Resin 3D printing is now one of the most popular technologies for producing high‑precision miniatures and scale models. Compared with other additive techniques, such as filament FDM, resin printing delivers extremely fine detail, perfectly smooth surfaces and complex geometries that would be impossible to achieve with traditional methods. It’s no coincidence that static modelling and wargaming, as well as professional prototyping, have found in this technology the ideal solution for bringing high‑quality figures, components and prototypes to life. However, not all resins perform the same, and selecting the most suitable material is a critical step for anyone seeking optimal results.
When it comes to collector’s miniatures, architectural models or figures intended for board games, visual quality is decisive. Photopolymer resins can achieve resolutions on the order of 35–50 micrometres (µm), delivering incredibly crisp details such as fabric textures, armour lines or facial expressions at very small scales. Surface quality is also markedly superior to filament‑based techniques, as layer lines are almost invisible.
Beyond appearance, another major advantage is the ability to reproduce very thin, complex parts, such as weapons, decorative accessories or technical micro‑components. In production environments, MSLA technologies also optimise turnaround, enabling multiple miniatures to be printed simultaneously without compromising overall quality. This makes resin printing suitable not only for hobby use but also for professional and industrial production of models and prototypes.
Determining the best resin for miniatures and models requires analysing several technical factors. Dimensional accuracy and fine detail reproduction are often the top priorities for display pieces, while mechanical strength and durability become essential for miniatures destined for frequent handling, as in wargaming. Some resins offer high stiffness but are brittle; others provide greater impact resistance at the cost of a slight loss in definition. Surface finish also affects the choice: a resin that sands, primes and paints easily ensures a simpler, faster post‑processing workflow. In industrial contexts, dimensional stability and curing times matter too, as they directly affect productivity.
Standard resins are the most common starting point for 3D‑printed miniatures and models. They offer an excellent balance between visual quality and cost, with smooth surfaces and well‑defined details—ideal for display figures or aesthetic prototypes. Best Price Classica is a concrete example of this category: a versatile resin that produces highly detailed miniatures at competitive costs. It’s the best choice when the focus is on aesthetics and visual precision rather than mechanical strength.
Tough resins are engineered to better resist impacts and handling—essential characteristics for miniatures and models intended for intensive use. The PP‑Like variant mimics polypropylene, offering useful flexibility and long‑term durability. These resins help prevent thin parts such as weapons, aerials or decorative details from snapping easily, providing greater robustness without unduly compromising precision. They’re ideal for board games, wargaming and models subject to repeated stresses.
An excellent alternative is ABS‑like resins, which combine strong aesthetics with mechanical strength. ABS‑Like offers a very smooth finish, high levels of detail and excellent impact resistance. A distinctive feature is its isotropy: mechanical properties remain consistent in all directions, yielding more reliable, resilient miniatures and models. This makes the material perfect not only for durable gaming figures but also for functional prototypes or technical models that must combine visual precision with structural performance.
Particularly interesting for specialist applications is ceramic resin. This material contains a charge of ceramic particles that gives printed parts a unique look and surface finish, with very high stiffness and superior wear resistance compared with standard resins. It’s used above all for architectural models, artistic statuettes and prototypes requiring high dimensional stability and refined aesthetics. Thanks to its slightly granular texture, ceramic resin reproduces a material quality especially appreciated by designers and professionals. Do note, however, that precisely because of its stiffness, this material is more brittle under dynamic loads and is not the best choice for game miniatures subjected to frequent handling.
Finally, professional engineering‑grade resins represent the highest level in terms of performance and stability. Versatile W135 is an example of a high‑performance, multi‑purpose resin: it provides excellent mechanical strength, long‑term dimensional stability and outstanding isotropic properties. It’s particularly suitable for models and prototypes that must retain their characteristics over time, even under tougher conditions of use. Alongside these, High Temperature Pro further expands application possibilities, with heat resistance up to 238 °C. While not primarily intended for gaming miniatures, this resin is valuable for prototypes and models requiring thermal testing or exposure to extreme conditions. Although engineering‑grade resins are more expensive, they’re a valuable resource for professionals and companies looking to turn miniatures and models into objects that are not only beautiful but also functional and technically capable.
