3D printed miniatures no longer require a resin printer. Filament (FDM) printers have improved enough for tabletop minis, according to Black Magic Craft and LikeAHero, YouTube tabletop channels that both posted about it in 2026.
Most gamers print terrain in PLA because it needs no washing or curing and is ready to prime, while resin is still the go-to for the finest detail, according to Tabletop Minions, a YouTube wargaming channel that painted the same model printed both ways. One filament mini cost about a dollar of plastic in that test.
What to 3D Print for Tabletop Gaming
- Miniatures for D&D and wargames
- Terrain: buildings, walls, ruins and trees
- Dice towers and dice trays
- Storage cases and organizers for minis
- Card holders and token trays
Filament vs Resin for Miniatures
Prices checked on Amazon Oct 16, 2026. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
| Filament (FDM) | Resin | |
|---|---|---|
| Detail | Good, improving | Finest |
| Cleanup | Remove supports, ready to prime | Wash and cure; handle resin with gloves |
| Best for | Terrain, large models, accessories | Small detailed minis |
| Mess and fumes | Low | Higher; needs ventilation |
Tips for Printing Minis on a Filament Printer
- Use a small 0.2 mm nozzle for fine detail if your printer supports it.
- Print slowly with fine layer heights.
- Look for models designed for FDM. Resin-designed models need more support.
- Prime and paint to hide layer lines.
Best Printers for Tabletop Prints
| Printer | Price (Amazon, Oct 16, 2026) | Why it fits | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab P1S Combo | $549.00 | Fast and reliable for big terrain batches | Check price |
| Bambu Lab A1 | $299.99 | Great value for terrain and dice towers | Check price |
| Elegoo Centauri 2 Combo | $328.99 | Enclosed with 4-color for terrain accents | Check price |
What YouTube Creators Found About 3D Printed Miniatures
These are findings from popular YouTube videos, paraphrased from their transcripts and credited. They are the creators’ experiences and claims, not my test results.
- Tabletop Minions (Tabletop Minions: “I Compare RESIN vs. FILAMENT for 3D Printing Wargaming Minis”) painted the same model printed in resin and in filament. He said most people print terrain in PLA because it needs no washing or curing and is ready to prime, while resin has been the go-to for miniatures. He also tested resin-designed STLs on a filament printer and said a model took about a dollar of filament.
- The YouTube channel Black Magic Craft (“Finally! Good FDM Miniatures.”), the YouTube channel LikeAHero (“How FDM has Replaced Everything Else for Tabletop”) and Okay Hobby Time all posted in 2026 that filament miniatures have improved a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a filament printer print miniatures?
Yes. Recent creators say FDM minis have improved a lot, especially with small nozzles and FDM-designed models.
Is resin better for minis?
Resin still gives the finest detail, but it is messier and needs washing, curing and ventilation.
What is easiest to start with?
Terrain and dice towers are easy wins on any filament printer.
Where do I find miniature files?
Designers sell files on their stores and Patreon. Free models are on Printables and MakerWorld.
Sources
- Tabletop Minions: “I Compare RESIN vs. FILAMENT for 3D Printing Wargaming Minis”
- Black Magic Craft: “Finally! Good FDM Miniatures.”
- LikeAHero: “How FDM has Replaced Everything Else for Tabletop”
- Amazon product listings for the printers linked above, October 16, 2026
Related: Bambu Lab P1S vs P2S | Bambu Lab A1 Review | Best Budget Multicolor 3D Printer
Notes and disclosure
Note: Printer prices come from Amazon listings on October 16, 2026 and change often. The ideas below come from popular YouTube creators and Reddit threads, credited where used. My own hands-on results will be added after my planned test prints.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase an item through the links on this page, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.