3D Printed Figures: Your Ultimate Guide to Creating and Customizing Amazing Models

November 4, 2024October 15, 2024

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1. Introduction

If you’re like me and love combining creativity with technology, 3D printed figures might just be your next favorite hobby. Whether you’re making custom miniatures for your favorite tabletop game, creating figurines of your favorite movie characters, or designing something entirely from scratch, there’s something incredibly rewarding about holding a physical object that you designed or printed yourself.

What Are 3D Printed Figures?

In simple terms, 3D printed figures are miniature models or statues created using a 3D printer. These can range from highly detailed action figures to simpler toys, and they can be fully customized to your liking. The beauty of 3D printing is that you can bring virtually any idea to life—whether it’s an original character you’ve designed or a beloved character from a game or movie.

Why Are 3D Printed Figures Popular?

3D printing has become widely accessible, and the possibilities are nearly endless. Not only can you create figures that you can’t find in stores, but you can also make modifications to existing designs to suit your personal preferences. Customization is key here—ever wanted a miniature of yourself as a superhero? With 3D printing, you can make that happen!

2. Materials for 3D Printed Figures

When it comes to creating 3D printed figures, choosing the right material is crucial. The most popular options include:

PLA: The Beginner’s Choice

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is one of the most common materials used in 3D printing, and it’s an excellent option for beginners. It’s easy to print with, doesn’t require a heated bed, and comes in a variety of colors. However, it’s not as durable as some other materials, so it might not be ideal for figures that need to withstand a lot of wear and tear.

ABS: Durable and Tough

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is another popular choice, known for its durability and toughness. It’s a little trickier to work with compared to PLA, as it requires higher printing temperatures and a heated bed. But, if you need figures that are a bit more durable—like action figures that will be played with—ABS is a solid option.

Resin: For High Detail

For those looking to print highly detailed figures, resin is the way to go. Resin printers (SLA or DLP printers) are capable of producing incredibly fine details, making them perfect for small, intricate models. The trade-off is that resin printing can be a bit messier and more expensive, but the results are often worth it.

3. Different Types of 3D Printed Figures

When it comes to 3D printed figures, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are some of the most common types:

Custom Miniatures for Tabletop Games

One of the most exciting applications of 3D printing is the ability to create custom miniatures for tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons. You can design your character to match your vision perfectly, adding personalized details like weapons, poses, and accessories.

Collectible Figurines

Fans of movies, video games, and comics often use 3D printing to create collectible figurines of their favorite characters. Whether you want a statue of a superhero or a miniature of a video game protagonist, 3D printing makes it possible to create figures that are unique to you.

Prototyping for Larger Projects

3D printing is also used by artists and designers for prototyping. If you’re working on a larger project—like creating a full-size action figure or a new toy line—3D printing allows you to prototype and test your designs before committing to expensive manufacturing processes.

4. Choosing the Right Printer for 3D Figures

When you’re diving into the world of 3D printed figures, choosing the right printer is critical. Not all 3D printers are built the same, and the one you choose will largely depend on what kind of figures you want to create. Whether you’re aiming for large, bold figures or detailed miniatures, understanding the different types of 3D printers will ensure you make the right decision.

FDM Printers: Great for Larger Figures

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers are by far the most common type of 3D printer available. They work by extruding heated filament (usually PLA, ABS, or PETG) layer by layer to build up the model. These printers are ideal for creating 3D printed figures that are larger in scale or do not require an extremely high level of detail.

Advantages:
- Affordability: FDM printers are generally more budget-friendly. If you’re just starting out and don’t want to break the bank, models like the Creality Ender 3 are a fantastic choice. It’s widely regarded as one of the best budget printers on the market.
- Larger Build Volume: These printers tend to have larger build volumes, which makes them perfect for creating bigger figures.
- Easy to Use: FDM printers have been around longer, so there’s a wealth of tutorials, forums, and communities to help troubleshoot any issues you encounter.
Considerations:
- Lower Detail: FDM printers don’t capture fine details as well as resin printers. If your figure requires intricate features, this might not be the best option.
- Layer Lines: Since FDM prints layer by layer, you’ll often see layer lines on the finished product. This can be smoothed out through post-processing, like sanding or acetone smoothing, but it does require extra work.

