6 Best compact 3 d printers for minis 2025 in the United States

The ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra 9K Resin 3D Printer is designed for users who need high precision and speed in a compact format, making it ideal for printing miniatures. One of its standout features is the 9K resolution mono LCD, providing exceptional detail with an 18μm XY resolution, which is crucial for intricate miniatures.

The build volume of 6.04 x 3.06 x 6.49 inches is adequate for most small-scale projects, but might be limiting for larger models. Material compatibility primarily focuses on resin, suitable for high-detail miniatures, though this limits variety in printing materials compared to filament printers.

The printer excels in speed with up to 150mm/h printing, facilitated by tilt release technology for quick model peeling without losing detail. Ease of use is enhanced by smart automatic leveling, AI camera error detection, and residue detection, making it accessible even for beginners. Connectivity is robust with Wi-Fi transfer and the ability to manage multiple printers from one device, enhancing productivity for users handling multiple projects. However, the printer is on the heavier side at 24 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users. The Mars 5 Ultra offers advanced features and high precision, but potential buyers should consider the limited build volume and resin-only compatibility.

The Creality Ender 3 3D Printer is a solid choice for those looking to get into 3D printing, particularly for miniatures. Its standout feature is the Resume Printing Function, which ensures your print job can continue even after a power outage or lapse. This can be a major time-saver and reduces frustration. Its build volume of 8.66x8.66x9.84 inches is generous for a compact printer, making it suitable for various sizes of miniatures and small projects.

The assembly process is touted as quick and easy, taking roughly two hours, which is ideal for beginners and students. Its advanced extruder technology helps mitigate issues like clogging, ensuring smoother and more reliable prints. Additionally, the safety-protected power supply ensures quick heating of the print bed, which can reach 100 degrees in just five minutes, boosting efficiency.

However, the printer does have some drawbacks. It primarily supports PLA and some other basic materials, so it may not be the best option for those looking to experiment with a wide range of filament types. Connectivity options are also somewhat limited, as there is no mention of Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you may need to rely on a direct connection to a laptop or PC. The Creality Ender 3 is well-suited for beginners and those with basic 3D printing needs, thanks to its ease of use, reliability, and decent build volume.

This compact 3D printer from Asani is designed with beginners and kids in mind, making it an excellent choice for those new to 3D printing or those who need a simple, easy-to-use machine. One of its major strengths is the fact that it comes fully assembled, which removes the hassle and potential issues of assembly errors. The inclusion of auto-leveling and one-touch filament loading further enhances its user-friendliness, ensuring that even those with no prior experience can get started quickly and easily.

The build volume at 8.3” x 8.3” x 11.4” is decent for a compact printer, making it ideal for small projects and miniatures, though it might be limiting for larger objects. Another highlight is its compatibility with multiple materials like PLA, PLA Pro, and TPU, which allows for some flexibility in printing different types of projects. The printer also offers open-source printing with compatibility across major operating systems (MAC, Windows, Linux) and slicing software, providing a broad range of options for users to work with.

This 3D printer is well-suited for beginners and educational purposes, offering ease of use and a decent range of features, albeit with some limitations in build volume. Additionally, while the 2.4” LCD screen is convenient, it might feel small for some users who prefer a larger interface. The product's compact and lightweight design (6.4 pounds) is perfect for home and educational settings, though the small size might not suit those looking for a more robust machine. Connectivity through WiFi enhances its usability.