I spent the last three months putting eight resin and MSLA printers through their paces, printing everything from 28mm Warhammer squads to 30 cm anime statues. After burning through roughly 14 liters of resin and pulling off more than 200 successful prints, one fact stands out: when it comes to figurines and miniatures, resin printers win on detail, full stop.
A modern resin 3D printer can hit layer heights of 18 to 25 microns, while even the best FDM printers hover around 100 microns minimum. That 4 to 6x difference is the gap between smooth armor paneling and visible staircase lines on a Space Marine’s pauldron. For tabletop gamers, anime collectors, and miniature painters, that detail gap is everything.
This guide covers the best 3D printers for figurines you can buy in 2026. I focused on MSLA and LCD resin printers because they consistently deliver the fine detail figurines demand. I also included FDM options in the buying guide for anyone printing terrain or larger cosplay pieces. Every pick below was benchmarked on a 75mm tall bust, a 28mm miniature, and a full anime figure.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Figurine Printing in 2026
Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
- 22 micron XY resolution
- 8K mono LCD
- Compact tabletop build
- Highly reliable prints
ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4
- 10K mono LCD
- 9024x5120 resolution
- 70mm/h fast printing
- LighTurbo light source
ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K
- 16K mono LCD
- Smart tank heating 30C
- 150mm/h printing
- AI camera monitoring
Best 3D Printers for Figurines in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 ELEGOO Mars 5 |
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| ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 |
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 Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K |
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 ELEGOO Saturn 3 MSLA 12K |
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 ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra |
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| Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S |
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| ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K |
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 ELEGOO Jupiter 2 |
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1. ELEGOO Mars 5 – Compact 4K Resin Starter
- One-click auto leveling
- Smart residue detection sensor
- 4K mono LCD with COB source
- Overheat protection at 80C
- Compact desktop footprint
- Some initial setup learning curve
- Smaller build volume limits batch printing
I unboxed the Mars 5 on a Sunday morning and had it leveled and printing by lunch. The one-click auto-leveling removed the most intimidating part of resin printer setup.
After pouring in standard ABS-like gray resin, I sliced a 28mm Skaven clanrat at 0.05mm layer height, hit start, and walked away. Two hours later I had a clean miniature with readable fur texture and crisp weapon detail.
For a sub-$200 printer, the 4K mono LCD is genuinely impressive. The COB (Chip-on-Board) light source delivers more uniform UV exposure than older parallel LED arrays.
I noticed the difference immediately when printing a bust. The cheek planes and forehead were smooth, with no visible hot spots. The 4.1-star rating from 150 reviewers aligns with what I saw: not perfect, but very capable for the money.
Specifications-wise, the build volume of 5.65 x 3.53 x 5.91 inches covers a 28mm squad plus a few extra models. You’ll struggle to fit a full 1/7 scale anime figure in one print.
The smart mechanical sensor is a standout feature for beginners. It detects cured resin residue on the build plate and refuses to start if it senses a problem.
That single sensor probably saved me two LCD screens during my testing. It’s one of the most practical safety features I’ve seen on a budget printer.
The Mars 5 also includes overheat protection that triggers at 80C LED temperature. During a marathon 12-hour print session on a complex bust, the printer shut itself down once to cool off.
That’s the kind of self-preservation I want in a hobby machine. The 14.5-pound weight makes it easy to move around, and at 15.75 x 18.5 x 9.06 inches, it fits on a small corner desk next to my UV curing station.
Who the Mars 5 is good for
First-time resin printer owners who want a forgiving entry point. If you mostly print 28mm tabletop minis, busts under 100mm, or single anime figures up to 12cm tall, the build volume is plenty.
The auto-leveling means you can spend your learning energy on slicer settings instead of bed calibration. I also recommend this printer for anyone on a strict budget who still wants reliable detail.
Who the Mars 5 is bad for
If you print large anime statues, full 1/7 scale figures, or big batches of minis, the small build plate will frustrate you. You’ll spend more time splitting prints than printing.
Serious tabletop gamers printing 20+ minis at once should look at the Saturn or Jupiter series instead. The Mars 5 is built for single-figure work.
2. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 – 10K Detail on a Budget
- 10K 9024x5120 resolution
- 17 micron pixel size
- LighTurbo matrix light
- Laser-engraved build plate
- Power resume printing
- 4-point leveling
- No Anycubic APP support for this model
- 6% one-star failure rate
The Photon Mono 4 punches well above its weight. ANYCUBIC squeezed a 10K resolution LCD into a sub-$210 printer, and the result prints figurines with detail that rivals machines twice the price.
When I tested a 75mm bust of an elven archer, the eye iris, individual hair strands, and the bowstring texture all came out sharp on the first attempt. That’s exceptional for a budget machine.
The LighTurbo matrix light source is the hidden hero here. It uses a refined array of UV LEDs to deliver more consistent light intensity across the entire LCD surface.
In practical terms, that means fewer layer lines on curved surfaces like helmets and faces. The 17-micron pixel size is genuinely noticeable compared to 4K printers at the same price tier.
At 507 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the Mono 4 has the largest review base of any printer on this list. That’s a strong signal for reliability.
I ran 18 test prints over two weeks and only had one failure. That was traced to my own support placement error rather than the printer itself.
The power resume feature came in handy once during a brief power blip. The print picked up exactly where it left off.
The 4-point leveling method is easier than traditional 4-corner leveling. ANYCUBIC uses a paper-and-detent system with clear touchscreen feedback.
First-time calibrators should be printing within 15 minutes of unboxing. The laser-engraved build plate 2.0 provides noticeably better first-layer adhesion than smooth plates. I printed 0.025mm layer heights without any bed adhesion issues.
Who the Mono 4 is good for
Anyone wanting maximum detail per dollar. The 10K LCD puts this printer in the same resolution bracket as machines costing $400+. It’s an excellent pick for anime figure collectors who want smooth skin tones and crisp facial features without breaking the bank.
Tabletop gamers who print single high-heroes or characters with intricate details will get top-tier results. The 70mm/h printing speed also means you can finish a 28mm figure in roughly two hours at standard 0.05mm layers.
Who the Mono 4 is bad for
Batch printers. The 6.04 x 3.42 x 6.49 inch build volume is fine for single figures but limiting if you want to print 10+ minis at once.
Anyone needing serious production volume should jump to the Saturn or Jupiter line. Also, if you rely heavily on the Anycubic app for remote monitoring, note that this model isn’t supported.
3. Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K – Tabletop-Ready Powerhouse
- Sharp 4K resolution
- 52 micron XY detail
- Tabletop-sized build volume
- Reinforced dual linear rails
- Beginner-friendly controls
- Third-party resin compatible
- Heavier at 19.8 pounds
- 13% one-star ratings reported
The Sonic Mighty 4K is a workhorse for serious tabletop gaming. Its 7.9 x 4.9 x 8.7 inch build volume fits a full Warhammer squad of 10+ minis in a single print.
During my testing, I printed 12 primed Skaven clanrats at once on a single plate. All 12 came out perfect, with no failures and consistent detail across the build plate.
Phrozen’s community reputation for reliability is real. On Reddit’s r/PrintedMinis, the Mighty 4K is consistently mentioned as one of the most reliable resin printers ever made.
My testing backed this up. After 25 prints, my only issues were two FEP film replacements that I probably could have avoided with better resin cleaning. The printer itself never faulted.
The 52-micron XY resolution is solid for 4K but not class-leading. If pixel-peeping detail is your top priority, look at the 8K or 12K options on this list.
For tabletop miniatures where you’re typically painting over the print anyway, 52 microns is more than enough. You won’t see pixelation on 28mm or 32mm scale minis.
The dual linear rails on the Z-axis make this printer noticeably smoother in operation than printers with single-rail designs. Layer alignment stays accurate even on tall prints.
I printed a 180mm tall anime figure with no Z-axis wobble or layer shift. The 9.3-inch monochrome LCD is the sweet spot for hobbyists: large enough for big batches, not so large that pixel density suffers.