Popular FDM printers include the Prusa MK4, which is known for its reliability and quality, and the Creality Ender 3, a fantastic budget option that provides impressive results for its price.

Resin Printers: Best for Fine Details

If detail is what you’re after, then resin printers are the way to go. Resin printers (which use either SLA—Stereolithography or DLP—Digital Light Processing technology) work by curing liquid resin using UV light. This process allows for incredibly high-resolution prints, making resin printers the go-to choice for printing highly detailed 3D printed figures, such as miniatures for tabletop games or intricate collectibles.

Advantages:
- High Detail: Resin printers can print at a much higher resolution than FDM printers, making them perfect for small, detailed figures.
- Smooth Surface Finish: Unlike FDM prints, resin prints don’t show layer lines as prominently, which results in smoother, cleaner models right out of the printer.
Considerations:
- Smaller Build Volume: Most resin printers have a smaller build volume compared to FDM printers. This makes them less suitable for larger figures unless you’re willing to print parts separately and assemble them.
- Messy Process: Working with liquid resin can be messier and requires more precautions. You’ll need gloves, proper ventilation, and a post-print curing process to solidify the resin completely.
- Cost of Materials: Resin tends to be more expensive than filament, and the need for post-processing materials like isopropyl alcohol (for cleaning) adds to the cost.

Some of the most popular resin printers include the Elegoo Mars , or the Elegoo Saturn 4 and the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s. Both offer fantastic value for money and can produce stunning details for your 3D printed figures.

5. Software for Designing 3D Printed Figures

If you’re planning to design your own 3D printed figures from scratch, having the right software is essential. The software you choose will depend on your level of expertise and the complexity of the models you want to create. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of options available, from beginner-friendly platforms to advanced tools used by professional 3D artists.

Free Design Software Options

If you’re just starting out and don’t want to invest in expensive software right away, there are several free design tools that are perfect for creating simple to moderately complex 3D printed figures.

Tinkercad: For beginners, Tinkercad is a fantastic option. It’s a browser-based program that’s incredibly user-friendly. You can drag and drop shapes, combine them, and create basic designs in just a few minutes. While it doesn’t have advanced features for highly detailed figures, it’s a great starting point if you’re new to 3D design.
- Pros:
  - Easy to learn and use
  - Cloud-based (no need for downloads)
  - Perfect for simple and quick designs
- Cons:
  - Limited functionality for more detailed designs
Blender: For those looking to step up their game without spending any money, Blender is a fantastic option. While it has a steeper learning curve than Tinkercad, it offers far more in terms of features. You can sculpt, texture, and animate models in Blender, which makes it suitable for creating detailed 3D printed figures. It’s used by hobbyists and professionals alike.
- Pros:
  - Extremely powerful and versatile
  - Great for creating highly detailed models
  - Free and open-source
- Cons:
  - Steep learning curve for beginners
  - Requires time to master

Paid Design Software for Professionals

If you’re serious about 3D modeling and want to create highly detailed, professional-grade 3D printed figures, investing in paid software is worth considering. These programs offer advanced tools and features that make it easier to create complex and detailed models.

ZBrush: ZBrush is one of the most powerful sculpting tools available. It’s used by professional artists in industries ranging from video game development to movie production. With ZBrush, you can sculpt organic shapes, add incredibly fine details, and create stunning 3D printed figures with lifelike textures.
- Pros:
  - Industry-standard for digital sculpting
  - Perfect for creating organic, detailed figures
  - Advanced tools for texturing and painting
- Cons:
  - Expensive
  - Requires a high level of expertise
Fusion 360: If you’re more interested in mechanical or industrial design for your figures, Fusion 360 is a great option. While it’s not specifically tailored to sculpting organic shapes, it’s fantastic for creating mechanical parts, precise figures, or even articulated action figures with moving parts.
- Pros:
  - Excellent for precision designs
  - Perfect for creating articulated models
  - Offers parametric design features
- Cons:
  - Not ideal for organic shapes
  - Paid subscription required

Both ZBrush and Fusion 360 have their own strengths, so choosing the right one depends on the type of 3D printed figures you’re looking to create. If your focus is on highly detailed, organic figures, ZBrush will serve you well. However, if precision and mechanical components are your priority, Fusion 360 is the better choice.

