How to 3D Print Miniatures on an FDM 3D Printer (9 Steps)

Being able to 3D print miniatures on an FDM 3D printer is something that many people wonder how to get right. There are different methods and tips you’ll want to know to get it done in the best way.

To 3D print miniatures on an FDM 3D printer, download a model, import the STL file into your 3D slicer, dial in the correct settings, adjust the orientation, add supports and a raft, and slice the model. Finally, 3D print the model and perform post-processing such as sanding, priming, or painting the model. 

This is a quick overview of how to 3D print miniatures on an FDM 3D printer. For tips and more in-depth details, continue reading the article.

How to 3D Print Miniatures on an FDM 3D Printer

Here is the step-by-step process to 3D print miniatures on an FDM 3D printer:

1. Find a miniature model and download it
2. Import the downloaded file into a 3D slicer
3. Scale the miniature model as needed
4. Configure the settings for your specific model
5. Adjust the orientation of the model
6. Add supports and a raft to your model 
7. Slice the model and export the STL file to a USB or SD card 
8. Load the file into your 3D printer and start the printing process
9. Perform any necessary post-processing

1. Find and Download a Miniature Model from Thingiverse

To 3D print a miniature on your FDM 3D printer, start by finding a model. You can visit various websites or 3D printer file archives to find both free and paid miniatures models for 3D printing. Some of the best options include:

• Thingiverse
• MyMiniFactory
• Cults3D
• TurboSquid
• Printables

Additionally, you can use specified 3D printer search engines such as Yeggi and STLFinder to help you discover the miniature model of your choice.

Since Thingiverse is the most popular and a highly user-recommended platform, here is the simple process of how to download miniature models from there.

• Visit the Thingiverse website and using the search bar, type in keywords like “Miniatures”, “DnD”, “knight”, “ranger”, and “terrain”, or specify sizes like “miniatures 28mm” or “miniature 32mm”.
• Browse through the search results and choose the miniature model you want to download. For example, I searched for “Miniature Knight” and chose the “Knight w/Polearm (28mm/32mm scale)” model by Dutchmogul.

• Download and save the STL file on your PC/Laptop by clicking on the “Download All Files” button on the model’s page. You should also take a look at the description on the model page for the designer’s tips and settings for the model.

• Once downloaded, the file will be saved in your chosen folder within the “File Explorer”.

If the file is in ZIP format, right-click on the file and click “Extract Here” or “Unzip File” to access its content in regular files and folders.

• If the model has multiple files, different poses, or various file formats, you can scroll down on the model’s page, click on the “Files” tab, and download each file separately as needed.

2. Import the Downloaded STL File into Ultimaker Cura

Now that you have your miniature model in STL format, it’s time to open the 3D slicer of your choice. While there are many slicer options available, such as Simplify3D, Slic3r, and PrusaSlicer, Cura is highly recommended for its features and functionality.

With its great experience and ease of use, it is well-suited for FDM users, whether you are a beginner or a professional.

You can download Cura straight from the website, then install it onto your computer.

• Once downloaded, double-click on the Ultimaker Cura icon on your desktop or launch it from the search bar on the taskbar.

• After Cura is opened, click “Open File(s)”. This will open a small “File Explorer” window for you to locate your saved file in your selected folder.

• Select the downloaded file and click “Open”.

• Once the importing process is complete, the model should appear on the build plate, looking something like this.

3. Scale/Size your Miniature for Perfect Size

Scaling your miniature to the correct size is crucial, especially if you are 3D printing multiple characters for a tabletop game. Scaling ensures that your set of miniatures looks balanced and symmetrical when placed or arranged together.

The best way to achieve accurate scaling is by using a miniature measuring scale model.

• Go to the Thingiverse website and download a scale model for measuring miniatures in Cura. One good option is Miniature Scaler by Yoolis, which has 20K+ downloads on Thingiverse.

• Import the scale model into Cura.
• Set the scale to 100%. This ensures the Cura settings do not interrupt the scale and give accurate measurements for your miniature.

The scale model has two sides with different sizes marked on them: 28mm and 34mm. In most tabletop games, 28mm is a standard size for small miniatures, while 32-34mm is better for larger, more important characters like leaders.

