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The most practical way to make a custom D&D miniature is to print a properly licensed STL, then clean, support, prime and optionally paint it. Choose resin when tiny facial features and armor details matter most; choose an FDM (filament) printer when you want an easier setup, larger monsters or terrain. A custom design service is the simplest option when you want a personalized character without learning digital sculpting.
Choose what “make your own” means
There are four realistic routes. They differ in creative control, equipment and licensing responsibilities.
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- 【Low Shrinkage and High Precision】ELEGOO photopolymer resin is specially designed for reducing volume shrinkage during the Photocuring process, which ensures the high precision of the print model with smooth finish.
- 【Fast Curing and Great Stability】ELEGOO 405nm Rapid Resin was designed to significantly reduce printing time with its excellent fluidity. Meanwhile its great stability and proper hardness ensure a unworried printing experience and successful printing.
- 【Bright and Stunning Colors】With high quality pigments and photo-initiators inside ELEGOO UV-Curing resin, the models printed with resin have a very pure and stunning color effect just like an artwork.
- 【Wide Applications】Given the outstanding performances, ELEGOO standard resin is suitable for most DLP/LCD 3D printers. Works best with the LCD 3D Printers.
- 【Safe and Secure Packaging】Leak-proof bottle fully wrapped with a plastic bubble bag and exquisite designed package box make sure the resin stays in place where they belong
Sculpt from scratch
You can hand-sculpt a figure with putty or clay, or create a digital sculpt and export it for printing. This gives you the most control but requires the most modeling skill and time.
Download or buy an STL and print it
An STL is the digital blueprint a slicer turns into printer instructions. This is the most accessible route: select a design, confirm that its license permits your intended use, and prepare it for your printer.
Modify an existing miniature
Kitbashing or editing a file can produce a unique pose, weapon or creature. Check the original creator’s terms before distributing or selling the altered file or physical print; a modification does not automatically remove the original license conditions.
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- 【Low Shrinkage and High Precision】ELEGOO photopolymer resin is specially designed for reducing volume shrinkage during the Photocuring process, which ensures the high precision of the print model with smooth finish.
- 【Low Volume Shrinkage】Low shrinkage and good stability reduce volume shrinkage during the curing process. Therefore, after cleaning and post-curing, the molded prints will not be noticeably deformed or cracked over a long period of time.
- 【Low Viscosity & Good Fluidity】With excellent fluidity, the resin can quickly reflow to the area between model and release film, which improves the printing success rate, and reduces printing time.
- 【Safe and Low Odor】ELEGOO standard photopolymer resin is specially formulated with less odor and a very pure and bright color. There is less pungent smell during printing, thus maintaining a freshening printing environment.
- 【Bright and Stunning Colors】With high quality pigments and photo-initiators inside ELEGOO UV-Curing resin, the models printed with resin have a very pure and stunning color effect just like an artwork.
Use a custom design service
Services such as Hero Forge let you assemble a personalized character without learning digital sculpting. You still need to check the service’s current terms for the digital file and any physical-print rights.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsResin or FDM: which printer fits miniatures?
Resin printers are the detail-first choice. FDM printers are generally easier for beginners and more versatile for large pieces, but their layer structure is more visible at miniature scale.
| Factor | Resin printing | FDM/filament printing |
|---|---|---|
| Small detail | Designed for very fine resolution and smoother small surfaces, making it well suited to faces, fingers, weapons and textured armor. | More visible layer lines at miniature scale; fine features are harder to reproduce cleanly. |
| Learning curve | Requires a resin-specific workflow and careful handling of uncured material. | Described as easier to operate and maintain for beginners. |
| Best scale and use | Small character figures and other detail-heavy models. | Larger monsters, terrain and models where colored filament or size is more important than tiny detail. |
| Cleanup | Printed parts must be washed with isopropyl alcohol to remove residual uncured resin, then dried before finishing. | No IPA wash is required; support removal and surface cleanup remain part of the process. |
| Durability | Many standard resins are more brittle and more likely to break when dropped than plastic or pewter options. | Printed plastic is often a practical choice for pieces that will see rough handling, though the exact strength depends on the filament and design. |
| Post-processing | Support removal, washing and defect cleanup are normally needed before primer. | Support removal, trimming and smoothing may be needed before primer. |
A quick decision rule
- Choose resin for display-quality character minis and the smallest sculpted details.
