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Pixel size, not "K", is the spec to compare
| Printer | Screen | XY pixel size | Build volume (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturn 4 Ultra 16K | 10" 16K | 14 × 19 µm | 211.68 × 118.37 × 220 |
| Photon Mono 4 | 7" 10K | 17 × 17 µm | 153.4 × 87 × 165 |
| Mars 5 Ultra | 7" 9K | 18 µm | 153.36 × 77.76 × 165 |
Our miniature picks
Best for miniatures overall
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K
16K resolution on a 10-inch screen, with a heated vat.
Best for Tabletop miniatures, display pieces, jewelry masters
Key specs manufacturer data
| Technology | MSLA resin, tilt release |
|---|---|
| LCD | 10-inch 16K monochrome |
| Resolution | 15120 × 6230 px |
| XY pixel size | 14 × 19 µm |
| Build volume | 211.68 × 118.37 × 220 mm |
| Resin heating | Smart tank heating to ~30 °C |
| Camera | Build-plate camera with light (monitoring, time-lapse) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
Why it stands out
- Very fine XY pixel size for miniatures
- Heated vat keeps resin viscosity consistent in cold rooms
- Large enough for batches of 32 mm minis
Trade-offs
- Resin workflow needs ventilation, gloves and a wash/cure setup
- Reviewers describe the AI camera features as limited
- 16K benefits are subtle versus 12K on larger parts
Spec sources: hackster.io · elegoo.com
Read our Saturn 4 Ultra 16K review for the full spec breakdown.
Best compact miniature printer
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
A compact 9K resin printer with tilt release and Wi-Fi.
Best for First resin printer, miniatures on a budget
Key specs manufacturer data
| Technology | MSLA resin, tilt release |
|---|---|
| LCD | 7-inch 9K monochrome |
| Resolution | 8520 × 4320 px |
| XY pixel size | 18 µm |
| Build volume | 153.36 × 77.76 × 165 mm |
| Max speed | Up to 150 mm/h (manufacturer figure) |
| Camera | AI camera (empty-plate & warping detection, time-lapse) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
Why it stands out
- Small footprint, sensible first resin machine
- Tilt release reduces peel forces
- Wi-Fi and camera are unusual at this size
Trade-offs
- Small plate limits batch size
- Resin handling and post-processing still required
- Speed figure assumes fast resin and ideal settings
Spec sources: 3djake.com · us.elegoo.com
Best simple, budget option
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
A no-frills 10K resin printer with small pixels.
Best for Budget-minded miniature painters
Key specs manufacturer data
| Technology | MSLA resin, FEP film |
|---|---|
| LCD | 7-inch 10K monochrome |
| XY pixel size | 17 × 17 µm |
| Build volume | 153.4 × 87 × 165 mm (2.2 L) |
| Max speed | Up to 50 mm/h standard resin; 70 mm/h high-speed resin (0.1 mm layers) |
| Layer height | 0.03–0.15 mm |
| Leveling | 4-point manual |
Why it stands out
- Square 17 µm pixels for crisp detail
- Simple, proven FEP-film design
- Laser-engraved build plate for adhesion
Trade-offs
- Manual leveling
- No tilt release, camera or Wi-Fi
- Slower than tilt-release rivals
Spec sources: anycubic.au · eu.anycubic.com
FDM alternative for terrain and gaming pieces
Bambu Lab A1 mini
The smallest, simplest way into modern FDM printing.
Best for First printer, small desks, kids' and hobby projects
Key specs manufacturer data
| Technology | FDM, bed-slinger (open frame) |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 180 × 180 × 180 mm |
| Max toolhead speed | 500 mm/s |
| Max acceleration | 10,000 mm/s² |
| Max nozzle temp | 300 °C |
| Max bed temp | 80 °C |
| Multicolor | AMS lite, up to 4 colors |
| Calibration | Automatic bed leveling, Z-offset, vibration & flow calibration |
Why it stands out
- Fully automatic calibration routine before prints
- Small footprint fits on a desk or shelf
- AMS lite option adds 4-color printing later
Trade-offs
- 180 mm cube limits helmets, big props and tall parts
- Open frame: not suited to ABS/ASA
- 80 °C bed caps high-temperature materials
Spec sources: bambulab.com · 3djake.com
The A1 mini supports 0.2 mm nozzles, which narrows the gap for terrain, tokens and larger gaming pieces with no resin handling at all. It will not match resin on faces and fine details.
Don't forget post-processing
Every resin print needs washing in isopropyl alcohol (or a dedicated cleaner) and UV curing. A wash and cure station makes this repeatable and contained. Wear nitrile gloves, ventilate the room, and never pour uncured resin or contaminated alcohol down the drain.
Frequently asked questions
Is resin or FDM better for miniatures?
Resin. MSLA printers cure each layer with a masked LCD, so XY detail is set by pixel size (around 14–18 µm on the printers here) rather than by a 0.4 mm nozzle. FDM with a 0.2 mm nozzle can produce acceptable gaming pieces and terrain, but not the same fine detail.
Does 16K matter versus 9K or 12K?
Resolution numbers depend on screen size. Compare XY pixel size in microns instead. Smaller pixels can sharpen fine edges, but the difference is subtle on painted 32 mm models, and supports and orientation matter just as much.
How many miniatures fit on a plate?
It depends on bases and supports. A larger plate, like the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K's 211.68 × 118.37 mm, holds a full squad or more per print; a 7-inch printer fits fewer per batch.