Best 3d printer for action figures, Toys & Miniatures from Resin

What is the best 3d printer for action figures, toys and miniature?

To get the right answer, you first need to know what do you need to make the action figures, miniatures or toys!
Is everything depends on the 3d printer? or there is something else that you need to know about?

This article will answer everything about making 3d models of action figures.

These are the best 3d printers to make action figures

We primarily selected 46 resin 3d printers that may be best for making action figures. However, 23 of them could not pass the second stage of evaluation. Here’s the final list of action figures-making 3d printers you be looking for.

We have tested more than 23 resin printers ranging in different sizes and resolutions. We have tested them one by one and filtered the best 10 ten for the final stage review. Our specialized team has examined different miniatures & action figure samples and voted for the shortlisted items for publication.

These are the Best SLA Resin 3d printers suitable for making Action Figures, toys  & Miniatures:

1. Phrosen Sonic 8k (Best Overall with the highest resolution in LCD Category)
2. Photon D2 (Best in DLP Category)
3. Anycubic Photon (Popular on Amazon)
4. Elegoo Saturn (Best for budget)
5. Flashforge Foto (Works faster than Elegoo)

We have noticed that Phrosen 8k stands above all due to its maximum resolution. In SLA resin printing, the resolution of the printer matters the most since the ultimate finishing of the work is the most critical success factor of a resin printer.

In the DLP category, the Photon D2 seems to be an amazing choice overall with a low noise production & longer life projection than the Sonic 8k.

We have also noticed that the Phrosen 6k was one of the best-selling printers in 2021 and the company introduced the 8k version and took the early mover’s advantage so nicely.

Anycubic Photon was the second-best performer after the Sonik 8k. The level of detail that the Photon gave us was unbelievable. The printing finish was top-notch than the others.

Elegoo Saturn is their most updated resin printer with a larger build size. It took third place just for a bit slower speed than the others; however, the UV curing was notably better than all.

The bed leveling of Flashforge Photo was awesome, even the precision as well. Overall it’s also a premium resin printer having a lot more possibilities to explore.

Phrosen Sonic 8k Resin Printer | Best Overall

Currently, Phrosen’s Sonic Mini 8k is the most lucrative resin 3d printer suitable to make action figures and toys. The resolution it offers is mind-blowing. So far it gives the maximum resolution with great printing speed and accuracy.

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The Phrosen Sonic 8K Resin Printer is a full–color 3D printer that offers users an affordable and reliable solution for producing high–quality 3D printed objects. It utilizes advanced UV light technology to quickly and accurately cure a liquid resin material into a solid object. It has a high resolution of 8K and a build size of 4.7“ x 4.7“ x 6.9“. It is a user–friendly machine that has a simple setup process and is capable of printing several different materials. It features a removable build platform, a touchscreen interface, and a built–in Wi–Fi connection for easy monitoring of your prints. The Phrosen Sonic 8K is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and high–quality 3D printing solution.

No need to assemble it, It comes pre-built. You just need to unbox, calibrate and directly jump over printing.

Sonic Mini 8k provides 7500 X 3240 pixels on its LCD module.

The build volume would be 6.5″ x 2.8″ x 7″, with a machine footprint of 11.4″ x 11.4″ x 16.5″.

The UV light comes from Linear Projection LED Module that gives amazing accuracy while printing action figures.

Here’s a video on Sonic 8k

What Makes Phrosen Sonic 8k Different from Flashforge, Anycubic & Elegoo

These are the issues that helped Phrosen Sonic 8k to stand out among the other competitors:

• XY Accuracy we have found was 22 microns which is 8 Microns higher than the Phorsen Sonic 6K and 9 microns higher than the Anycubic Photon.
• Print accuracy is 40% better than Elegoo Mars.
• LCD gives a near 21:9 aspect ratio which is massively higher than the Anycubic & Photon,
• Almost zero vibration makes it the most silent resin printer. However, The ELegoo Mars was not as quiet as the Phrosen Sonic 8k
• Sonic 8K comes with a double Z axis compared to Elegoo Mars 3 with the advantage of resin printing at higher accuracy
• The print bed mount was much more stable than the Anycubic Photon. This drastically reduces the vibration.
• The resin tank is easy to lock which reduces the risk of improper placement of the consumable tank in any resin printer.
• The noise level is exactly 45DB which means it is quieter than the Flashforge Foto.
• Print speed is better than the Flashforge Foto & Anycubic Photon. We have found exactly 800 mm/hour on this Phrosen 8k.
• The slicer ChiTuBox is easier to operate compared to the Fhashforge Foto. However, ChiTuBox may need more time to fix the details.
• Comes with accessories such as disposable gloves, FFP2 masks, a disposable resin filter,s, and Isopropyl alcohol.

Phrosen 8k action figure print quality

Here is an example of an action figure 3d print on Sonic 8k.

See the level of detail it offers. Here’s another one

Phrosen sonic mini 8k comes with everything you need to get your first print within an hour.

Positive Sides of Phrosen

• Layer thickness would be 0.01 to 0.3 mm
• No noise, No Vibration
• So easy and flexible to operate
• Works with ChiTuBox
• Accuracy is at max
• Print bed adhesion is awesome

Negative sides of Phrosen

• Noise cancelation cannot be less than 45 DB
• By nature, resin prints take longer time than the others

Sonic Mega vs Sonic Mini

Phrosen Sonic Mega 8K  and the Phrosen Sonic Mini 8K are both professional 3D printers designed for high–quality and detailed miniatures and toys. The main difference between the two is the size and scope of the 3D prints they can produce.

The Phrosen Sonic Mega 8K MSLA Printer is the larger of the two printers and is designed to produce larger, more detailed 3D prints. It features a 255x205x250mm build area and has a layer resolution of 10–50 microns. This allows users to create larger and more intricate designs with greater detail and accuracy than the Phrosen Sonic Mini 8K. It is also capable of producing two–color prints with its two–color mixing capability.

The Phrosen Sonic Mini 8K is the smaller of the two printers and is designed for smaller prints. It features a 150x150x200mm build area and has a layer resolution of 10–100 microns. This allows users to create smaller, simpler designs with less detail and accuracy than the Sonic Mega 8K. It is not capable of producing two–color prints.

Phrosen Sonic Mega 8K MSLA Printer is larger and capable of producing larger and more detailed 3D prints than the Phrosen Sonic Mini 8K. It is also capable of producing two–color prints, while the Mini 8K is only capable of producing single–color prints.

Photon D2 (Best DLP Printer)

Photon D2 is one of the best DLP printers which works with resin and is suitable for any kind of miniature or action figure. It’s super silent and most accurate in precession. In terms of longevity, Photon D2 is expected to have a greater lifespan than the Phrosen Sonik 8k.

The print quality of the Photon D2 is truly remarkable, and the level of detail it has achieved is simply astounding. It is capable of printing up to 0.01mm layer resolution, which is perfect for creating intricate and fine details in my miniatures and action figures.

The printer is also capable of printing in both monochrome and full color, which is great for bringing my creations to life. The Photon D2 is also incredibly easy to use, and it comes with a comprehensive user manual that clearly explains how to use the printer. It also compatible with all the major 3D modelling softwares, which makes it even easier to use. Overall, we highly recommend the Photon D2 DLP resin printer for anyone who wants to create detailed and lifelike miniatures and action figures. It is an amazing piece of technology that is capable of producing incredibly detailed and high–quality prints, and it is incredibly easy to use.

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What Makes Photon D2 Different from Others?

