Resin 3D Printers for Miniatures: Pixel Size, Plate Size and Supports
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Every current 7-inch MSLA printer has the resolution for 28 mm miniatures; 18 to 22 µm pixels are all finer than paint shows. What separates them is tilt release and auto levelling (Mars 5 Ultra), price (Photon Mono 4), reputation and profiles (Sonic Mini 8K S) and plate size (Saturn 4 Ultra for armies). Spend the saved money on an ABS-like resin and a wash-and-cure station; those change results more than the printer.
Uncured resin is a skin and respiratory irritant. Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection, ventilate, wash in IPA in a covered container, and fully cure before handling. Never pour resin or wash down a drain.
Where to buy
The printers
| Printer | Build volume | Screen | Pixel | Tilt / auto level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | 153 × 78 × 165 mm | 7-inch 9K | 18 µm | Yes / Yes | Fastest, easiest 7-inch |
| Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | About 153 × 87 × 165 mm | 7-inch 10K | About 17 µm | No / No | Budget |
| Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S | 165 × 72 × 180 mm | 7.1-inch 8K | 22 µm | No / No | Tuned profiles, community |
| Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra | 218.88 × 122.88 × 220 mm | 10-inch 12K | 19 × 24 µm | Yes / Yes | Twice the figures per run |
| Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro | 223 × 126 × 230 mm | 10.1-inch 14K | 16.8 × 24.8 µm | Yes / Yes | Heated vat; direct-only in US |
What actually changes the result
- Resin. Standard grey resin is brittle; spears and swords snap on cleaning. Use an ABS-like or tough blend; see ABS-like resins.
- Supports. Light supports on faces, medium on limbs, heavy on the base; angle the model 15 to 30 degrees so no large flat face sits parallel to the plate.
- Exposure calibration. One calibration print per resin bottle; over-exposure fattens detail.
- Wash and cure. Under-cured minis stay tacky and yellow; see wash and cure.
Pixel size, honestly
18 µm versus 22 µm versus 24 µm is invisible after priming. Anti-aliasing and exposure matter more. Buy on release mechanism, plate size and price, not on the K number. See printers for miniatures for where FDM takes over.
The units in the box
The listings are the Mars 5 Ultra, the Sonic Mini 8K S and the Saturn 4 Ultra.
FAQ
7-inch or 10-inch? 7-inch for a few figures at a time; 10-inch if you print units of ten or more.
Do I need a heated vat? Only in rooms under about 20 °C.
LayerWalker
Print defect diagnosis, calibration procedures and parts that actually fit. Corrections welcome through the contact page.
