Production of 3D printed miniatures using the SLA process

3D printing of miniatures has become more and more important in recent years and offers a wide range of possibilities, including the production of miniature figures. In particular, the 3D printing technology of the stereolithography process (SLA) has established itself as an excellent method for the production of miniature figures. In this blog we will look at how to make a miniature in the SLA process and how to further process it.

Creation of the 3D model: First, the 3D model of the miniatures must be created. This can be done using 3D software or by scanning a physical model.

Preparing the print file: The 3D model must then be converted into a file that the 3D printer can read. Special 3D printing software can be used for this, dividing the model into layers and generating instructions for the printer.

Printing the miniature: The 3D printer uses a liquid called resin, which is cured by UV light, to build up the miniature layer by layer.

Removing the miniature: After printing, the miniature is carefully removed from the printer and cleaned of excess resin.

Curing the Miniature: The miniature then needs to be cured under UV light to ensure the resin is fully cured and the miniature is strong and durable.

Precision: Compared to other 3D printing technologies, SLA printing offers greater precision and detail. This allows for miniatures with very fine detail and complex shapes.

Material Choices: SLA printing allows for the use of a wide range of materials suitable for making miniatures. For example, one can choose from a variety of resins to achieve the desired properties of the miniature.

Speed: In contrast to traditional methods of miniature production, which are often long and labor-intensive, 3D printing enables miniatures to be produced quickly.

After printing and curing, the miniature can be further processed to enhance it or refine its finish. Here are some options:

Removing Support Structures: Support structures can be used during the printing process to stabilize the miniature. These must then be carefully removed so as not to damage the end result.

Smooth: After the supports have been removed, the miniature can be smoothed. There are various methods for this, such as sandblasting, grinding or polishing.

Painting: A miniature is often not complete until it is painted. For this there are special colors and techniques to achieve the desired color and texture.

Assembly: A miniature can also consist of different parts, which then have to be assembled. There are special adhesives and techniques to achieve a stable connection.

SLA 3D printing is an excellent method for producing miniatures with high precision and detail. The wide range of available materials and fast production make it an attractive option for miniature crafting. Further processing of the miniature can add more detail and improve the end result. So if you need miniatures for gaming, model building or other purposes, SLA 3D printing could be the right choice for you.