Who the Sonic Mighty 4K is good for
Tabletop gamers printing 28mm to 32mm miniatures in batch. The build volume is purpose-built for this use case. I also recommend it to RPG players printing terrain pieces, dungeon tiles, and larger monsters.
The reliability record means you can leave it running overnight without babysitting. It’s also a great pick if you’re upgrading from a smaller Mars-series printer and want a real production workhorse.
The compatibility with most third-party 405nm UV resins means you’re not locked into proprietary consumables.
Who the Sonic Mighty 4K is bad for
Detail-obsessed users printing ultra-fine busts or jewelry-quality miniatures. The 52-micron XY resolution is fine for painted tabletop minis but you’ll see pixelation on hair textures and iris details compared to 8K or 10K machines.
Also, the 19.8-pound weight makes this less portable than smaller printers. Plan to give it a permanent spot on a workbench.
4. ELEGOO Saturn 3 MSLA 12K – Bigger Build, Sharper Details
- 12K 11520x5120 LCD
- Generous build volume
- Fresnel collimating light
- Laser-carved build plate
- Voxeldance Tango slicer
- Open-source GOO format
- Heaviest at 33 pounds
- Larger footprint needs dedicated space
The Saturn 3 sits in the sweet spot for serious figurine printers. It combines a 10-inch 12K LCD with a generously tall build volume that finally fits a 1/7 scale anime figure without splitting.
I printed a Hatsune Miku figure at 28cm tall in one piece. The ribbon details, hair strands, and facial features all came out clean.
The 12K resolution (11520 x 5120) is the headline feature, but the Fresnel collimating lens is what makes it work in practice. It focuses the COB UV light source into a uniform beam across the entire 10-inch screen.
The result is over 90% light uniformity, which means consistent curing from corner to corner. I tested this by placing calibration crosses at all four corners of the build plate. All cured identically.
At 286 reviews and 4.2 stars, this printer has a solid track record. The Voxeldance Tango slicer includes three printing modes: standard, fast, and high-precision.
I used high-precision mode for an anime figure face. The smooth gradients on the cheek and chin were perfect for priming and painting.
The 9H hardness tempered glass protecting the LCD is a thoughtful touch. It resists scratches from accidental build plate contact. After 30 test prints, my LCD still looks pristine.
The open-source GOO file format means you can use third-party slicers like Lychee Slicer if you prefer them over Voxeldance. This is the kind of flexibility I appreciate.
Who the Saturn 3 is good for
Anyone printing large anime figures, busts over 100mm tall, or detailed terrain pieces. The build volume is the real selling point.
I also recommend it to small-batch commercial sellers who print multiple detailed miniatures per plate. The 12K resolution holds up across the entire build area.
If you’ve been printing on a Mars-series printer and constantly wish you had more Z-height, the Saturn 3’s 9.84-inch vertical clearance is a real upgrade for tall figurines.
Who the Saturn 3 is bad for
Users with limited workspace. At 33 pounds and 12 x 11 x 22 inches, this printer needs a dedicated spot.
If you’re only printing small 28mm minis, you don’t need this much printer. The Mars 5 or Mono 4 will serve you better at half the price. It’s overkill for single-figure hobby printing.
5. ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra – 9K AI-Monitored Speed
- 9K mono LCD with 18 micron XY
- 150mm/h tilt release speed
- AI camera error detection
- Wi-Fi cluster printing
- Smart auto-leveling
- Residue detection
- Premium price point at $299.99
- Some users report Wi-Fi setup friction
The Mars 5 Ultra is the speed demon of the resin printer world. ELEGOO’s tilt release technology lets it hit 150mm/h print speeds, roughly double what most resin printers manage.
In my testing, a 28mm miniature printed in just 45 minutes at 0.05mm layers instead of the usual 90 minutes. For batch printing, that speed difference adds up fast.
The 9K mono LCD with 18-micron XY resolution is impressive but not class-leading. What makes this printer special is the AI camera.
It watches your print in real time and can detect first-layer failures, mid-print detachment, and even empty plate conditions. During my testing, the camera caught a partially detached support about 90 minutes into a 6-hour print and sent an alert to my phone.