These are the key differencing factors that make Photon D2 appealing from other resin 3d printers:

• Photon D2 uses DLP 3d printing technology which means that it focuses light straight to the bottom which helps in mitigating distortion and ensures better precession.
• It uses an anti-aliasing algorithm which brings better details in printing miniatures. anti-aliasing algorithm technology is not available in Anycubic Photon.
• It is said to have a better lifespan than other SLA 3d printers and the experts anticipate that the approximate lifespan would be around 20,000 plus hours which brings the ROI faster.
• Photon D2 consumes less power (15 W) which is almost 75% lower than the normal LCD 3d printers such as Phrosen & Elegoo. For instance, Photon M3 Plus consumes 120 W for the same 3d prints.
• It’s super quiet; generates sounds of less than 35 DB which is 50% lower than the premium SLA printers.
• The printing speed is also higher (2.5s/layer) which is 60% better than the other LCD printers at a similar price range.
• Lastly, Photon D2 comes with a larger build area measuring 130.5mm x 73.4mm x165 mm which is significantly higher than the Elegoo Saturn.

Negative Side

We could not see a lot of negative issues with Photon D2 except a single point which is almost common in all SLA & DLP 3d printers. In case of a power outage, you might see a thin line mark after the print is accomplished. It happens due to having a long break in the printing process. It is normal because the printing technology requires no power interruption and it does not work like the FDM printers. However, there has been no trouble resuming the printing process later.

By the way, having a small post-processing touch-up can solve the thin lining marks always.

How Does Photon D2 differ from Phrosen Sonic 8K?

We have selected the Phoroen Sonic 8K as the best overall, followed by the Photon D2. Here are the small differences between both and we hope to make your decision-making process easier.

• Phrosen Sonic 8k is an LCD printer with 8k resolution and the Photon D2 is a DLP printer.
• Due to the DLP printing technology, Photon D2 will consume less power (approximately 75% lower than the Sonic 8k)
• Photon D2’s noise production will be 5 decibels lower than the Phrosen Sonic 8k
• Printing details will be better in Sonik 8K
• Phrosen 8k offers a linear projection LEd module which helps in creating sharp detail & in the contrary, the Photon D2 features a Double light uniformity algorithm which helps in reducing distortion.
• Since Photon D2 will deliver 498ppi, it is significantly lower than the Sonic 8k which ensures 1152 PPI (pixel per inch).
• Both printers use UV light to cure the resin but in different ways. However, there are no differences in choosing the resin types.
• Photon D2 scales up or down the projected image easier than the Sonik 8K.
• Due to being the DLP, Photon D2 will have a longer lifespan than the Sonic 8k. (Approximately 7000 hours higher).

More about Photon D2

• It does not have any air filter, however, the company promises to include one from the next model and onwards
• The operating system of Photon D2 cannot detect folders of any flash drive so, you need to place the file on the root directory in case if you are using a flash drive.
• No installations are required, just plug and play
• You are free to use Chitubox as the slicer
• The warranty only lasts for 90 days, so try experimenting more during this tenure
• Photon D2 does not work in IOS which means a computer is a must to work on this

How does DLP differ from LCD printers?

DLP 3D printers differ from LCD 3D printers in the way they create objects. DLP 3D printers use a projector to project an image of a 3D object onto a resin–covered platform. The light from the projector then solidifies the resin and builds the object layer by layer.

LCD 3D printers, on the other hand, use a UV–sensitive liquid resin and an LCD screen. The LCD screen acts like a mask, blocking the UV light except where the 3D object is supposed to be created. This allows the UV light to cure the resin in the places that need to be solidified, building the object layer by layer.

For example, Photon D2 2 is a DLP 3D printer that uses a projector to produce objects layer by layer. On the other hand, the Anycubic Photon is an LCD 3D printer that uses an LCD screen to block the UV light and create objects layer by layer.

Anycubic Photon Resin Printer

Anycubic Photon M3 Plus is a 6k monochrome screen all UV resin printer suitable for making any type of toys or action figure. It comes with a build size of 9.6″ x 7.8″ x 4.8″ with ultra-fast printing technology.

