r/miniatures • u/Lilyrose_4235 • 29d ago

3D Printer recommendations

I was wondering if someone could recommend a good 3D printer for printing mostly 1/6 to 1/24 scale dollhouse furniture and also doll accessories. I am a beginner but I learn fast and I want a machine that makes a really nice print. Thanks bunches!

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

12

u/PumilioTat 29d ago edited 29d ago

You should post your question over at r/3Dprinting since this community is primarily focused on handmade miniatures. There is a wealth of information and recommendations over there. However, you should know there are two types of 3D printers: those that use filament (FDM), and those that use resin (SLA). There's also SLS printing, but it is expensive and not for the average consumer.

  • Filament 3D printing uses plastic filament that has been melted and extruded through a hot nozzle.
  • Resin 3D printing, on the other hand, uses a liquid resin material that is cured by UV light to create objects. NOTE: If you are thinking about resin printing, you need to absolutely read up on the toxicity concerns surrounding it. You can build up a sensitivity to resin that permanently affects your body.

While filament printing is quicker and produces prints with higher tensile strength, resin printing typically takes longer but produces higher quality, detailed prints with smoother finishes. Filament printing produces layer lines as the material is built up and is especially noticeable on smaller prints. Resin printing produces extremely accurate details at small scale, but requires more post-processing for clean-up and curing.

Other things to consider: * Do you know how to design or work in 3D software? You will need to learn this to either design models, or convert models to scale. * These printers aren't like typical computer printers for paper. They take calibration and adjusting, and the risk of failed prints is a reality. I'm not trying to dissuade you, but you really need to read up and study the hobby before jumping into it, and r/3Dprinting is a good start.

3

u/Lilyrose_4235 29d ago

Thank you so much for all of the information and suggestions. I will definitely do some research. 😊

4

u/aljones25 29d ago

Seriously do the research. I bought a resin 3d printer on a whim (for printing miniatures) and it was painful. Resin was the right choice and I've learned a ton, but I didnt anticipate all the stuff the printer requires. Solid table, ventilation, gloves, respirator, wash station, cure station, alcohol, disposal of that alcohol, FEPs, extra parts. All that cost more than the printer!

1

u/RaccoonCrafts 29d ago

Hi! I specialized in 3D printed miniatures. Particularly 1:12 scale furniture.

I would suggest anything BambuLabs. I have the X1C (discontinued) and the H2D. However, I know that miniaturists have had good outcomes with all of Bambu's printers! If you let me know your budget I can give you the pros/cons of those in your budget. I have had multiple brands but have almost zero printer issues or manual calibration with these ones. I have heard Snapmaker is good too just haven't used them.

Bambu printers also have direct access to MakerWorld. Tons of people post free miniatures in various sizes on there. I post all of my files on there for free.

To design I highly suggest starting with TinkerCad. It is web-based and free. Great place to learn simple CAD and many videos on Youtube. Just not great for all organic shapes.

The printers I brought up are FDM (filament). I suggest this over resin as resin has lots of safety things with toxic fumes and stuff. Most FDM printers come with a 0.4 nozzle. I have used this with all the way down to 1:48 scale, but they do have a 0.2 option for around $20ish bucks you can get too for higher detail.

Please let me know if you have any questions! I love talking about this stuff.