6. Where to Find 3D Models for Figures

If you’re not ready to dive into designing your own figures from scratch, don’t worry—you can easily find pre-made models online. There are many resources where you can download free or paid 3D models to print.

Free Resources

Some of the best places to find free 3D models for figures include:

Thingiverse: A massive collection of user-uploaded 3D models, from action figures to miniatures and more. You can find just about anything here, and the models are free to download.
MyMiniFactory: Another great resource for finding high-quality 3D models. While many models are free, you’ll also find paid designs from talented creators.

Paid Model Repositories

If you’re looking for premium designs or want to support professional 3D artists, consider checking out these platforms:

CGTrader: Offers both free and paid 3D models, with a huge selection of figures, characters, and miniatures.
Cults3D: A marketplace where designers sell their 3D models. You can find highly detailed, professional-grade figures here, which are perfect for printing.

7. How to Print 3D Figures Successfully

Once you’ve chosen the perfect model for your 3D printed figures, the real fun begins—it’s time to print! But, hitting the “print” button without proper preparation can lead to failures or poor-quality prints. To avoid frustration and ensure that your figure comes out looking great, you need to follow a few critical steps before starting the printing process.

Preparing Your Model for Printing

The key to a successful print starts with preparation. There are several factors you need to consider when preparing your model, from error-checking to how the figure is oriented on the print bed. Proper preparation can save you time and avoid costly mistakes.

Check for Errors: Before printing your figure, it’s essential to ensure that the model is free from errors. Software tools like Meshmixer or Netfabb are great for checking and fixing common issues like holes, non-manifold edges, or intersecting geometry. These problems can cause the printer to misinterpret parts of the design, leading to failed prints or poor surface quality. Running your model through a checking tool will highlight and allow you to fix these errors.
Orient the Model Correctly: How you position your 3D printed figures on the print bed matters. For example, parts of your model that have overhangs or are too far from the print bed will require supports, which can affect the final quality. By orienting the figure to minimize overhangs, you reduce the number of supports needed, and the fewer supports, the cleaner your model will be after printing. Try to angle parts that are prone to sagging, such as arms or weapons, so they have adequate support during the print process.

Choosing the Right Settings

Once your model is prepared, it’s time to configure the print settings. Different settings will drastically affect the final appearance and strength of your 3D printed figures.

Layer Height: One of the most important settings for a highly detailed figure is the layer height. A smaller layer height results in finer details. For miniatures or figures with intricate features, set the layer height to 0.1mm or even lower. This will capture every tiny detail, but it will increase the print time. Larger layer heights will produce quicker prints, but they may lose fine detail, especially on smaller models.
Infill: Most figures don’t need a high infill percentage unless they need to be extra strong. 10-20% infill is usually sufficient, providing enough support for the figure while reducing material use and print time. Using less infill also makes the figure lighter and easier to handle.
Supports: If your model has overhanging parts, such as outstretched arms or other complex geometries, you’ll need to add supports. However, keep them to a minimum to avoid leaving scars or marks on the final print. Use tree supports or other customizable support settings in your slicer to ensure the supports are easy to remove and don’t damage the model.

8. Post-Processing 3D Printed Figures

Even though your figure is fresh off the print bed, it’s not quite ready for display yet. Post-processing is essential to give your 3D printed figures a polished, professional look. This includes removing supports, smoothing the surface, and, if you’re aiming for a premium finish, painting the model.

Sanding and Smoothing

One of the most common post-processing steps for FDM-printed figures is sanding. FDM printers often leave visible layer lines, which can make the surface of the figure feel rough. Sanding helps smooth out these imperfections, making the figure look more polished.