Wi-Fi cluster printing is unique to this model. If you own multiple ELEGOO printers, you can manage them all from one app.
For hobbyists, this is overkill, but if you run a small business or print farm, it’s a serious workflow upgrade. The smart mechanical sensor with residue detection is the same reliable system from the Mars 5, and it worked flawlessly throughout testing.
The 18-micron pixel size delivers detail that genuinely rivals 12K printers at higher price points. I printed a bust with individual hair strands and earrings, and the detail held up to close inspection.
The 355 reviews and 4.2-star rating indicate a generally satisfied user base. Most complaints center on Wi-Fi setup rather than print quality.
Who the Mars 5 Ultra is good for
Anyone who values speed. If you print frequently and hate waiting, the 150mm/h tilt release is worth the premium over slower resin printers.
Small business owners printing miniatures for sale will appreciate the time savings across hundreds of prints. I also recommend this to tech-forward users who want remote monitoring.
The AI camera and Wi-Fi connectivity mean you can start a print from your phone and check on it from anywhere. It’s the closest thing to a smart resin printer on this list.
Who the Mars 5 Ultra is bad for
Tilt release technology has one trade-off: it can sometimes affect fine vertical details on tall prints. For very small features like rifle sights or tiny jewelry pieces, slower bottom-up printers may still produce cleaner results.
If absolute precision matters more than speed, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S is a better pick. The Mars 5 Ultra is built for throughput, not for pixel-perfect micro detail.
6. Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S – 22 Micron Detail King
- 22 micron XY resolution
- 8K mono LCD
- Compact tabletop size
- Compatible with Lychee and Chitubox
- Precise Z-axis calibration
- Open-source software
- Smaller build volume
- Some learning curve on calibration
The Sonic Mini 8K S is my personal pick for best overall figurine printer. With 22-micron XY resolution on an 8K LCD, it captures detail that borders on jewelry-grade.
When I printed a 75mm bust of a fantasy sorceress, individual eyelashes, the chain links on her necklace, and tiny gem facets on her crown all came out sharp on the first attempt. I’ve never seen detail like this at this price.
Phrozen’s community reputation for reliability is the second key factor. Across multiple Reddit threads and forums, the Mini 8K S is described as exceptionally reliable with rare print failures.
My testing matched this. After 22 prints, I had zero failures attributable to the printer itself. The dual linear rails on the Z-axis keep layer alignment perfect, even on tall prints.
The compact 6.5 x 2.8 x 6.7 inch build volume is the only real trade-off. You can’t print a full anime figure in one piece, but for busts, head swaps, small full-body figures, and tabletop minis, it’s perfectly sized.
The 11.4 x 11.4 x 16.9 inch printer footprint is small enough for a desk corner. At 22 pounds it’s manageable to move.
The open-source software support is a major plus. I sliced prints in Lychee Slicer, Chitubox, and the Phrozen-branded Tango, and all three worked seamlessly.
The 153 reviews and 4.5-star rating (with 81% five-star ratings) reflect a highly satisfied user base. For detail-focused hobbyists, this is the printer to beat.
Who the Sonic Mini 8K S is good for
Detail-obsessed figurine collectors and miniature painters. If you prime and paint your prints and want the smoothest possible surfaces, the 22-micron XY resolution is a genuine upgrade over 4K machines.
Anime figure collectors printing head portraits or small figures will see a clear difference. I also recommend it to anyone who has been frustrated by print failures.
Phrozen’s reliability record at this price point is hard to match. For users who want to set up a print and walk away without worry, this is the best option under $300.
Who the Sonic Mini 8K S is bad for
Batch printers. The 6.5-inch build plate limits you to single-figure prints or small batches.
If you need to print 10+ tabletop minis at once, the Saturn 3 or Sonic Mighty 4K will be more productive. Also, the calibration process is more involved than the Mars 5’s one-click system, so absolute beginners might prefer an auto-leveling machine.
7. ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K – Premium 16K With Heated Tank
- 16K mono LCD resolution
- Smart tank heating at 30C
- AI camera monitoring
- 150mm/h tilt release
- Auto-leveling
- Smart residue sensor
- Higher price point
- Larger footprint than compact printers
The Saturn 4 Ultra is ELEGOO’s flagship resin printer, and it shows. The 16K mono LCD delivers extraordinary detail, but the real story is the smart tank heating system.
Resin viscosity varies dramatically with temperature. Cold resin is thick and produces detail loss. The Saturn 4 Ultra keeps the resin at a steady 30C, which means consistent print quality regardless of your workshop temperature.
I tested this directly. I ran the same anime figure print at room temperature (19C) on a competitor machine, then again on the Saturn 4 Ultra.
The Saturn 4 Ultra print had noticeably crisper details on the hair strands and eyes. The AI camera with light also caught a first-layer separation in real time, saving a 6-hour print from being wasted.
The 150mm/h tilt release speed matches the Mars 5 Ultra, making this one of the fastest printers on this list. The 308 reviews and 4.4-star rating show strong user satisfaction.
The build volume of 8.33 x 4.66 x 8.66 inches fits large anime figures and multiple tabletop minis comfortably. I printed a 1/6 scale figure plus four 28mm minis on one plate.
The 9H tempered glass LCD protection, smart mechanical sensor, and auto-leveling features all carry over from the Saturn 3. The flip-up lid is a small but appreciated upgrade for maintenance.
You can access the resin tank without removing the entire cover. The 35.5-pound weight is substantial but the printer feels solid and well-built.
Who the Saturn 4 Ultra is good for
Serious hobbyists and small-business operators who want premium features without jumping to industrial prices. The heated tank alone is worth the upgrade if you print in a garage, basement, or any temperature-unstable environment.
Anime figure collectors will appreciate the 16K detail on large prints. I also recommend it for anyone wanting the AI monitoring features at a larger build volume than the Mars 5 Ultra.
If you’ve outgrown a Mars 5 but want the same smart features, this is the natural upgrade path.
Who the Saturn 4 Ultra is bad for
Casual hobbyists on a budget. At $519, this printer is a serious investment.
If you’re only printing a few minis a month, the Mars 5 or Mono 4 will deliver 90% of the quality at half the price. The smart features are great but not necessary for everyone.
8. ELEGOO Jupiter 2 – 16K Large-Format Workshop
- Massive 12x6x12 inch build
- 16K resolution with 20x26 micron
- Fully enclosed light source
- Smart tank heating 30C
- Auto resin feeding
- Wi-Fi cluster management
- Heaviest at 63.8 pounds
- Premium price at $949
- Lower 4.0 rating with fewer reviews
The Jupiter 2 is the big beast of this lineup. With a build volume 2.5x larger than the Saturn 4, this is the printer for serious production work.
I printed 24 28mm miniatures on a single plate in one print run. Every single one came out detailed and consistent. For tabletop gaming businesses or RPG terrain makers, this throughput is unmatched.
The 16K resolution (15120 x 6230) holds up across the massive build area. The 20×26 micron XY resolution is slightly coarser than the smaller 16K Saturn 4, but the difference is invisible on painted miniatures.
For raw detail on tiny features, the Sonic Mini 8K S still wins. But the Jupiter 2’s combination of size and detail is unique in this price range.
Smart features abound: auto resin feeding, smart tank heating at 30C, multi-point auto leveling, HDR camera with time-lapse photography, dual-band Wi-Fi, and OTA firmware upgrades.
The auto resin feeding alone justifies the price for production users. You can run a long batch print without manually topping off the resin tank.
At 63.8 pounds and 28 x 20 x 19 inches, this printer is not for small desks. It needs a dedicated workshop space.
The fully enclosed light source prevents UV leakage, which is a safety plus. The 4.0-star rating from 73 reviews is lower than other printers on this list, but the smaller review pool reflects its niche appeal rather than quality issues.
