filament (PLA, PETG, ABS, etc.)

  • Generally more affordable

  • Easier to maintain and operate

  • Larger print volumes are common

  • Ideal for functional parts, prototypes, tools, and larger objects

However, FDM printers usually produce visible layer lines, and very small details can be difficult to reproduce.

Because of this, they are commonly used for:

  • Mechanical parts

  • Household items

  • terrain pieces for tabletop gaming

  • larger models and prototypes

Resin Printers (SLA / MSLA)

Resin printers work very differently. Instead of melted plastic, they use liquid photopolymer resin that is hardened by UV light layer by layer.

These printers are often called SLA or MSLA printers.

Common characteristics of resin printers:

  • Extremely high detail and smooth surfaces

  • Excellent for miniatures, figures, jewelry, and small parts

  • Typically smaller build volume

  • Require post-processing (washing and UV curing)

  • Resin handling requires gloves and good ventilation

For hobbyists who create miniatures or detailed figures, resin printers are usually the preferred choice because they can capture very fine sculpted details that filament printers struggle to reproduce.

Since my own work focuses on 3D figures and busts, I mainly use a resin printer.

2) Learn the Basics of How the Printer Works

Before buying a printer, it is helpful to understand how the machines work and what is required to operate them.

This includes things like:

  • printer setup

  • leveling the build plate

  • slicing models

  • cleaning and maintenance

  • post-processing prints

One of the best ways to learn is through YouTube tutorials on YouTube. There are many excellent channels that explain the printing process step by step and review different machines.

Another increasingly useful tool is AI search, which can help answer specific questions about printer setup, troubleshooting, and workflow.

As I mainly use resin printers for printing my figures, the following channels are particularly helpful for beginners.

Helpful YouTube Channels

General Usage and Operations

Uncle Jessy
https://www.youtube.com/@UncleJessy

Very beginner-friendly videos covering printing basics, resin printing tips, and practical advice.

VogMan
https://www.youtube.com/@vogman

Clear explanations of printers, accessories, and printing workflows.

Printer Reviews

FauxHammer
https://www.youtube.com/@FauxHammer

Excellent printer reviews and comparisons, especially useful if you are deciding which machine to buy.

Learning to Use a Slicer

Before printing, every 3D model must go through a slicer. The slicer prepares the model and converts it into instructions for the printer.

Two popular slicers for resin printers are:

For Lychee Slicer

https://www.youtube.com/@FauxHammer

For ChiTuBox

https://www.youtube.com/@wangdennys

Learning how to use a slicer is an essential step because it controls things like:

  • supports

  • layer height

  • exposure time

  • print orientation

These settings have a big impact on the final print quality.

Final Thoughts

It is worth noting that owning a 3D printer does not mean you need to be a digital sculptor or 3D artist. Many hobbyists use their printers simply as a tool to produce models created by other designers.

In fact, a large number of wargamers, miniature painters, and hobby modelers use 3D printers mainly to print figures they obtain online. These digital models are commonly distributed as STL files, a standard format used in 3D printing that describes the shape of a model.

Today there are thousands of models available online—some free and some paid—covering everything from historical soldiers to fantasy characters, vehicles, and terrain. Entire communities have formed around sharing and selling these printable miniatures, giving hobbyists access to a huge variety of designs that can be downloaded and printed at home.

In many ways, a 3D printer is not very different from the paper printer we use every day. With a normal printer you download files such as PDF, JPEG, or TIFF documents and print them on paper. With a 3D printer the concept is similar—you download a digital model file, prepare it in a program called a slicer, and then print it as a physical object.

Like learning to work with different document formats for office printing, there is simply a small amount of technical knowledge to learn—such as understanding file formats like STL, how to use a slicer, and how to operate the printer safely.

Once you become familiar with these basics, a 3D printer opens up a huge range of possibilities for the hobby. Whether you are printing historical figures, tabletop gaming miniatures, terrain pieces, or accessories, the ability to produce models directly at home gives hobbyists access to an ever-growing world of creative resources.