- Choose FDM for a simpler first printer, large creatures, buildings, bases and terrain.
- Choose a custom service when convenience and personalization matter more than owning the equipment.
Prepare the model before printing
Do not send an STL straight to the printer and assume it will work. Use this preparation sequence:
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- ①【Easy to Use】- SUNLU standard resin has strong fluidity and is compatible with different printers and printing speeds. The printed products are easy to form and are suitable for novices.
- ②【Low Shrinkage】- During the curing process, the standard resin has a low shrinkage rate, providing accurate size and shape of the printed parts.
- ③【Good Stability】- Standard resin has good tolerance to weak acids, greases, etc., and the printed works are not easy to deform, which is suitable for the manufacturing of most printing needs.
- ④【Easy to Post-process】- The surface of standard resin printed works is hard and smooth, and it is easy to color after printing. It is one of the best choices for hand-made printing.
- ⑤【High Cost-Effectiveness】- Standard resin provides good performance and durability at a relatively low cost, making it an affordable choice for those with a limited budget.
- Confirm the file and license. Open the STL in your slicer or a model-checking tool to make sure it is not corrupt. Read the creator’s terms, including whether commercial physical prints are allowed.
- Inspect the geometry. Look for holes, disconnected parts or other errors that could make the model unprintable. Repair the file or obtain a corrected version before slicing.
- Orient the figure. Position the model to protect important details and give it a stable, printable shape. Orientation affects both visible marks and the strength of thin parts.
- Level the build plate. Follow your printer’s current calibration procedure; a level plate is necessary for reliable first-layer adhesion.
- Select settings for the material and machine. Use the printer and resin or filament maker’s recommended starting settings rather than copying a profile for different equipment.
- Add supports where needed. Supported overhangs and delicate projections are less likely to fail, but supports also leave contact marks that need cleanup.
- Slice a test print. A small test can reveal orientation, exposure or adhesion problems before you commit to a long miniature.
Print, clean and assemble the miniature
Post-processing is part of miniature making, not an optional correction for a bad file. Work through the stages in order.
- Remove the print from the build plate. Use the removal method supplied for your printer and avoid levering against fragile details.
- Remove supports carefully. Trim or detach them slowly so contact points do not tear weapons, fingers or thin accessories.
- Wash resin prints in isopropyl alcohol. This removes residual uncured resin from the surface. Handle uncured resin carefully and follow the safety and disposal instructions supplied with your printer and resin.
- Let the part dry completely. Inspect it only after the wash has evaporated and the surface is free of liquid.
- Smooth or fill visible defects. Remove support scars and address gaps or rough areas before primer. The amount of sanding or filling depends on the print and the finish you want.
- Attach the figure to a base. A stable base makes a small model easier to handle and play with. Make sure the feet and base are fully secure before painting.
FDM models skip the IPA-washing stage, but they can still need support removal, trimming and surface smoothing. Resin models usually show finer detail; they also deserve gentler handling because standard resin can be brittle.
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Prime and paint
Painting is optional, but primer and acrylic miniature paints make printed details easier to see and protect the finished surface. A basic finishing kit includes:
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- 【Both Strength and Toughness with High Promotion】 Compared to the excellent tensile and bending strength of the previous version of ABS-like resin + , Anycubic ABS-Like Resin Pro 2 has strengthened the performance of toughness, increases the elongation at break by more than 100%, and the finished model is much stronger, which can be used to print high-strength and high-toughness models such as structural parts, industrial prototype parts, and fixtures.
- 【Performance far Superior to ABS-Like Resin】 Anycubic ABS-Like Resin Pro 2 is developed with a high elongation at break which can even reach to 35~40%. Compared to ABS-like resin +, it has increased by 114%.
