3D Printed Miniatures
in detailed resin.
ALT can print detailed resin parts such as miniatures — from custom tabletop figures and character commissions to terrain and display pieces up to 8K and 12K DLP resolution. Contact us for more information!
The world of creating custom 3D printed miniatures — or minifigures — is a rapidly growing and exciting hobby. From beginner tips to advanced techniques, whether you want to print your own tabletop army or craft a detailed model, the right resources can guide your whole journey.
Understanding the basics.
Before you can print your first miniature, it's essential to grasp the fundamentals of 3D printing. There are two main types of 3D printers used for miniatures: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA).
FDM — Fused Deposition Modeling
Prints by extruding layers of plastic filament. Great for durable, larger parts — but visible layer lines make it less suited to fine miniature detail.
SLA / DLP — Resin
Uses a laser (SLA) or light engine (DLP) to cure liquid resin — a process known for producing highly detailed, smooth surfaces. For intricate miniatures, DLP printers are often the preferred choice.
ALT prints at 8K and 12K with resin DLP
For those prioritizing intricate detail on their miniatures, DLP printers are often the preferred choice — and ALT can print at 8K or 12K resolution with resin DLP printing, capturing the finest surface detail without visible layer lines.
From idea to miniature.
Beginner-focused guides walk you through the essential steps of the printing process:
Conceptualize your design
Decide on the purpose and theme of your miniature.
Find or create a 3D model
Design your own model in software, or download pre-made files from online platforms.
The actual creation of the physical object from the digital file — ALT can help here.
Post-process & paint
The final steps to clean up, finish, and customize your miniature.
Where to download and design.
You don't have to be a master sculptor to create stunning miniatures. Many online communities and marketplaces offer a vast selection of 3D models, both free and for purchase. Popular platforms include Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, Cults, and Pinshape — excellent resources for finding everything from fantasy characters for games like Dungeons & Dragons to intricate sci-fi models.
For those who want to try designing their own miniatures, there are user-friendly 3D modeling software options available, and some blogs even provide tutorials on how to use AI-powered design tools to bring your unique ideas to life.
Thingiverse
One of the largest repositories of free 3D printable files — a diverse selection of miniatures contributed by creators worldwide.
MyMiniFactory
Broad collection of free and paid miniatures with high-quality, curated designs from a range of artists.
Cults
A marketplace with many 3D printable models — free and paid miniatures, monsters, and terrain pieces.
Pinshape
Community platform for discovering and downloading 3D printable designs, including minifigures and characters.
Modeling software
User-friendly 3D modeling tools let you design your own miniatures from scratch.
AI-powered design
Emerging AI design tools can turn simple prompts into custom models ready to print.
Bringing your miniatures to life.
The final step in creating your miniature is painting and finishing — where you can truly personalize your creations. Many blogs offer detailed tutorials on painting techniques, from basic priming and base coating to advanced methods like shading and highlighting. Before painting, it's essential to properly clean your print by removing any support marks.
Clean & remove supports
Remove support marks and clean the print thoroughly before any paint touches the resin.
Prime & base coat
Priming preps the surface and base coating establishes your miniature's foundation colors.
Shade & highlight
Advanced techniques like shading and highlighting add depth, contrast, and realism.
Community and further learning.
The 3D printing community is active and supportive. Platforms like Reddit have dedicated subreddits — such as r/PrintedMinis — where enthusiasts share creations, ask for advice, and discuss the latest trends. Joining these communities is a great way to learn from others and stay motivated. Some companies, like Loot Studios, also offer exclusive content and communities for those passionate about RPG gaming and 3D printing.
r/PrintedMinis
A dedicated Reddit community for printing miniatures — share your work, get advice, and follow the latest trends.
Loot Studios
Exclusive content and communities for those passionate about RPG gaming and 3D printing.
Local & online groups
Find fellow miniature painters and printers — exchange techniques, files, and motivation.
Miniatures for Dungeons & Dragons.
Miniatures made for Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) represent player characters (heroes), monsters, non-player characters, and objects. ALT prints them all — ready to hit the table.
Player characters
Fighters, wizards, rogues, clerics, and more — the heroes of the campaign, printed to match each player's vision.
Non-player characters
Townsfolk, allies, villains, and quest givers — the cast that makes the world feel alive.
Monsters
Goblins, orcs, dragons, skeletons, undead, and trolls — the threats your party will face.
Objects & terrain
Chests, doors, and terrain are also widely used — bringing the battlefield to life.
Some commonly used sources.
A handy reference list of the most popular places to find miniatures — free and paid, curated and community-driven.
Why ALT for miniatures.
Miniature printing is a different discipline from functional part printing — resolution, orientation, and finishing dominate. ALT runs both disciplines with in-house DLP resin systems.
True high-resolution printing
8K and 12K resin DLP systems preserve the finest sculpt detail — crisp faces, filigree, and texture without visible layer lines.
Printing & finishing in-house
Cleaning, curing, support removal, and finishing handled at ALT — clean prints ready to paint, not raw resin pieces.
We work from your files
Send your model from Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, HeroForge, or any source — ALT prints it in detailed resin.
From single figure to full army
One hero, a full squad, a painted diorama — runs scale from a single figure to complete tabletop armies.
Want a miniature printed in resin?
Send ALT your model file — D&D characters, monsters, terrain, or a custom commission — we'll print it in 8K or 12K detail.