The Best Affordable Resin Printers for Miniatures (Without Selling a Kidney)

The Best Affordable Resin Printers for Miniatures (Without Selling a Kidney)


If you’re like me, you love the idea of printing insanely detailed miniatures but don’t love the idea of going broke in the process. Resin 3D printers are the go-to for high-quality miniatures, whether you’re making D&D characters, wargaming armies, or tiny warriors that will ultimately sit on a shelf because you never got around to painting them.


But here’s the problem: most resin printers that produce crisp, jaw-dropping detail can cost more than a used car. And while “selling a kidney” is technically an option, I wouldn’t recommend it.


So, let’s cut to the chase: here are the best budget-friendly resin printers that won’t leave your wallet crying—plus some tips and tricks to make resin printing less terrifying for beginners.

Why Resin Printing is Different


Before we dive into printers, let’s talk why resin printing is a different beast from regular FDM/PLA printing.

  • Detail: Resin prints are sharper and smoother. Tiny details like facial expressions, armor spikes, and sword handles come out crisp.

  • Layering: Resin uses a liquid photopolymer cured by UV light. Layers are usually invisible compared to FDM’s “stepped” appearance.

  • Post-processing: You will need gloves, alcohol baths, and UV curing. Safety first! Think of it like chemistry class meets arts and crafts.


Resin printing can be messy and smelly, but the results are worth it if you want miniatures that actually look professional.

Top Affordable Resin Printers for Miniatures


Here’s the breakdown of printers that won’t cost an arm and a leg:

1. Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($150–$180)


The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is the classic beginner-friendly resin printer.


Why it’s great:

  • 4K resolution for crisp detail (your rogue’s dagger actually looks like a dagger!).

  • Fast print speeds, so you aren’t staring at your printer for 12 hours straight.

  • Decent build volume allows you to print multiple minis at once.


Drawbacks:

  • No air filtration, so your workspace might smell like a chemistry lab.

  • Build volume is solid for minis but too small for terrain or large models.


Tips for beginners:

  • Keep a small fan and mask nearby if odors bother you.

  • Use a silicone mat to catch resin drips.

  • Print one miniature first to test exposure settings before committing to an entire army.

2. Elegoo Mars 4 ($200–$220)


Elegoo Mars printers have become a favorite in the budget resin world, and the Mars 4 brings some upgrades.


Why it’s great:

  • 9K LCD screen = insane detail. You’ll see every muscle and fold in your mini’s cloak.

  • Slightly larger build area than the Photon Mono 2.

  • Improved cooling system prevents overheating during long prints.


Drawbacks:

  • Slightly more expensive than the Photon Mono 2.

  • Software can be clunky initially, but YouTube tutorials save the day.


Tips for beginners:

  • Start with standard exposure settings, then tweak incrementally.

  • Test one model before printing multiple minis at once.

  • Keep spare FEP sheets and build plates; they’re easier to replace than crying over failed prints.

3. Creality Halot-One ($120–$140)


The Halot-One is the cheapest option for getting into resin printing without looking like you robbed a bank.


Why it’s great:

  • Affordable but capable of decent-quality miniatures.

  • Built-in WiFi allows for remote print starts—perfect for lazy teens (or just avoiding resin spills).

  • Resolution of 2560x1620 pixels is sharp enough for most miniatures.


Drawbacks:

  • Smaller build area limits how many miniatures you can print at once.

  • Slightly slower than the Mars 4 or Photon Mono 2.


Tips for beginners:

  • Stick to small-scale prints at first.

  • Use slow layer curing settings to avoid failed miniatures.

  • Watch the first few layers like a hawk; resin doesn’t forgive mistakes easily.

4. Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K ($250–$300)


If you want pro-level detail without completely breaking the bank, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K is a beast.


Why it’s great:

  • 8K resolution captures insanely fine details.

  • Reliable and robust; built like a tank.

  • Prints professional-quality miniatures without needing multiple retries.


Drawbacks:

  • Pricey compared to the other budget printers.

  • Build volume isn’t huge, so terrain or larger figures aren’t ideal.


Tips for beginners:

  • Don’t be intimidated by the high resolution; start small.

  • Always wear gloves and keep alcohol nearby for cleaning prints.

  • Invest in a UV curing station for the best results.

Resin Printing Tips for Teens


Now that you’ve picked a printer, here are some tips to make resin printing less of a nightmare:


Safety First

  • Always wear nitrile gloves—resin is toxic on skin.

  • Use a mask or respirator if your workspace isn’t ventilated.

  • Keep alcohol and paper towels handy for spills.


Proper Workspace

  • A small table with plastic mats is ideal. Resin can drip and ruin wood surfaces.

  • Keep a bin or tray for washing miniatures after printing.

  • Label and separate your tools: spatulas, tweezers, and scrapers for each printer.


Print Settings

  • Start with the default exposure times. Tweaking too early can ruin prints.

  • Layer height for miniatures: 0.05–0.1mm is ideal.

  • Supports: Don’t skip them; overhangs without support = melted chaos.


Post-Processing

  • Wash prints in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove uncured resin.

  • Use UV curing (sunlight or curing station) to harden the mini fully.

  • Sand or trim supports gently with flush cutters or a hobby knife.

Why Resin Printers Are Worth It


Sure, FDM printers are fun, but for miniatures:

  • Resin prints are smoother with fewer visible layers.

  • You can capture extremely fine details, like tiny facial expressions or intricate armor.

  • Perfect for tabletop games, painting challenges, or showing off on social media.


Even if you’re a teen with a budget, a good resin printer opens doors to creative possibilities. You’ll gain experience in 3D printing, model design, painting, and even DIY repairs.

Common Resin Printing Mistakes


Beginners often stumble here:

  • Skipping supports: Leads to sagging or failed prints.

  • Incorrect exposure: Too short = sticky prints; too long = warped or thick layers.

  • Not cleaning FEP sheets: Tiny resin bits = failed prints.

  • Ignoring safety: Skin contact = nasty rash.


Pro tip: Print a test mini before printing an army. It saves frustration, time, and filament.

Accessories to Consider


To get the most out of your resin printer:

  • FEP replacement sheets for the vat.

  • UV curing station for hardened, durable miniatures.

  • Resin filters for cleaning leftover resin.

  • Gloves, apron, and face mask for safety.


Even teens can set up a small, efficient resin-printing workstation with minimal cost.

Conclusion: Which Printer Should YOU Get?

  • Creality Halot-One: Cheapest entry-level option. Perfect for learning without frustration.

  • Anycubic Photon Mono 2: Best balance of price, quality, and speed. Solid first resin printer.

  • Elegoo Mars 4: Step up in resolution, build volume, and reliability. Great for serious hobbyists.

  • Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K: High-resolution pro-level prints without selling a kidney. Ideal if detail is everything.


No matter which one you pick, remember: resin printing takes patience, care, and a little bit of bravery. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be producing miniatures that look like they belong in a store, not your bedroom desk.


Wear gloves, ventilate your space, and enjoy the magic of turning liquid resin into tiny, incredible figures.

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