Sanding: Start with a coarse sandpaper, usually 120 grit, to remove the bulk of the layer lines. Once the surface is relatively smooth, move on to finer grit sandpapers, like 400 or 600, for a more polished finish. This step takes time and patience, but the results are worth it. Be careful around fine details, as heavy sanding can remove important features.
Smoothing with Solvents: If your figure is printed using ABS filament, you can smooth the surface using an acetone vapor bath. Acetone slightly dissolves the outer layer of ABS, creating a glossy, smooth finish without the need for extensive sanding. Be cautious, as acetone is highly flammable, and this method should be done in a well-ventilated area. The result will be a smoother figure, perfect for painting.

Painting Your 3D Figures

After you’ve sanded and smoothed your figure, it’s time to bring it to life with paint! Painting allows you to add depth, character, and realism to your 3D printed figures.

9. Painting and Finishing Techniques

Painting is where your figure truly comes alive. With the right techniques and materials, you can turn a basic 3D print into a stunning, professional-quality figure. The type of paint and the method you choose will depend on the look you’re going for and your skill level.

Best Paints to Use

Choosing the right paint is crucial for achieving a professional finish on your 3D printed figures. Two popular options are acrylic paints and spray paints, each with their own benefits.

Acrylic Paints: These are by far the most popular choice among hobbyists and professionals alike. Acrylic paints dry quickly, come in a wide variety of colors, and are easy to apply. They’re perfect for painting small details, making them an excellent choice for miniatures or finely detailed figures. Brands like Vallejo and Citadel are highly recommended because they offer smooth application and vibrant colors.
Spray Paint: If you’re working on a larger model or need a consistent base coat, spray paints are a great option. They cover large areas quickly and evenly, providing a great base coat for further detailing. When using spray paint, be sure to use light, even coats to avoid drips and ensure smooth coverage. It’s best to apply multiple light coats rather than one heavy one.

Airbrushing vs. Hand Painting

Both airbrushing and hand painting have their advantages. The technique you choose will depend on the complexity of your design and the equipment you have available.

Airbrushing: Airbrushing is an excellent choice for achieving smooth, professional finishes. It allows for precise control over paint application, which is perfect for adding gradients, shading, and other fine details. Airbrushing also provides an even coat with no visible brush strokes. If you’re serious about painting your 3D printed figures, investing in an airbrush can take your projects to the next level. It’s particularly useful for larger models where smooth color transitions are needed.
Hand Painting: For smaller details, nothing beats a fine brush. Hand painting is perfect for adding intricate designs, highlights, and fine details to your 3D printed figures. When hand painting, always use thin layers of paint, applying multiple coats for better coverage. This method requires patience but provides excellent control over the final look of the model. Using a variety of brush sizes, from broad strokes to fine detail brushes, will help you cover all aspects of the figure efficiently.

Incorporating these painting techniques will help you create visually stunning 3D printed figures that are ready for display or even sale. Each step in the painting process adds layers of depth and realism, making your figure truly unique.

10. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Like any hobby, 3D printing comes with its own set of challenges. But don’t worry—I’ve encountered these issues myself, and there are always ways to fix them.

Warping and Layer Shifts

Warping: This happens when the corners of your print start lifting off the bed, usually because of uneven cooling. To prevent this, make sure you’re using a heated bed (for ABS) or add a brim or raft to increase bed adhesion.
Layer Shifts: If your figure looks misaligned, you might be dealing with layer shifts. This is often caused by loose belts or motors in your printer. Tightening these parts should solve the problem.

Under-Extrusion and Gaps

Under-Extrusion: This occurs when not enough filament is being pushed through the nozzle, resulting in gaps between layers. Check your nozzle for clogs, and make sure your filament is feeding smoothly.
Gaps in the Print: If you notice gaps or holes in your figure, it might be a slicing issue. Try increasing the number of perimeters or adjusting your infill settings.

11. Best Practices for Customizing Your Figures

Customizing your 3D printed figures is one of the most fun aspects of this hobby. Here’s how to add a personal touch to your creations.

Adding Personalized Touches

Accessories: You can modify pre-made models by adding accessories like weapons, clothing, or additional props. This is especially useful for custom miniatures in games.
Bases: Creating a unique base for your figure adds an extra level of professionalism. Use software to design bases that match the theme or environment of the figure.

Scaling and Modifying Pre-Existing Models

Most 3D models can be scaled up or down in size without too much trouble. However, if you want to modify the model’s pose or other features, you’ll need to use software like Blender or Meshmixer.