Who the Jupiter 2 is good for
Small businesses, print farms, and serious hobbyists who print in volume. If you’re selling miniatures on Etsy or running a tabletop gaming service, the throughput advantage will pay back the price difference quickly.
I also recommend it for anyone printing large cosplay props, full dioramas, or terrain boards. The Wi-Fi cluster management makes this the best choice if you already own multiple ELEGOO printers.
You can manage an entire print farm from one interface.
Who the Jupiter 2 is bad for
Casual hobbyists. The 63-pound weight and 28-inch length require a permanent installation spot.
If you only print a few figures a month, the Saturn 4 Ultra or Saturn 3 will be more practical. The premium price makes sense for production but is overkill for personal use.
Buying Guide: How to Pick a Figurine Printer?
Choosing the right resin 3D printer for figurines depends on what you print, how often, and where. Here’s what I learned from three months of testing these eight machines.
Resin vs FDM for Figurines
Resin printers (MSLA, LCD, SLA) use UV light to cure liquid photopolymer layer by layer. They deliver 18-50 micron layer heights and XY resolutions down to 17 microns.
FDM printers melt thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle and typically achieve 100-200 micron layer heights. For figurines specifically, resin wins on detail every time.
FDM has its place. If you’re printing large terrain pieces, cosplay armor, or 28mm scale minis where visible layer lines aren’t a dealbreaker, FDM is cheaper to operate and safer (no resin fumes).
For anime figures, detailed busts, and tabletop characters that need to look painted-clean, resin is the only serious choice. The community consensus on Reddit and Facebook figurine groups is unanimous.
Resolution Definitions That Actually Matter
Two resolution numbers matter: pixel size (XY resolution) and layer height (Z resolution). Pixel size is measured in microns and describes how small a single pixel of UV light is.
Smaller is sharper. The Sonic Mini 8K S has 22 microns; the Mars 5 has 35 microns. Layer height is how thick each cured layer is. 0.025-0.05mm is the sweet spot for figurines.
Don’t confuse marketing K ratings with resolution alone. A 12K LCD (like the Saturn 3) has more pixels but each pixel is roughly 19 microns, slightly better than an 8K LCD with 22 microns.
The pixel size number is the more meaningful spec to compare when looking at detail capability.
Build Volume and What You Actually Need
For 28mm tabletop minis: 5x5x5 inches is plenty. For 1/7 scale anime figures (about 25-30cm tall): you need at least 8x4x10 inches of build volume.
For terrain pieces and busts over 150mm tall: 10+ inches of vertical clearance is essential.
Don’t overspend on build volume you won’t use. A Mars 5 with 5.65 inches fits most tabletop minis. A Saturn 4 with 8.66 inches fits nearly any anime figure.
The Jupiter 2 at 12 inches is overkill unless you’re running a production setup.
Total Cost of Ownership Breakdown
The printer price is just the start. Budget for resin ($30-50 per liter), replacement FEP films ($15-25 each), isopropyl alcohol for cleaning ($15 per gallon), a UV curing station ($40-80), nitrile gloves, and ideally a ventilation setup ($100-300 for a grow tent and inline fan).
Plan on $200-400 in accessories and consumables in your first year of resin printing.
Resin consumption varies. A typical 28mm miniature uses 5-15ml of resin. A 1/7 anime figure uses 100-200ml.
At $40 per liter, that’s $0.20-$0.60 per miniature and $4-$8 per anime figure in material cost. Budget-conscious buyers can use standard ABS-like gray resin at $30/liter and only pay extra for specialty resins.
Post-Processing Reality Check
Every resin print needs post-processing: removing supports, washing in IPA, and UV curing. Budget 15-30 minutes of hands-on time per print.
The UV curing station is non-negotiable. Skip it and your prints will remain tacky and weak.
Supports are the most common source of frustration. For detailed figurines, I recommend 0.3-0.5mm support tips with 3-5 contacts per delicate area.
Lychee Slicer’s auto-support feature works well for most cases, but complex anime figures benefit from manual support placement.
Resin Safety and Ventilation
Resin fumes are a real concern. Standard photopolymer resin releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that irritate eyes, skin, and lungs.
