3D Resin Printing : Best Model & Miniature Printer
I was an avid model and miniature painter before the days of 3D resin printers, so since that time you can be sure I’ve ploughed hundreds of hours into printing models of all sizes and shapes. As a hobby, it’s relaxing and rewarding, and we get out of it what we put in. That typically starts with the right choice of printer and this is probably my most extensive list. Shockingly I have NOT included DLPs here. I love the accuracy of them and personally I’m happy to adjust Antialiasing values to soften the super sharp pixels. But most painters prefer softer surfaces… so no DLPs here, but you'll find them listed HERE. There's also no Large printers as these are more a speciality item.
Here I’ve listed the resin printers that I feel are ideal for model and miniature work. I’ve personally owned and thoroughly tested each of them, and even ranked them in order of recommendation. Prices aren’t included as these change too frequently, but I have included convenient price links so you can check the money side of things out for yourself.
VogMan’s Models & Miniatures 3D Resin Printer Picks
| PRINTER | MY RANKING |
XY RESOLUTION |
SIZE | PRINT AREA W x D x H |
MY REVIEW |
COMMENTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra 9K | #1 | 18 µm | S | 153 x 78 x 165 mm |  |
This is the Mars on steroids. An incredible printer with amazing fine detail quality. | |
| Elegoo Mars 4 9K | #2 | 18 µm | S | 153 x 78 x 175 mm | |
The Mars 4K is a formidable printer topped only by the Mars 4 Ultra, capable of very fine printing. | |
| Phrozen Sonic Mighty Revo 14K | #3 | 17 / 24 µm | M | 223 x 126 x 235 mm | |
Probably the best printer Phrozen have made since the Mini 8K, this is an expensive machine, but its very well put together. It truly impressed me. | |
| Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro | #4 | 17 / 24 µm | M | 223 x 126 x 200 mm | |
Great detail over a large plate, this 14K really produces the results. | |
| Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 12K | #5 | 19 / 24 µm | M | 219 x 123 x 220 mm | |
Lots of innovation on this model getting the most from its 12K screen. | |
| Elegoo Saturn 3 12K | #6 | 19 / 24 µm | M | 219 x 123 x 250 mm | |
A very impressive printer that, whilst lacking extra features, prints beautifully. | |
| Anycubic Photon Mono M5S 12K | #7 | 19 / 24 µm | M | 218 x 123 x 200 mm | |
A large plate and 12K printing power, this almost equals the printing power of the Phrozen Mini 8K, but also comes with a self levelling build plate. | |
| Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra 12K | #8 | 19 / 24 µm | M | 219 x 123 x 260 mm | |
Accuracy with a larger built plate. For me an equal performance to the Phrozen Mini 8K, but much larger. | |
| Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K | #9 | 22 µm | S | 165 x 72 x 180 mm | |
The first 8K and 22 micron. Incredible quality. Use the code VOG10 for 10% off at the official store. | |
| Phrozen Sonic Mini 8KS | #10 | 22 µm | S | 165 x 72 x 170 mm | |
A cheapened down version of the Mini 8K, but still packing a mighty punch. Use the code VOG10 for 10% off at the official store. | |
| UniFormation GKtwo | #11 | 29 µm | M | 228 x 128 x 245 mm | |
The first to include a resin heater, I really love this printer. | |
| Anycubic Photon M3 Premium | #12 | 29 µm | M | 219 x 123 x 250 mm | |
With ball screw double threaded rods, the premium sold out initially within days of launch. | |
| Phrozen Sonic Mighty 8K | #13 | 29 µm | M | 218 x 123 x 235 mm | |
A great midranger with a very helpful UI. Just a tad expensive in comparison to others. | |
| Anycubic Photon M3 Plus | #14 | 34 µm | M | 197 x 122 x 245 mm | |
Midrange quality print performance with an improved UI and the first Auto Resin filler I came across. | |
| Elegoo Saturn 2 3D 8K | #15 | 29 µm | M | 219 x 123 x 250 mm | |
Good price, good build and a great performer. | |
| Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | #16 | 35 µm | S | 165 x 143 x 189 mm | |
The best budget 35 micron printer in my opinion. Great all-rounder. | |
| Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K | #16 | 34 µm | M | 197 x 122 x 245 mm | |
Quickly surpassed by another version, this printer is not easy to get hold off - but well worth it if you can. | |
| Anycubic Photon M3 4K | #17 | 40 µm | S | 164 x 102 x 180 mm | |
Why the M3 exists I don´t know. It fills the same hole as the Mono 2, but costs a bit more and prints slightly less well. Good it´s still a good printer. | |
| Elegoo Mars 3 Pro 4K | #18 | 35 µm | S | 143 x 90 x 175 mm | |
The Mars is just a great all rounder printer, loved by many. Me included. | |
| Creality Halot One Plus | #19 | 40 µm | S | 172 x 102 x 160 mm | |
Creality has their fans and this is a gorgeous looking printer, with a UI that takes a bit of getting used to. |
Yes, I know, it’s a big list. I recommend on a basis of quality, closely followed by affordability. Most of the time this means the more accurate printers appear higher in my listing than those with unnecessary toys. But with that said, I can’t help but be influenced by clever innovation, such as with the Uniformation GKtwo.
It’s my list, my thoughts, my opinions, so feel free to ignore it. But please remember I have personally owned and thoroughly tested all of the above, so I have no agenda. There are YouTuber’s who are paid to say nice things. Some even receive company shares I’m told. I get neither, which whilst it doesn’t help me pay any bills, it does mean I can speak as I find.
Resin
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About the Price Links
IF YOU ARE going to buy one of these printers, I’d be grateful if you could do it by clicking one of the links I provide. This will not cost you any extra but in some cases it can generate a small commission for me. And before the cynics say anything, no, my ranking system is NOT biased in favour of commissions… that’s not my style. These commissions aren't enough to change anyone's life, though they can help me cover the costs of this website and my various channels. However, I'd prefer to lose these commissions and speak honestly, rather than deceive someone out of hundreds so that I can earn pennies.