12. Popular Uses for 3D Printed Figures

The versatility of 3D printed figures has opened up numerous avenues for creative and practical applications. Whether for personal hobbies or professional endeavors, the uses of 3D-printed figures extend far beyond simple decoration. Let’s explore some of the most popular ways people are utilizing this technology to bring their creations to life.

Tabletop Role-Playing Games (D&D)

One of the most exciting and widely appreciated uses of 3D printed figures is in the world of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs), particularly for games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). In these games, miniatures play an important role in helping players visualize characters, enemies, and environments during gameplay. Before 3D printing, gamers were limited to pre-made miniatures, which didn’t always match their vision for their characters.

With 3D printing, players can:

Design Custom Miniatures: You can create miniatures that perfectly match the character you’ve created in your game. This means designing the exact armor, weaponry, facial features, and pose you want. Platforms like Hero Forge allow users to design and 3D print highly customized miniatures specifically for D&D.
Print Rare or Hard-to-Find Characters: Instead of relying on pre-made figures or limited edition collectibles, 3D printing lets you create figures that might not even exist yet in the market. This is great for homebrewed campaigns where you want truly unique characters or monsters.
Build Entire Campaign Sets: Beyond characters, 3D printing also allows for the creation of modular dungeon tiles, environment pieces, and enemy figures. You can print entire villages, dungeons, or armies to enhance the immersive experience of your RPG sessions.

3D-printed miniatures for RPGs bring a personal touch to gaming that simply wasn’t possible before. It lets players bring their imagination to the table in a tangible way, fully immersing them in their fantasy worlds.

Cosplay and Fan Art

The cosplay community has also embraced 3D printing in a big way. Whether you’re dressing up as a character for a convention or creating a collectible figure of your favorite hero, 3D printed figures and accessories have become essential tools for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Costume Accessories: Cosplay often requires intricate accessories like helmets, weapons, or armor that would be incredibly difficult to create by hand. 3D printing allows for high-detail, custom-designed pieces that fit your cosplay perfectly. Popular characters from video games, movies, and comic books come to life through accurate and detailed 3D-printed accessories.
Custom Figures and Statues: Fans can take their passion a step further by creating and printing statues or figurines of their favorite characters. Whether it’s a replica of a comic book hero or a tribute to a favorite game character, the ability to design and print a custom figure adds a new dimension to fan art.
Prop Making: Professional prop makers and hobbyists alike use 3D printing to create movie-quality props. Whether you need a blaster from a sci-fi universe or an ancient artifact for a fantasy series, 3D printing offers a level of detail and customization that’s perfect for bringing fictional items into the real world.

3D printing has transformed cosplay by making intricate and accurate costume pieces much more accessible to a wider audience.

Prototyping Action Figures

For toy designers and artists, 3D printed figures are invaluable tools when it comes to prototyping. Before committing to expensive molds or manufacturing processes, designers can create a series of prototypes to test and tweak their designs.

Testing Designs: 3D printing allows toy designers to print out a prototype of their action figures and see how the design looks and functions in physical form. This is especially useful for testing articulation points, balance, and overall aesthetic.
Making Adjustments: Instead of starting from scratch with expensive molding techniques, designers can easily make adjustments in their 3D design software and reprint the figure. This iterative process saves time and money in the long run.
Custom Toy Lines: For independent toy creators, 3D printing offers the opportunity to bring their own unique figures to life without the overhead of traditional manufacturing. They can create limited runs of custom action figures and sell them to collectors or fans.

Whether for large-scale toy manufacturers or indie designers, 3D printing has revolutionized the way action figures are prototyped and produced.

13. Tips for Selling Your 3D Printed Figures

Once you’ve honed your skills and mastered the art of creating high-quality 3D printed figures, you might want to consider selling your creations. Whether as a side hustle or a full-time business, selling 3D printed figures can be a profitable venture if done correctly. Here are some key tips to help you get started.

Where to Sell

When it comes to selling 3D printed figures, there are several platforms that can help you reach a wide audience. The right platform depends on the type of figures you’re creating and how you want to interact with your customers.