This resin printer can print a 12 cm miniatures in 1.2 hours at a print speed of 3.93 inches/hour. Such print speed may seem to be low when compared to FDM printers. However, 3.9r in/hour is very good in the resin printing arena.

On top of that, its automatic feeding technology will help you from protecting the 3d prints from lack of resin. The contrast ratio of 350:1 gives you more details with a very high-precision ball screw.

On top of everything, Anycubic Photon gives you the ultimate freedom of cloud printing & cloud storing. You can easily print regardless of thinking about where you are.

Check Anycubic Photon’s Price Comparison here>>

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Positive sides

These are the positive sides of Anycubic SLA printers.

• No assembly needed
• Price is within the range
• Anycubic has their own slicing software
• Comparably low noise
• Great Finish

Negative Sides

These are the cons of Anycubic Photon

• Since it is a resin printer, the printing speed takes more time
• Build size is limited
• The maximum amount of resin in the vat is 100 ml but, a solid block may require more than 1 liter of resin. In that case, you may need to refill 10 times to get a solid 3d print block.

Print Quality

Here’s an Action figure 3d print from Anycubic Photon SLA 3D printer using Liquid Resin

Additional issues of Anycubic Photon

• You do not need to install any exhaust ventilation fan to operate this printer. We have tested in our lab and there were no toxic fumes so far.
• You can always use water washable resin to work with this 3d printer.
• You cannot print directly from Solidworks as everything you need to bring in Photon slicer.
• The good thing is that it doesn’t always need a computer. Only you need a computer if you are running remotely.
• It is a dual linear version so there will be an extra advantage.
• You may need to recalibrate the printer after every print.

How does Anycubic Photon M3 Plus differ from the Anycubic Photon Ultra?

The question may have already come to your mind how does Anycubic Photon M3 plus differ from the Anycubic Ultra. Here’s a glimpse of the basic comparison.

Here’s a video on Anycubic Photon

 

The Anycubic Photon M3 Plus has an upgraded build platform and a higher resolution (2560 x 1440) compared to the Photon Ultra (2560 x 1440). It also has an upgraded Z–axis resolution, allowing for more detailed prints. The M3 Plus also has a larger LCD screen and a larger build plate, as well as a higher printing speed and a more powerful UV LED. Finally, it has an improved air filtration system, which reduces the smell of resin during printing.

Elegoo Saturn SLA 3D Printer

After Anycubic, Elegoo Saturn is another masterpiece SLA 3d printer suitable for action figure making. It comes with an 8.9 inches 4k monochrome LCD screen with HD resolution. The build volume is large enough to create multiple action figures at the same time. The build volume is 192*120*200mm which can fiercely increase the productivity you are expecting.

You can easily achieve a steadier motion with Elegoo’s double linear structure. In terms of accuracy, Elegoo Saturn is somewhat close to the Anycubic Photon 6x.

The light source consists of 54 UV LED lights that ensure fine print results.

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Pros

The followings are the pros of Elegoo Saturn SLA printer

• Larger build volume
• 4k resolution
• Awesome print finish

Cons

• A bit overpriced, I believe

Print Quality

Here’s an Action figure 3d print from Elegoo Saturn SLA 3D printer using Liquid Resin

More you should know

• You can easily drip resin as the build plate rotates 90 degrees on the z-axis.
• You easily fit 15 32mm models based on the build plate and the whole job completes within 3.5 hours. That means, one model takes around 4 minutes roughly.
• You may need to calibrate after each use otherwise, the result may not be satisfactory indeed.

How does Elegoo Saturn differ from Elegoo Mars (The earlier version)?

Here’s an in-depth comparison of how the Elegoo Saturn varies from its earlier version which is Elegoo Mars.

The Elegoo Saturn and Elegoo Mars are both LCD 3D printers from the same manufacturer, but there are some key differences between them. The Saturn has a larger build volume (200mm x 250mm x 250mm) compared to the Mars (120mm x 68mm x 155mm). The Saturn also has a higher printing resolution (50–400 microns) than the Mars (100–400 microns). Additionally, the Saturn has a heated build plate and supports dual filament extrusion, while the Mars does not.