Not every application calls for the same type of resin, and it’s the intended use that determines the right choice. For display miniatures or architectural models meant for the showcase or static collections, the absolute priority is fidelity of detail. In these cases every nuance—every micro‑texture sculpted on the surface—must be reproduced with maximum precision. High‑definition standard resins meet this requirement perfectly, providing smooth surfaces and crisp details that do justice to the design and enable top‑tier finishing and painting. Ceramic resin, with its material look and higher stiffness, can add further value: models gain an elegance reminiscent of artistic artefacts, becoming refined display pieces more akin to sculpture than to simple prototypes.
The scenario is completely different for miniatures used in board games or wargames. Here, it’s not enough for the figure to look good: it must also withstand continuous use, frequent handling, transport and accidental knocks. A fragile piece risks breaking after a few gaming sessions, undermining the player’s experience. For this reason, mechanical strength is essential. Tough or ABS‑like resins offer an ideal balance between robustness and precision. They preserve aesthetic detail while ensuring greater durability, preventing fractures in thin parts and maintaining good dimensional stability even after prolonged use. These materials reconcile aesthetics and functionality, turning the miniature into a true game piece.
Another category is rapid prototypes, developed to test shapes, volumes and proportions without needing extreme strength or detail. In this context, professional standard resins deliver practical results quickly and at contained cost. They’re perfect for those working in creative or industrial settings who need to verify a concept, design or series of iterations rapidly before moving to higher‑performance materials.
Post‑processing is a critical phase that turns a raw resin print into a finished miniature or model—functional and visually impeccable. Straight out of the printer, the part is coated in uncured liquid resin, which must be removed through thorough washing. Cleaning—ideally with isopropyl alcohol or dedicated cleaning solutions—can be done manually by immersing the part in a bath with gentle agitation, or with automated systems that also reach complex internal geometries.
Once residues have been eliminated, it’s essential to dry the part thoroughly. Air‑dry or use compressed air, avoiding direct heat sources that could distort the geometry. Only when the surface is completely dry should you proceed with final UV polymerisation: this step completes cross‑linking, imparting stiffness, dimensional stability and mechanical strength.
Removing supports requires care: doing so immediately after curing can result in a more brittle surface, while removing them before full polymerisation may encourage tearing or micro‑fractures. Those printing figures with delicate details benefit from careful, considered removal—often using fine tweezers or precise flush/side cutters.
At this point, to achieve perfectly smooth surfaces—ideal for crisp miniatures or models that will be painted—you can proceed to sanding. Start with a medium‑grit abrasive to remove visible marks, then move to fine or very fine grits and, for premium finishes, up to 3000‑grit or higher, optionally using water for a more uniform wet‑sanded effect.
Aesthetics can be enhanced further through priming, painting or protective coatings. Clear polymer spray finishes add gloss and chemical protection, while ceramic coatings improve resistance to wear, UV radiation and chemicals—yielding robust, long‑lasting miniatures even for exposed environments or functional models.
Resin 3D printing is no longer the exclusive domain of hobbyists. Companies like Weerg offer state‑of‑the‑art industrial technologies that deliver consistent quality, production scalability and access to advanced materials. Unlike home production, industrial processes ensure uniformity, increased part strength and the ability to produce both single prototypes and full runs. For businesses, designers and brands in tabletop or static modelling, this means relying on a partner capable of rapidly transforming an idea into a market‑ready product.
Choosing the best resin for miniatures and models means assessing the project’s specific needs. For display pieces, high‑definition standard resins are advisable, while ceramic resin is a high‑value option for artistic and architectural applications. For intensive gaming use, tough or ABS‑like resins provide the required robustness, while professional engineering‑grade resins remain the optimal choice for those seeking advanced performance and dimensional stability. Thanks to services such as those offered by Weerg, it’s now possible to obtain top‑quality miniatures and models quickly—combining aesthetics, strength and precision. Resin 3D printing is no longer just an alternative; it’s a true revolution in the production of scale models.
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