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billyhg
(@billyhg)
Member
new to 3D printing

Hi all, I’m new to 3D printing and wondering how to pick the best print settings for detailed game models without messing them up. Any advice?

 
Posted : 25/06/2025 6:56 pm
Diem
 Diem
(@diem)
Illustrious Member

Assuming FDM:

Design to your nozzle/layer height defaults - eg: 0.4mm nozzle, use extrusion width 0.45mm as your very smallest horizontal detail and 0.2mm (for 0.2mm layer height) for vertical detail.  That way your figures will print cleanly without requiring complex settings.

Cheerio,

Posted : 25/06/2025 9:14 pm
Charles R. Howard
(@charles-r-howard)
Member
RE: new to 3D printing

Welcome! For detailed game models (like minis), here are a few quick tips that helped me a lot starting out:

Layer height: Go for 0.1 mm or even 0.07 mm if you're using a 0.25 mm nozzle. The smaller the layer height, the better the detail—but print time will increase.

Nozzle size: Consider switching to a 0.25 mm nozzle if you're printing small intricate parts—it's a game changer for detail.

Print speed: Slower is better for small models—try around 20–30 mm/s.

Supports: Use “organic supports” in PrusaSlicer—they're easier to remove and reduce scarring.

Resin vs FDM: If you’re really focused on fine details (like tabletop minis), resin printing may be worth looking into eventually.

Take it slow, slice a few test prints, and don’t be afraid to tweak settings a little at a time. The slicer preview is your best friend!

Posted : 27/06/2025 8:50 am
Jürgen
(@jurgen-7)
Noble Member
RE: new to 3D printing

Is that you, Charles "ChatGPT" Howard? 🙄

Posted by: @charles-r-howard

Welcome! For detailed game models (like minis), here are a few quick tips that helped me a lot starting out:

Layer height: Go for 0.1 mm or even 0.07 mm if you're using a 0.25 mm nozzle. The smaller the layer height, the better the detail—but print time will increase.

Nozzle size: Consider switching to a 0.25 mm nozzle if you're printing small intricate parts—it's a game changer for detail.

Print speed: Slower is better for small models—try around 20–30 mm/s.

Supports: Use “organic supports” in PrusaSlicer—they're easier to remove and reduce scarring.

Resin vs FDM: If you’re really focused on fine details (like tabletop minis), resin printing may be worth looking into eventually.

Take it slow, slice a few test prints, and don’t be afraid to tweak settings a little at a time. The slicer preview is your best friend!

 

Posted : 28/06/2025 6:01 am
strjan
(@strjan)
Estimable Member
RE: new to 3D printing

Recently, I came across this video on the topic:

Posted : 30/06/2025 7:39 am
Robin_13
(@robin_13)
Reputable Member
RE: new to 3D printing

Thanks for the video

 

Posted : 05/07/2025 12:57 am
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