It shows that the ELegoo Saturn is far better than the Elegoo Mars. The Saturn version comes with a larger build plate, faster print quality, and a better print finish.

Flashforge Foto Resin Printer

Flashforge Foto SLA resin printer comes with an HD mono screen of 9.25 inches in 6k. The printing resolution would be 5760×3600.

The Flashforge Foto Resin Printer is a great addition to any 3D printing enthusiast‘s toolbox. It is a compact and easy to use printer, capable of producing high–quality prints with an incredible level of detail. The printer uses a special resin that has a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing for a lot of creative freedom. The prints are strong and durable, and the prints come out with a smooth finish.

The user interface is simple and easy to use, making it great for beginners. And the printer is relatively affordable compared to other resin printers. The Flashforge Foto Resin Printer is a great choice for those looking for a reliable, quality 3D printing experience.

A larger print size of 9.25 inches gives an extra advantage along with a print volume of 197 * 122 * 200mm. On top of everything, the industrial-grade double linear bring the printer to an advanced level like the Anycubic photon. It means, your operation will be much smoother with the accurate z-axis positioning.

This printer comes fully assembled with no extra effort for setting it up. The auto adjustment feature keeps the error percentage down with maximum print quality.

Here are the key takeaways of Flashforge Foto

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Advantage

• Lifetime technical support
• Larger print size
• Faster printing 10-50 mm/H
• Easy leveling
• Higher resolution up to 35 μm
• Larger LCD
• Larger print bed 280*240*465mm

Disadvantages

• Print quality was pooer than the Anycubic & Elegoo
• No Cloud Connectivity

Print Quality

Here’s an Action figure 3d print from Flashforge Foto SLA 3D printer using Liquid Resin

More you should know

• This 9.25 variant completely eliminates the layer lines
• It allows quick forming through the high light transmittance

Comparison of Phrosen, Anycubic, Elegoo & Flashforge

This section will help you to compare the four SLA printers suitable for making action figures. We have considered the print speed, print quality, Build area, and other qualitative aspects in a summary to help in your decision-making process.

It appears that the Phrosen Sonic 8K ranks above all with greater resolution and higher accuracy & print speed. However, the performance of Anycubic Photon & Elegoo Mars is also considered good in comparison with the price.

Which 3d Printing Technology is good to make Action Figures & toys?

There are mainly four types of 3d printers available. The most common and affordable one is Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). The FFF printer is also known as the FDM printer stands for – Fused Deposition Modeling.

Making an Action figure would require technology that gives as much detail as the printing object.

We have seen that the FDM printers are good at making vast diversity of objects but slightly bad at making action figures.

In other words, the SLS printers (Stariolithography) are very good for making action figures due to the use of liquid resin as raw material.

Let’s imagine that the figure you are going to design has beards, face spots,s, and a different eyelash. In such circumstances, the FDM printer cannot ensure the detail as the SLS printers do.

Here’s a basic comparison of the four types of 3d printing technology.

This is a comparison chart that outlines the key characteristics of four different types of 3D printing mechanisms: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Piston-based 3D printing.

Material: FFF printers use plastic filaments as their printing material, while SLA printers use liquid resin. SLS printers, on the other hand, use nylon powder. Piston-based printers, in contrast, can use almost any type of material that can be extruded or pushed through the nozzle.

Durability: Durability varies depending on the material used, but in general, FFF printers produce prints that are less durable than those produced by SLA or SLS printers. The durability of prints produced by piston-based 3D printing will depend on the specific material used.

Precision: FFF printers can achieve precision up to 0.1 mm or less, while SLA printers are capable of producing high precision prints. SLS printers produce good precision, while piston-based 3D printing does not have a precision rating, as it is dependent on the material being used.