The scale model also indicates base sizes ranging from Tiny to Gargantuan.

To relate with the real-world height, there are also measurements in feet on both sides. For example, if you have a miniature knight that’s 6 feet tall in the real world, it will line up with the 28mm mark.

On the 34mm side, 6 feet will line up with the 35mm. So, the basic difference between the two sides is their correspondence with real-world height in feet.

• Rotate the scale to have the 28mm side on the front.

• Move the miniature model and place it right in front or next to the scale.

• Select the model and click the Scale icon, while keeping the “Uniform Scaling” option checked. This ensures that the model size increases or decreases uniformly in all directions.

• Using the arrows, increase or decrease the model’s size until it matches the desired 28mm height on the scale.

• Once scaled accurately, right-click on the “Miniature Scaler” and click “Delete Selected” or simply press the “Delete” key.

For a visual demonstration of the whole process, watch the video below.

Alternatively, you can also use another model of the desired size as a reference and adjust the size of your miniature until it matches it. Sir Scaleby by dutchmogul offers a wide range of calibrated models in different sizes (6mm-54mm) for accurate scaling.

Check out the video of scaling miniature using another model of the same size.

4. Adjust Print Settings in Ultimaker Cura

While specific settings may vary depending on your 3D printer, the material you are using, and the type of model you are printing, these tips/settings should always help you achieve the best results when 3D printing miniatures on an FDM printer.

• One of the most crucial settings to get a high-quality FDM miniature is to set the “Layer Height” between 0.08mm to 0.16mm (for a 0.4mm nozzle) as recommended by multiple users.

Some users recommend finding your 3D printer’s “Stepper Motor Magic Numbers” and then setting a “Layer Height” that’s a multiple of that value. For Ender 3, one magic number is 0.04mm, so using layer heights like 0.08mm, 0.12mm, or 0.16mm usually works well.

One user suggested setting the layer height to 0.05mm, which isn’t a magic number but still works well. It might take longer to print, but the results come out with high details and a smooth finish.

Another user found success with Ender 3 by using a 0.36mm Line Width and Layer Height between 0.15mm to 0.20mm. One user also got good results on a Prusa Mk3S+ using a 0.25mm nozzle at 0.1mm layer height.

• Set the “Infill Density” to 100%. You can hollow the part, but it is better to keep miniatures solid as they are small, use less filament, cost 10-25 cents, and should also have some weight to sit/stand still on a surface (table/board).

One user got good quality miniatures with lower infill density (25% to 50%) by setting the Shell Thickness to 0.45mm (for 0.4mm nozzle), Minimum Layer Time to 5-6 seconds, and maintaining 100% fan speed.

• One user recommended setting the “Top Layers” to 999999 and the “Bottom Layers” to 0. This tricks Cura into treating every layer as a top layer, thus enhancing the print quality and details.

The user tried this on Simplify3D but it didn’t make much difference, but on Cura, this trick works like magic.

Another user said that decreasing the Infill Speed or increasing the Wall Thickness can also bring the same results. So, you must play around to see what you like and what works better for your miniatures.

• Reduce the Print Speed to between 20mm/s to 25mm/s. While this may increase the overall printing time, it allows each layer to cool down properly, resulting in a better-looking model. As suggested by some users, printing between 30mm/s to 40mm/s should also give good results.

• Consider enabling retraction settings if needed. These settings are often ignored but they can play a role in printing miniatures successfully. It is recommended to print the Retraction Test by deltapenguin to determine the best retraction settings for your specific 3D printer and filament.

You basically 3D print the test and see if there is stringing between the four pillars. If there is, increase your retraction distance, then once it improves to a good point, you can dial in your retraction speed – usually between 25-40mm/s.

Reducing the Print Temperature can also help reduce stringing.

If you want to use an external profile from a professional 3D printer user, follow the video below to import the profile into Cura in just a minute.

5. Adjust the Orientation of your Miniature

Model orientation is the act of positioning/placing the model on some specific part of the build plate and rotating/adjusting it to an angle that increases the print’s success rate.