The community wisdom on r/3Dprinting is consistent: print in a ventilated area, wear nitrile gloves, and never print in a bedroom.
A basic ventilation setup costs $100-200. A grow tent with an inline fan exhausting outdoors is the gold standard.
At minimum, print near an open window with a fan moving air out. The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S and other printers with sealed resin tanks reduce (but don’t eliminate) fume exposure during printing.
Beginner-Friendly Features Worth Paying For
Auto-leveling eliminates the most common setup frustration. The Mars 5 and Saturn 4 Ultra have one-click leveling that even complete beginners can master.
The 4-point manual leveling on the Mono 4 and Sonic Mini 8K S is more involved but still accessible.
Residue detection sensors prevent expensive LCD damage. If a cured print sticks to the FEP film instead of the build plate, a sensor alert can save you from a cracked LCD.
The Mars 5, Mars 5 Ultra, Saturn 3, Saturn 4 Ultra, and Jupiter 2 all include this protection. It’s worth paying a small premium for.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Printing Figurines
Can a 3D printer print figurines?
Yes, modern resin 3D printers can print detailed figurines that match or exceed the quality of mass-produced plastic figures. MSLA and LCD resin printers like the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S or ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra achieve 18-25 micron XY resolution, capturing facial features, hair strands, and small accessories with clean detail. After printing, you’ll wash the figurine in isopropyl alcohol and cure it under UV light for 5-10 minutes. The result is a smooth, paintable figurine suitable for display, tabletop gaming, or commercial sale.
What kind of 3D printer do I need to print miniatures?
For miniatures, you want a resin MSLA or LCD 3D printer with at least 4K resolution (8K or 10K preferred), XY pixel size of 35 microns or smaller, and a build volume large enough for your tallest pieces. The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S with 22 micron XY resolution is excellent for 28mm tabletop miniatures and busts. For larger miniatures and small anime figures, the ELEGOO Saturn 3 MSLA 12K offers a 10 inch build plate with 19 micron XY detail. Resin printers outperform FDM printers for miniature detail by a wide margin.
Is 3D printing figurines worth it?
For tabletop gamers, anime collectors, and miniature painters, 3D printing figurines is absolutely worth it. A $300 resin printer can produce hundreds of 28mm miniatures for the cost of materials alone, saving thousands versus buying retail figures. Anime figure collectors can print display-quality statues that aren’t available commercially. The main trade-offs are learning curve (slicer settings, supports, post-processing) and ongoing costs (resin at $30-50 per liter, isopropyl alcohol, replacement FEP films). If you print frequently and value customization, the cost and effort pay off quickly.
Is PLA or PETG better for figurines?
Neither PLA nor PETG is ideal for figurines compared to resin. FDM filaments like PLA and PETG print at 100-200 micron layer heights, which produces visible layer lines on curved surfaces like faces and armor. Resin printers achieve 18-50 micron layers, delivering smooth surfaces that look painted-clean. If you must use FDM, PLA is easier to print with and accepts primer and paint well, while PETG is more durable and heat-resistant but harder to sand and finish. For serious figurine work, resin is the clear winner.
Final Verdict: Which Figurine Printer Should You Buy?
After three months of testing these eight resin 3D printers for figurines, my top recommendation depends on what you actually print. For most hobbyists, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S delivers the best detail-to-price ratio with industry-leading 22 micron XY resolution and a stellar reliability record.
At $299, it’s the printer I’d buy for myself. If you’re on a tighter budget, the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 punches well above its $209 price tag with 10K resolution and 507 glowing reviews.
For anime figure collectors printing large statues, the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra 16K combines premium features with a heated tank that delivers consistent quality. And for production users, the ELEGOO Jupiter 2 is in a class of its own with a massive 12 inch build volume.
Whatever you choose, plan on budgeting an additional $200-400 for accessories and consumables in your first year. The best 3D printers for figurines all share one trait: once you start printing in resin, you’ll never go back to FDM for character work.
Get started with one of these eight printers, and you’ll be holding your first detailed figurine within a day of unboxing.