Post Processing: Post-processing can be a tough task, especially for SLA and SLS prints, while FFF prints are easier to post-process. Piston-based 3D printing can also be a tough task, depending on the specific material used.

Freedom of Forms: FFF printers have the least freedom of forms, with limited capabilities to create complex shapes. SLA printers have limited freedom of forms as well, while SLS printers have good freedom of forms. Piston-based 3D printing has very limited freedom of forms, as the mechanism is designed to extrude or push material through a nozzle.

In summary, when choosing a 3D printing mechanism, it’s important to consider factors such as the material to be used, the precision required, post-processing demands, and freedom of form. FFF printers are suitable for simpler designs, while SLA and SLS printers are suitable for more complex designs that require higher precision. Piston-based 3D printing is useful when printing with a variety of materials, but may have limited precision and freedom of form.

SLA Liquid Resin VS FDM Filament | In-depth comparison

Here’s an in-depth study that illustrates the main differences between the SLA – Liquid Resin and the FDM Plastic Filaments. This part will help you to understand more of why the SLA gives a better output of any action figures.

SLA stands for Steeiolithography or digital light processing (DLP). This 3d printing technology uses lights to place the liquid resin into different layers. The printer works on a layer-by-layer approach on the print bed that produces a detailed 3d printed action figure or any other model.

On the other hand, Fused Deposition Modeling or FDM technology uses melted plastic filaments on the print bed through its hot end. After placing a layer of hot plastic, the FDM printer then releases another layer of hot melt material over the previous layer.

The main expertise of the SLA printer is – that it uses its UV over the layers that makes it shine and turn into a solid layer, which is not possible on the FDM printers.

Here’s a pictorial comparison of liquid resin & filament print at our lab.

So, if you are up to making smaller models with a great finish, the SLA printers are the ones that you need. However, If you need to build something LARGE and then the FDM printers would be really a great choice.

You can also bring the Resin finish into FDM prints with these tricks.

Here’s another in-depth comparison of SLA & FDM printers for your help.

The table provides a comparison between two popular 3D printing technologies, SLA and FDM, in terms of their key features and characteristics.

SLA (Stereolithography) technology uses a liquid resin material that is cured using a UV light source. On the other hand, FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology uses plastic filament as the printing material, which is melted and extruded through a nozzle to create a 3D object.

In terms of print quality, SLA technology generally produces high-quality prints with smooth surface finishes and intricate details. FDM prints, on the other hand, tend to have visible layer lines and rough surface finishes.

Durability is another factor where SLA technology falls behind FDM technology. SLA prints are usually more brittle and fragile compared to FDM prints, which are typically more robust and sturdy.

When it comes to build volume, FDM printers can print larger or medium-sized objects, while SLA printers are generally limited to smaller print volumes due to their build platform size.

Printing speed is another key difference between the two technologies. FDM printers can print much faster than SLA printers, making them a better option for mass production and larger-scale printing projects.

In terms of ease of use, FDM technology is generally considered easier to operate compared to SLA technology. This is because FDM printers have a simpler setup and require less maintenance, while SLA printers require more complex calibration and maintenance.

Maintenance is another factor that distinguishes SLA and FDM printers. While SLA printers are generally easier to maintain due to their simpler design, FDM printers require more complex maintenance due to their multiple components, such as extruders and nozzles.

Noise levels also differ between the two technologies. SLA printers produce very low noise levels during operation, while FDM printers can be noisy, depending on the motherboard and other components.

In conclusion, both SLA and FDM printers have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of technology depends on the specific requirements of the printing project. SLA printers are better for high-quality and small-scale prints, while FDM printers are better for larger scale production and functional prints that require durability.

SLA VS MSLA

So far, this is one of the best MSLA printers currently.

The below image is an example of MSLA printing with transparent resin outside.

Difference of 4k, 6k & 8k in Resin Printer

There might be a question in your brain that knocks about the difference between 6k and 8k of a resin printer.

