"3D Printing at Home - Pros and Cons" Topic

I recently purchased some excellent 3d printed figures and vehicles that made me realise that the technology had caught up with production in other materials. It made me wonder whether it would be worthwhile having a go at home.

To buy one pre-printed figure/vehicle is about the same as a metal or plastic production. But if you wanted multiple figures clearly buying the STL file and printing all you want is cheaper. Or is it?

What do people think about printing at home for personal use rather than for commercial gain? Is it worthwhile? And if so, what are the best printers to go for?

Any opinion or advice welcome.

I am not an expert but an interested amateur.

I recommend a PLA (basic) printer as it is easy to use with few side smells and chemicals. The quality is not as good as resin but probably good enough for gamers.
The one I chose is a Bambu P2S which has its own enclosed case. A plus for me. If you buy the AMS option you can use multiple colours easily too.

Printers do need a dedicated table (2x2 feet) as it is really not nice to get it out and out it away a lot.
The place must also be very dry and well lit.
Space for a toolbox, very necessary. Maybe under the printer's table.

You need a friend to come and explain the bare necessities too. `Otherwise beginner frustration will cause grey hairs.

Bambu (shamefully Chinese) package in a really good piece of software for model preparation (scaling etc).

Recommended.
You might end up printing far too many items.

martin

The McBrides have three printers of different styles. I am not up on the details but they get a LOT of use. I am Awaiting the production of a troop of cavalry from Knuckleduster, and a horde of Sioux that have to be assembled. We calculated that once you have the printer and the file the minis run about a dollar each for mounted.

Do some research to make an educated decision about it. FDM printers (ABS is one type of filament they can use) usually produce miniatures with layer lines which are challenging to fill in; resin printer (4k and higher) do not have detectable layer lines, and these are the best for miniatures. Resin is toxic, lots to learn. Many types of resin are brittle ($), some are flexible ($$$). Lots to learn.

STL files (3D sculpt files) must be sliced, that is, translated into print commands your printer will understand; supports might need to be added; you might need to rotate the STL file -- rotate the orientation the figure will print in-- to get the best result.

3D printing is a hobby pursuit unto itself. There is a great deal to learn: resolutions, nozzle sizes, print rates, and more. Study YT videos to see if you want to commit to it, before you buy a printer. Cheers!

I have an Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra, have had for about a year. I have printed an entire Mycenean army that I was supposed to have painted and ready for a game in October. Not going to happen.

However, resin printers give a really good quality print and I am happy with mine. There are issues. Replacing the FEP, replacing the screen protector and keeping it clean.
Mine lives in a simple enclosed container I purchased which came with an extractor system to pump the unpleasant fumes out of a window. (Which is good because my sense of smell packed up 25 years ago.)

From my understanding, and from what I have seen others produce, PLA printers don't give the same level of detail to 28mm style figures. But are great for terrain. They are also easier to use and less smelly than resin printers.

I printed some Indian Elephants for a friend a couple of weeks ago, they came out great.

It's horses for courses. If you want nice 15-40mm figures, then I think resin is best. Larger scales or terrain pieces, then PLA is probably a better option.

I have resisted the temptation to have both. I can only paint so fast.