3D Printing Miniatures & Tabletop Models
Print detailed miniatures for D&D, Warhammer, and any tabletop game with an FDM printer and the right settings. Forgely Roy stocks filament tuned for fine detail, and we can print your minis for you if you prefer.
Why PLA Is Best for Miniatures
Sharp Detail at Low Layers
PLA prints cleanly at 0.08mm layer heights where other materials struggle. It holds fine features like faces, weapons, and armor trim without stringing or blobbing.
Easy to Sand & Prime
PLA sands smoothly and accepts spray primer without melting or warping. This makes it ideal for the sand-prime-paint workflow that miniature painters rely on.
Safe & Low Odor
Unlike resin, PLA does not require ventilation, gloves, or UV curing. You can print minis on your desk and handle them immediately — no safety concerns for home or game-store setups.
Affordable Per Model
A single miniature uses 5-15 grams of filament. A 1kg spool prints dozens of characters, monsters, and terrain pieces — far cheaper per model than buying pre-made minis or running resin.
Optimal Print Settings for Miniatures
Layer Height
0.08 – 0.12 mm
Finer layers = more detail
Nozzle Size
0.2 mm
Smaller nozzle for small features
Print Speed
25 – 40 mm/s
Slower = cleaner details
Infill
15 – 20%
Enough for stability, not too heavy
Supports
Tree supports
Easier removal, less scarring
Temperature
200 – 210 °C
Standard PLA range
Settings based on Forgely Performance PLA on a well-calibrated FDM printer with a 0.2mm nozzle.
Post-Processing: From Print to Painted Mini
Remove Supports
Carefully clip tree supports with flush cutters. Work slowly around delicate features like weapons and fingers.
Sand (Optional)
Light sanding with 400-grit removes the worst layer lines on flat surfaces. Skip sanding on very fine details — primer will handle minor lines.
Prime
Apply a thin coat of spray primer (grey or black). This reveals surface imperfections and gives paint something to grip. Two light coats are better than one thick coat.
Base Coat
Apply base colors with acrylic miniature paints. Thin your paints — two thin coats look far better than one thick one. Let each coat dry fully.
Wash & Highlight
Apply a dark wash to add depth to recesses and panel lines. Once dry, dry-brush highlights onto raised edges for a professional look.
Seal
Finish with a matte or satin clear coat to protect the paint job during tabletop play. Gloss works for metallic or wet-look surfaces.
FDM vs. Resin for Miniatures
| Factor | FDM (PLA) | Resin (SLA/MSLA) |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Detail | Good (with 0.2mm nozzle) | Excellent |
| Safety | Safe, low odor | Toxic resin, ventilation required |
| Cost Per Mini | Very low ($0.05–0.15) | Low ($0.10–0.30) |
| Post-Processing | Sand, prime, paint | Wash, cure, prime, paint |
| Durability | Tough, survives drops | Brittle, can snap |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | Moderate learning curve |
| Batch Printing | One at a time (fast) | Many at once (slower per batch) |
For most tabletop gamers, FDM with PLA is the practical choice. If you need the absolute finest detail for competition painting, resin has the edge — but FDM minis look great on the table once primed and painted.
What Forgely Roy Offers Miniature Printers
The Right Filament
Forgely Performance PLA prints cleanly at 0.08mm layers. We stock grey and white — the best base colors for painting minis — plus a full color range for terrain and accessories.
Custom Print Service
Send us your STL files and we will print your miniatures, monsters, and terrain on tuned printers with optimal settings. Pick up at our Roy store or have them shipped.
Printer Repair
Clogged 0.2mm nozzle? Bed adhesion issues? Bring your printer in and we will diagnose and fix it. We work on Bambu, Creality, Prusa, and more.
In-Store Advice
Walk in and talk miniatures. We can help with slicer settings, support strategies, nozzle selection, and painting tips — real answers from people who print.
Miniature Printing FAQ
Can you print good miniatures with an FDM printer?
Yes. Modern FDM printers with a 0.2mm nozzle and 0.08-0.12mm layer heights produce surprisingly detailed miniatures. While resin printers offer finer detail, FDM minis are more than adequate for tabletop play and paint up beautifully after priming.
What layer height should I use for miniatures?
For miniatures, use 0.08mm to 0.12mm layer heights. At 0.08mm you get the finest detail but longer print times. At 0.12mm you get a good balance of detail and speed. Pair this with a 0.2mm nozzle for the best results on small features like faces and weapons.
Is PLA or resin better for miniatures?
Resin produces finer surface detail, but PLA miniatures are safer to handle (no toxic chemicals), cheaper per model, and tougher on the tabletop. PLA minis also accept primer and paint well. For most tabletop gamers, FDM with PLA is the practical choice — especially if you already own an FDM printer.
How do I paint 3D printed miniatures?
Start by sanding lightly with 400-grit sandpaper, then apply a thin coat of spray primer (grey or black). Once primed, use acrylic miniature paints and thin brushes. Layer your base colors first, then add washes for depth and dry-brush highlights. A matte clear coat protects the finished paint job.
Do you sell filament specifically for printing miniatures?
We stock Forgely Performance PLA, which prints cleanly at low layer heights and sands and primes well — exactly what you need for miniatures. We carry multiple colors including grey and white, which are ideal base colors for painting minis. Visit our Roy store or browse our online collection.
Start Printing Miniatures
Whether you print your own minis or want us to print them for you — Forgely Roy has the filament, the printers, and the know-how.