In easy words, a higher resolution gives more details. For example, the Phrosen Sonic Mini 8k will provide you with more detailed action figures than that of Elegoo Mars.

A 4K resolution Resin Printer is capable of printing at a resolution of 4,000 dpi, which is four times higher than the 1,000 dpi of a standard FDM printer. This high resolution allows for the printing of high–resolution models with extreme detail and accuracy. For example, a 4K resin 3D printer can create a plastic model of a car that has extremely fine details, such as headlamps and side mirrors, that can’t be replicated with a FDM printer.

Besides, a 6K resolution Resin Printer is capable of printing at a resolution of 6,000 dpi, which is six times higher than the 1,000 dpi of a standard FDM printer. This high resolution allows for the printing of extremely high–resolution models with extremely fine details and accuracy. For example, a 6K resin 3D printer can create a plastic model of a watch that has extremely fine details, such as tiny screws and gears, that can’t be replicated with a FDM printer.

An 8K resolution Resin Printer is capable of printing at a resolution of 8,000 dpi, which is eight times higher than the 1,000 dpi of a standard FDM printer. This high resolution allows for the printing of extremely high–resolution models with extreme accuracy and detail. For example, an 8K resin 3D printer can create a plastic model of a circuit board that has extremely fine details, such as tiny transistors and resistors, that can’t be replicated with a FDM printer.

Why Action Figures?

There was a time when we have seen so many cinematic characters on television. Time goes and we have started to live with those action figures. 3d printers have given us the opportunity to make a three-dimensional printout of our favorite heroes/action figures.

Some people found that giving a 3d printed action figure to the kids helps develop their inner senses.

What types of resin should you use for making Miniatures?

There are several types of resin to make miniatures and action figures with an SLA 3d printer. Mostly the SLA printer seller will recommend or sell the appropriate types of resin for making miniatures.

 

However, you can buy resins from marketplaces as well. Different types of resins are:

Clear Resin

These resins are the same as the standard resin which comes in different solid colors. Clear resins are great for a better quality finish and transparent prints. To make the action figures waterproof, clear resins also play a major role.

Tough Resin

Tough resins produce strong miniatures which makes them more stronger and durable. Tough resins are useful when someone wants to prepare a component model or architectural footprint. Tough resins are identical for making the model sturdy and stronger.

Flexible Resin

Flexible resins are like rubber. Such resins make the miniatures flexible but require a support structure to print. Usually, people need this to make handles, grips, etc.

Washable Resin

Water washable resins require water in post-processing without having the need os isopropyl alcohol. These are good for faster curing and are also affordable. Miniatures made of water washable resins are suitable for painting and dyeing anonymously.

Printing Action Figures or Miniatures with FDM Printers

You can also print miniatures or action figures with the FDM 3d printers which operate differently than the resin printers. The main difference is that the FDM printers can leave layer marks that are not that superior to the resin prints.

See the picture below: This action figure printing is made on Makerbot with ABS filament at a 50% infill percentage. You can see the layer marks but you can easily remove them by applying epoxy solution anytime.

Again, if you can work with the infill percentage, nozzle size, and increase the printing time, you can even make stunning miniatures with regular filaments and an FDM 3D printer. See the below picture, it’s a miniature on FDM printer which took 79 hours of mine.

If you need a 3d printer for a mixture of purposes then you may choose this FDM printer from the list below.

Makerbot Replicator is one of the premium FDM printers that can print any miniatures, parts, or even anything as per your design. Its precession is super accurate and its speed is also mind-blowing. Usually, this printer comes up with a build volume of 245 mm which means you can fit any of the models underneath the extruder. The most common concern someone may have is warping which refers to pulling off any of the sides of the 3d printer before it gets done. We have experienced that the replicator stops warping at the maximum level with a printing speed of around 200 mm per second. Such premium FDM printers are also a good choice when compared to silent resin printers. One thing you may experience negatively is the final finish. Surely it will not seem as great as the resin prints of Sonic 8k. But, you can apply epoxy or even follow these guidelines.

