The two main 3D printer types are FDM (filament) and resin (SLA/DLP/LCD); FDM is best for durable, low-cost figurines, while resin delivers finer detail for small faces and props. If you’re turning a photo into a printable figurine, start with FDM for gifts and switch to resin when detail matters.
This guide explains how each type works, how to use a 3D printer, and how to prep a photo-based model from 3D Figurines so it prints cleanly on the machine you own.
How do 3D printers work?
Every 3D printer builds an object layer by layer from a digital model. The differences are in how they form each layer.
- FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): A heated nozzle pushes molten thermoplastic filament onto a build plate. The nozzle traces the cross-section of your model, then the Z-axis moves up (usually 0.1–0.3 mm) and the next layer goes down. Common materials: PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU.
- Resin (SLA/DLP/LCD): A light source cures liquid photopolymer resin in a vat. SLA uses a laser, DLP uses a projector, and LCD uses a masked screen. After printing, the model is washed in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and post-cured under UV light. Layer heights are typically 0.025–0.1 mm.
Both types read a sliced file (G-code) generated from a 3D model. For figurines, the model usually starts as a GLB from an AI image-to-3D tool, then gets converted to STL for slicing.
The main 3D printer types (and what they’re good for)
FDM printers
FDM is the most common type for hobbyists. It’s affordable, has a large build volume, and handles durable materials. For custom figurines, FDM works well for desk decor, keychains, and larger pieces where layer lines can be sanded or painted over.
Typical specs:
- Nozzle: 0.4 mm (0.2 mm for finer detail)
- Layer height: 0.12–0.2 mm for figurines
- Build volume: 220 × 220 × 250 mm is common
- Materials: PLA for easy printing, PETG for strength, TPU for flexible parts
When to choose FDM: you want a sturdy gift, you’re printing multiple copies, or you’re on a budget.
Resin printers
Resin printers use light to cure liquid resin. They produce much finer detail, which matters for faces, hair, and small accessories on a figurine. The trade-off is post-processing: you must wash and cure prints, and resin is messier and more expensive per gram.
Typical specs:
- XY resolution: 0.035–0.05 mm (LCD)
- Layer height: 0.03–0.05 mm for miniatures
- Build volume: 120 × 68 × 155 mm is common
- Materials: standard resin, water-washable resin, tough resin
When to choose resin: you’re printing a small figurine (under 6 inches), you need sharp facial features, or you’re making a display piece.
Resin vs FDM: quick comparison
| Factor | FDM | Resin |
|---|---|---|
| Detail | Moderate | High |
| Speed | Faster for large parts | Slower per height, but many small parts at once |
| Post-processing | Support removal, sanding | Wash + UV cure |
| Cost per gram | Lower | Higher |
| Safety | Fumes from some filaments | Resin skin/eye irritation, fumes |
| Best for | Durable, larger figurines | Detailed, small figurines |
If you’re new to printing, start with FDM. If you’re selling or gifting a detailed portrait figurine, resin is worth the extra steps.
Multi-material 3D printers
Multi-material printers can print with two or more filaments in one job. They use either multiple nozzles, a tool changer, or a mixing hotend. For figurines, this means you can print a base in one color and the figure in another, or add soluble supports that dissolve in water.
What to know:
- Multi-material FDM printers cost more and require more calibration.
- Soluble supports (PVA or HIPS) let you print overhangs without scarring.
- Color mixing can create gradients, but it’s not a substitute for painting.
For most photo-to-figurine projects, a single-material printer plus paint gives better control than a multi-material setup.
How to use a 3D printer for photo-based figurines
Step 1: Generate the 3D model from a photo
Use 3D Figurines to turn a photo or selfie into a 3D model. The tool is built on Tencent Hunyuan3D and exports GLB. For best results, use a well-lit photo with a plain background and the subject facing the camera. See how to create 3D models from photos and selfie to 3D figurine guide.
Step 2: Convert GLB to STL
Slicers read STL, OBJ, or 3MF. Convert your GLB to STL using Blender or an online converter. If you need to edit the mesh first, follow import 3D model to Blender and Blender editing 3D figurines. For format details, read best 3D export formats for slicers.
Step 3: Slice the model
Open the STL in your slicer (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Lychee, Chitubox). Set:
- FDM: layer height 0.12–0.16 mm, infill 15–20%, supports for overhangs, build plate adhesion brim for tall thin parts.
- Resin: layer height 0.03–0.05 mm, exposure time per your resin (typically 2–8 seconds for LCD), supports with a raft.
Step 4: Print
Load filament or resin, level the bed (FDM) or check the vat (resin), and start the job. For FDM, a first-layer speed of 20–30 mm/s improves adhesion. For resin, keep the room ventilated and wear gloves.
Step 5: Post-process
- FDM: remove supports with flush cutters, sand layer lines with 400–800 grit, prime and paint.
- Resin: remove supports, wash in IPA for 3–5 minutes, cure under UV for 2–5 minutes, then paint.
Choosing your first printer
If you’re printing figurines as gifts, an FDM printer with a 0.4 mm nozzle and PLA is the simplest start. If you’re printing detailed portraits or miniatures, a resin printer with a 4K LCD screen gives sharper results. Multi-material is optional and better for advanced users.
For more on materials, see 3D printing filament and 3D printing figurines guide. If your model has issues, check fix bad 3D model generations and fix texture seams and UV issues.
Common questions
Can I print a photo-based figurine on any printer? Yes, if you convert the GLB to STL and slice it. FDM and resin both work; resin gives finer detail.
How long does a figurine take to print? A 4-inch FDM figurine at 0.16 mm layers takes 3–6 hours. A resin figurine at 0.05 mm takes 2–4 hours plus post-processing.
Do I need supports? Yes for overhangs like arms, hats, or hair. Use tree supports in FDM or auto-supports in resin slicers.
What’s the best material for a gift? PLA for FDM (easy, safe) or standard resin for detail. Paint with acrylics and seal with matte varnish.
Start your first figurine
Turn a photo into a printable 3D figurine with 3D Figurines. Upload a selfie or portrait, generate a GLB, convert to STL, and print it on your FDM or resin machine. Try it now and bring your favorite photo to life.