- 【High Fluidity, High Success Rate】 Low viscosity and high flowability shorten curing time and make models easier to form. Anycubic ABS-Like Resin Pro 2 enables fast reflow, reducing delamination in model print. At the same time, the backplane adhesion is better, effectively reducing the risk of printing failure.
- 【High Precision with Low Shrinkage】With an even lower shrinkage rate, the chance of distortion is decreased. Achieve top-notch precision and display sharp, vivid details in your prints.
- 【Low Odor for Pleasant Printing】 Our low-odor formula reduces discomfort for those sensitive to smells, creating a more pleasant printing environment.
- Primer suitable for the material and the surface condition of the print.
- An acrylic miniature paint set for base colors and details.
- Small detail brushes for faces, straps, weapons and edge work.
- A stable holder or the miniature’s base so you do not repeatedly touch wet paint.
Prime only after the model is clean, dry and free of loose support material. Let the primer cure, then build color in controlled layers and use the smallest brush that gives you enough control. Painting remains optional: a well-cleaned, unpainted print is still a usable tabletop miniature.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you sell miniatures based on D&D monsters?
Sometimes, but there are two separate permissions to verify: the rights to the underlying D&D material and the rights granted by the STL creator.
Understand the SRD permission
D&D Beyond’s Creator FAQ states: “Anything you create using SRD 5.2.1 or SRD 5.1 is yours!” Those System Reference Documents are available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license, so applicable creations require attribution. The official SRD guidance says creators may print and sell compatible 5e or 5.5e content when they follow the relevant SRD permissions.
Best Value
- Higher Heat-Resistance: The 3D printed models with ABS-Like 3.0 Plus maintains its physical shape and mechanical properties at higher temperatures (up to 55 celsius grad), which effectively reduces the risk of material failure due to high temperatures.
- High Strength and Impact Resistance: Printed models are tough, bending without breaking easily and can withstand certain levels of tension and stress, featuring high hardness and toughness. Resin products can be tapped and drilled without cracking.
- High Precision and Low Shrinkage: Ensures high model forming accuracy with smooth surfaces and clear printing details and features low shrinkage rates.
- Good Fluidity: ELEGOO ABS-Like Resin 3.0 Plus Resin exhibits excellent fluidity, allowing it to flow back quickly to fill and cure the surface of printed models, which enhances the success rate of model printing by reducing the release force after resin curing.
- Fast Curing: Balances model performance and detail while improving printing speed. Shortens curing time, enhancing the efficiency of LCD 3D printers.
Do not treat all D&D imagery as SRD-cleared
Broader fan art and work based on Wizards of the Coast intellectual property fall under the Fan Content Policy rather than automatically receiving the SRD’s permissions. Protected settings, characters, logos and names omitted from the SRD are not cleared simply because a model is compatible with a D&D game.
Check the model creator’s license too
An STL marketplace license can limit commercial physical prints even when your own design is based on permitted SRD material. Before selling, confirm all of the following:
- The design uses material you are allowed to reproduce and sell.
- The STL license permits commercial physical prints, not just personal use.
- Any required Creative Commons attribution is included in the way the license specifies.
- Your listing avoids protected logos, settings, characters or other Wizards IP unless you have a separate right to use them.
If any part of that chain is unclear, treat the file as personal-use-only until you obtain permission or choose a model with explicit commercial terms.
Which route should you take?
| Your priority | Most practical route |
|---|---|
| Maximum detail on small player characters | Resin printer plus a properly licensed STL. |
| Lowest operational complexity for a first printer | FDM/filament printer. |
| Large monsters, buildings or terrain | FDM/filament printing. |
| A personalized character without digital sculpting | A custom design service such as Hero Forge. |
| Selling printed designs | An original or properly licensed model, with both STL and D&D-related rights checked before listing. |
Bottom line
For the sharpest tabletop details, use resin and accept the IPA washing, careful uncured-resin handling and greater brittleness. For an easier all-purpose start, choose FDM and reserve it for larger figures and terrain where layer lines matter less. Whichever route you choose, begin with a valid, licensed model, calibrate and test before a long print, and finish the miniature only after supports and surface defects are under control.
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