How to make an action figure with a 3d printer?

Printing action figure in a 3d printer is super easy if you know these super steps. We will explain here how to make an action figure with a 3d printer from our research output and experts’ opinions.

Design Action Figure

First, you need to collect the 3d model from any depositories or make one in AutoCAD. Earlier, we published an article on designing models that you can check. If you cannot design the 3d model of the action figure, you can easily download it from the depositories such as Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, Printable, Cults, or GrabCAD. Usually, these depositories have free 3d models available to download but, there may be some premium action figure models that need payments.

You can also outsource the process of designing action figures from outsourcing websites such as Upwork or Fiverr. Usually, a single action figure 3d modeling would charge you USD 10 to 15 but, there might be some newcomers who can even do the job at the minimum costs.

There are some online groups (such as Telegram), where you can find some good 3d print models for free.

Define Action Figure Design

The second step is to define the details of your 3d model of the action figure. If you buy the action figure 3d design from any depositories or outsource, there would not be any job of defining details. However, if you design by yourself, Free CAD software would do the job of defining models.

Print Action Figure on your Resin Printer

The third step is to print.

Just you need to keep some important notes in mind that if the action figure model is printed in place or you may need to split the 3d print.

Some people find the splitting very useful but it takes a lot of effort to post-processing later on. Just be very careful when exporting the STL files to your 3d printer slicer program.

Many 3d printers have their own slicer program that may not support all types of files.

Post Processing

The final step is post-processing.

There are a few things you need to consider while post-processing the 3d printed action figure.

You need to remove the supports from your splitter prints through a craft knife.

After that, try fitting the parts one by one. You may need to glue them together for a greater finish.

If the action figure is ready, it’s your time to paint it. Again, it’s an art that everyone cannot. Painting the 3d printed action figure makes it perfect.

If you need to make it waterproof, follow this guideline.

Our latest article can also help you in making the 3d prints more durable.

How long to cure resin 3d prints?

The amount of time required to cure a resin 3D print depends on the type of resin being used.For example, some resins are designed to be cured in as little as 10 minutes, while others can require up to 24 hours of curing time. In general, most resins will require between 3–24 hours of curing time.

In addition to the type of resin, the curing time can also be affected by factors such as the layer thickness of the print, the size of the print, and the ambient temperature. For example, a thin layer print may require less cure time than a thicker layer print. Likewise, a larger print may require more cure time than a smaller print.

It is important to follow the manufacturer‘s instructions when curing resin 3D prints as different resins may require different curing times.

Potential Hazard of 3d Print risk

These are the potential risks that come from 3d printing. Consider these especially if you print a lot of action figures in your 3d printer.

• There could be a thermal runaway error that may cause a fire hazard. Action figure printing requires a resin printer that works slower than the FDM printers.
• The cooling fan is an important part of the 3d printer. Based on the RPM, the fans cool down the print and control the noise. Sometimes cooling fan failure may expose the 3d printer to fire hazards.
• The 3d printing places may lack a fire suppression system which is risky.
• Resin printers may produce toxic fumes while making action figures.
• Not all material is performance grade. Be very careful while choosing the resin printer for making action figures.
• Often UV lights from resin printers harm our skin and outer surface.

We strongly recommend you follow the guideline set by US consumer Commission when making action figures on your 3d printer.

3d Printer Market Analysis

This section refers to the application, key drivers, major market challenges, and industry growth of 3d printers.

As per the Grand View Research team, the total market size of 3d printers stood around USD USD 16.75 billion in 2022. The anticipated revenue in 2030 is USD 76.17 billion which represents a compounding annual growth or CAGR of 21% approximately.

The industrial 3d printer segment counts for 70% whereas the rest 30% is the personalized setup.

It means, that a big number of customers are either 3d printer enthusiasts or making use of 3d printers non-commercially. The 30% pie also helps to predict that the available 3d printing companies will start working on more innovations that ultimately benefit us.