Etsy: Etsy is one of the most popular marketplaces for selling handmade and custom items, including 3D printed figures. You can set up a shop, create product listings, and sell your figures to a global audience. Etsy’s search algorithm favors unique and well-presented products, so taking the time to create professional-looking listings with high-quality photos can go a long way.
- Pros: Large audience, trusted platform, easy setup.
- Cons: Fees for listings and transactions, high competition.
Patreon: If you have a following or want to build a community around your work, Patreon is a fantastic option. Some creators offer exclusive 3D models or printed figures through a subscription model. This is a great way to earn consistent monthly income from dedicated fans who are interested in your work.
- Pros: Recurring income, community building, creative freedom.
- Cons: Requires a loyal following, high engagement.
Your Own Website: Setting up your own e-commerce website is another great way to sell your 3D printed figures. This option gives you full control over branding, pricing, and customer interaction. Platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce make it easy to build and manage an online store.
- Pros: Full control, no marketplace fees, complete brand ownership.
- Cons: Requires more effort to drive traffic, initial setup costs.

Choosing the right platform will depend on your goals, audience, and how much time you want to spend managing your online presence.

How to Price Your Creations

Pricing your 3D printed figures can be challenging, but it’s important to get it right to ensure you’re fairly compensated for your time, materials, and effort. Here are a few things to consider when setting your prices:

Material Costs: Start by calculating how much filament, resin, or other materials are used to create each figure. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of electricity, especially for longer prints.
Time Spent: How much time do you spend designing, printing, and post-processing each figure? Be sure to account for the time it takes to clean up supports, sand, paint, or finish the figures.
Complexity of the Model: More detailed and intricate models should be priced higher due to the increased time and skill required. Figures that require extensive post-processing, such as painting or assembling multiple parts, should also command a higher price.
Market Value: Research similar products in the market to get a sense of what customers are willing to pay. Browse platforms like Etsy or MyMiniFactory to compare prices for figures similar to yours. Don’t underprice your work just to compete; high-quality, well-designed figures are worth a premium price.
Profit Margin: Once you’ve accounted for materials and time, add a profit margin that makes the venture worthwhile for you. Typically, a markup of 20-50% over your base costs is common, but this can vary depending on the market and demand for your products.

By carefully calculating your costs and considering market factors, you can confidently price your 3D printed figures to ensure your efforts are both financially and creatively rewarding.

Selling 3D printed figures can be a fun and profitable way to share your creativity with the world. With the right platform and pricing strategy, you can build a successful business around your passion for 3D printing.

14. 3D Printed Figures as a Hobby

If you’re new to 3D printing, I’d recommend joining an online community where you can learn and grow. There’s a vibrant 3D printing community out there, full of helpful enthusiasts who share tips, tricks, and troubleshooting advice.

Joining the Community

Platforms like Reddit (r/3Dprinting) and Discord have active 3D printing communities. You can ask for advice, share your projects, and even collaborate with others.

Learning From Others

There’s always something new to learn in 3D printing, from advanced design techniques to innovative printing methods. Following YouTube channels, blogs, or forums will keep you up to date with the latest developments.

15. Conclusion

3D printed figures offer endless possibilities for creativity, whether you’re designing custom miniatures for your favorite games or creating collectible figurines. With the right materials, tools, and techniques, you can bring any idea to life. While there’s a learning curve, it’s a fun and rewarding hobby that’s accessible to anyone with a 3D printer. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of 3D printed figures and start creating your own masterpieces today!

16. FAQs

Can I 3D print highly detailed miniatures at home?
Yes! Resin printers are best for high-detail miniatures, allowing for intricate designs with smooth surfaces.
What’s the best material for 3D printing figures?
PLA is great for beginners, but resin is ideal for high-detail figures. ABS is more durable if you need stronger models.
Where can I find free models to print?
Websites like Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory offer a wide range of free 3D models, including figures.
Do I need to paint my 3D printed figures?
Painting isn’t necessary but adds depth and realism to your models. Acrylic paints are commonly used for this.
Can I sell my 3D printed figures?
Yes, you can sell your creations on platforms like Etsy or Patreon, but make sure you have the rights to the designs you’re selling.

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