As a hobbyist and amateur game designer, I've spent countless hours searching for the perfect 3D printer to create high-quality miniatures for my tabletop games. After extensive research and testing, I've compiled a list of the top 3D resin printers for miniatures in 2022.
3D resin printers have become increasingly popular among hobbyists and gamers because of their ability to produce highly-detailed and precise models. Unlike FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers, which use plastic filaments to create models, resin printers use a liquid resin that is cured by UV light to create high-resolution models with intricate details.
When choosing a 3D resin printer for miniatures, there are several factors to consider, including print quality and resolution, build volume, price, ease of use, and customer support and warranty.
Print Quality and Resolution
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a 3D resin printer for miniatures is print quality and resolution. The higher the resolution, the more detailed and precise the models will be. The Anycubic Photon Mono X, Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, and Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K all have high-resolution LCD screens that allow for incredibly detailed models.
Build Volume
Build volume is another important factor to consider when choosing a 3D resin printer for miniatures. The larger the build volume, the more models you can print at once. The Anycubic Photon Mono X has the largest build volume of the three printers, with a build volume of 192 x 120 x 250 mm. The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro has a build volume of 129 x 80 x 160 mm, while the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K has a build volume of 120 x 68 x 130 mm.
Price
Price is always a consideration when purchasing a 3D printer. The Anycubic Photon Mono X is the most expensive of the three printers, with a price tag of around $700. The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is priced around $300, while the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K is priced around $400.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is another important factor to consider when choosing a 3D resin printer for miniatures. The Anycubic Photon Mono X and Elegoo Mars 2 Pro both have user-friendly interfaces and are relatively easy to set up and use. The Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K also has a user-friendly interface, but some users have reported difficulty with leveling the build plate.
Customer Support and Warranty
Finally, customer support and warranty are important considerations when choosing a 3D resin printer for miniatures. The Anycubic Photon Mono X, Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, and Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K all come with one-year warranties and have responsive customer support teams.
In addition to these factors, it's also important to consider personal preferences and needs when choosing a 3D resin printer for miniatures. For example, if you plan to print a lot of large models, a printer with a larger build volume may be more suitable. If you're on a tight budget, a more affordable printer like the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro may be a better option.
Overall, the Anycubic Photon Mono X, Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, and Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K are all excellent options for hobbyists and gamers looking to create high-quality miniatures. Each printer has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to consider all factors before making a decision.