3D printing technology has become affordable for many, breaking the monopoly that big companies once held over tabletop miniatures! More and more wargaming enthusiasts are now considering buying their own 3D printers. This raises a lot of questions: What types of 3D printers are available? What is the best affordable 3D printer for wargaming? You ask, we answer!
There are quite a few types of 3D printing, but we’ll focus on the most popular ones among tabletop gaming enthusiasts. It’s no surprise that these options are also the most affordable and user-friendly.
1. FDM 3D Printer (Fused Deposition Modeling)
How it Works: FDM, also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), is a technology that works by melting and extruding thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle. The printer follows a pre-programmed path, depositing layers of material one by one until the object is complete.
Layer Thickness: Typically ranges from 100 to 400 microns (some 50 micron hobbyist printers exist). Lower thicknesses can provide better details but increase print time.
Materials Used: PLA, ABS, PETG, and other thermoplastics are common. PLA is often preferred for miniatures due to its ease of use, while ABS is more durable but requires a heated print bed.
Build Volume: FDM printers can range from small desktop sizes (150 x 150 mm) to large industrial printers (over 300 x 300 mm), making them flexible for both small and large-scale prints.
Advantages:
Cost-Effective: FDM printers and materials are relatively affordable, making them accessible to a wide range of users. Entry-level FDM printers can start around $200, and filament spools range from $20 to $50, depending on the material.
Durability: Printed models are sturdy and durable, ideal for creating larger terrain pieces or prototypes.
Drawbacks:
Lower Detail: Compared to resin-based technologies, FDM has difficulty achieving the fine details required for intricate miniatures.
Layer Lines: The process often results in visible layer lines, which may require additional post-processing for a smooth finish.
Complex Setup: For high-quality prints, a lot of parameters need to be fine-tuned. Achieving consistent results requires a well-calibrated printer, stable filament, and a solid understanding of printer settings. Different filaments often require specific temperature settings, print speeds, and cooling adjustments, adding complexity. This means that FDM printing demands significantly more knowledge and manual tweaking compared to DLP and LCD.
Best for: Terrain, large models, and basic structures for tabletop games, where ultra-fine detail isn’t critical.
2. DLP 3D Printer (Digital Light Processing)
How it Works: DLP is a resin-based 3D printing technology that uses a digital light projector to cure photopolymer resin layer by layer. A projector flashes an image of the layer onto the resin surface, solidifying the material in areas exposed to light.
Resolution: DLP printers generally have a resolution of 25 to 100 microns, which provides incredible detail, especially for small parts.
Materials Used: DLP uses liquid photopolymer resins, which are sensitive to UV light. Resins vary in properties, with some being more brittle (standard resins) and others more flexible or durable (engineering resins).
Advantages:
High Detail: DLP excels at producing highly detailed miniatures, making it ideal for characters and small, intricate models.
No LCD Screen Degradation: Unlike LCD printers, DLP printers do not rely on an LCD screen that can degrade over time due to UV exposure. This means the printer components last longer, reducing maintenance costs and making the overall cost of use lower in the long run.
Drawbacks:
Resin Cost: DLP resin can be expensive, with prices ranging from $50 to $100 per liter, depending on the material.
Post-Processing: DLP prints require curing after printing to fully harden the resin. Supports also need to be removed, and the models must be cleaned of any uncured resin, adding more steps to the process.
Printer Cost: DLP printers tend to be more expensive than FDM, often starting at $500 to $1,000 for entry-level models.
The use of resin has its own specifics. We will cover them in more detail in the following articles.
Best for: Miniatures that require high precision, such as characters or unique, detailed units in tabletop games.
3. LCD 3D Printer (Liquid Crystal Display)
How it Works: LCD printing is similar to DLP but uses an LCD screen to mask light onto the resin layer. The LCD panel selectively allows UV light to pass through, curing the resin layer by layer. While it shares similarities with DLP, it is often more affordable due to the lower cost of LCD screens compared to DLP projectors.
Resolution: LCD printers can achieve resolutions similar to DLP, typically in the 25-100 micron range, providing fine detail for small models.
Materials Used: Like DLP, LCD uses UV-sensitive resins. These are available in various types, from standard resins to tougher, flexible options.
Build Volume: LCD printers are generally smaller, with build volumes around 120 x 65 mm but can scale up for larger models, depending on the printer.
Advantages:
Affordable Resin Printing: LCD printers tend to be more affordable than DLP models, making high-detail resin printing more accessible.
Detail & Resolution: LCD can achieve fine details, rivaling DLP in quality for miniatures and small components.
Drawbacks:
Resin Cost: Resin can be expensive, and overall printing costs are higher than FDM.
Maintenance: LCD screens degrade over time and may need to be replaced after extensive use, adding to the maintenance cost.
Best for: Hobbyists looking to print detailed miniatures on a budget
Recommendations for Tabletop Game Enthusiasts
Choosing the right 3D printing technology depends on your specific needs:
FDM is perfect for printing larger, less detailed terrain pieces or objects where strength is key.
DLP and LCD are both excellent for high-precision miniatures. For beginners or those on a budget, LCD printers offer an affordable entry point into resin printing, while DLP provides faster speeds for larger batches of detailed prints.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each technology, you can make an informed decision. In future articles, we’ll continue exploring 3D printing technology in more detail. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in our Discord! We’re always happy to help.
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