In Cura, you can easily do this by selecting the model using the setting icons on the left.  You can move, rotate, and even mirror your model to achieve the desired orientation.

When printing multiple models at a time, move the model to position each one in specific areas so that they have enough space in between. You can freely move the model using the mouse or by adjusting X, Y, and Z values.

• Since we are printing one model, placing it in the middle of the build plate would be ideal.

• It is a good idea to angle the model anywhere between 10° to 45° where 45° is the angle recommended by most 3D printer users.

The angle choice mainly depends on the specific model you are printing. For example, a miniature with a cape should be oriented at 45° on its back because removing support would be easier from that part as compared to the bottom of the cape.

So, you need to analyze the model and determine which parts have fewer artifacts and will offer easier support removal.

• One user said that angling at 45° on the back of the miniature is great since the front part of the miniature will be clean and smooth. Doing so also adds to the overall success of your miniature model.

6. Add Supports and a Raft to your Miniature Model

The crucial step is to add support. These supports act as a foundation for overhanging parts and islands in your model while giving strength to delicate parts.

• Enable the “Generate Supports” setting. You can go with the “Normal” support structure but “Tree” is usually recommended since it has less contact with the model, making supports easy to remove.

Danny from 3D Printed Tabletop suggested using Zig-Zag supports for miniatures. To make this even better, they suggested enabling the “Break Up Supports in Chunks” option under the “Experimental” settings.

This setting forms a connected zigzag pattern something similar to tree supports but without unnecessarily covering the entire print like traditional tree supports do.

• Set the “Build Plate Adhesion Type” to “Raft”. This provides a stable base for the model and supports it while allowing better print adhesion to the build plate.

• After making these settings, slice the model and check it out in the “Preview” section.

• This is how the model should look in the preview section, with supports and a raft.

One user said that with settings like 0.08mm layer height (for 0.2mm nozzle) and 35mm/s print speed, adding a Brim and using Tree support helped them get high-quality miniatures, though it increased the print time.

The video below has some great tips for 3D printing miniatures on an FDM 3D printer.

• You can also add manual support by installing a plugin from Cura’s Marketplace.

• Search for the “Custom Supports” under the “Plugin” tab and install the “Cylindric Custom Support” plugin.

• Once installation is complete, Quit Ultimaker Cura.

• Upon restarting, you should find the plugin icon on the left side of the window under the orientation settings.

With that, you can manually add support where needed. You can support too delicate/thin parts or remove any support if you feel it is unnecessary.

Here is a detailed video on adding custom supports to a 3D model.

7. Slice the Model and Export the STL File into an SD Card or USB

Since all the settings and adjustments have been made, slice the model in Cura.

• Simply click on the big “Slice” button and wait for the 3D printer to render the model in a  file that can be 3D printed on your printer.

• Once sliced, you can click on the “Preview” button to have a final look at the model. View the model to have an idea of how the model will be printed layer by layer and make adjustments if required. To end the process on Cura, export the file by clicking on the “Save to Disk” button.

• Save your miniature model’s file on an SD Card or USB drive.

8. Load the File Into your 3D Printer and Start Printing

Finally, it’s time to start your 3D printing process:

• Insert your SD Card or USB drive.
• Load the STL or G-Code file into your 3D printer.
• Start the 3D printing process.

Keep an eye on the model during the printing process. Be ready to make adjustments or pause/stop the printing if any issues or errors occur.

9. Perform the Post-Processing of your Model

Once the miniature is 3D printed, post-process the model by removing the supports.

Sanding the model is recommended to make it smooth. PAXCOO 42 Pcs Sandpaper Assortment from Amazon is a good option, as it includes wet and dry sandpapers ranging from 120 to 3,000 grit.

You may also paint your model especially if the miniature is part of a cavalry or some characters in a game. However, before applying the paint, it’s better to use a primer, such as the well-known Rust-Oleum Professional Primer Spray Paint from Amazon.

While you can use any color you want, most users go with gray due to its ability to showcase each detail in your miniature. The Army Painter Dungeons and Dragons Acrylic Paint Set (10 paints and a paintbrush) is a popular option from Amazon.

Here is a detailed video on painting miniatures like a pro.