Selecting a 3D printer for terrain can be a complex decision. With numerous options available and a plethora of technical specifications, navigating the choices can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers to 3D printing.
This article aims to simplify the process by outlining the crucial factors to consider when choosing a 3D printer for terrain. While traditionally, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers have been favored for terrain, this guide will explore the landscape of Stereolithography (SLA) printers and assess their suitability for terrain printing. If your primary focus is on achieving exceptional detail for miniatures in resin, our dedicated article on the best 3D printer for miniatures provides in-depth guidance.
A selection of 3D printed terrain pieces, demonstrating the scale and detail achievable with desktop 3D printing.
Article Highlights
1 Key Features to Look for in an SLA Terrain Printer
2 Saturn 2: A Viable SLA Option for Terrain and Miniatures
3 Exploring Other SLA Printers for Terrain
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Key Features to Look for in an SLA Terrain Printer
When considering an SLA printer for terrain, several factors become paramount. While FDM printers are often the go-to for terrain due to material costs and durability, SLA printers offer unique advantages, particularly in detail and surface finish. However, they also come with specific challenges when applied to terrain printing.
Material Cost and Properties
Build Volume
Terrain pieces are often large and require substantial material. Resin for SLA printing tends to be more expensive than FDM filaments like PLA. Furthermore, terrain for wargaming should be robust enough to withstand regular handling and storage. While resin prints can be incredibly detailed, they can also be more brittle than FDM prints, making material selection and print design crucial.
Large terrain pieces ideally should be printed in as few parts as possible to minimize assembly. SLA printers, even larger models, typically have smaller build volumes compared to many FDM printers. Consider the maximum print dimensions of an SLA printer and how it aligns with the size of terrain you intend to create. Printing terrain in multiple sections and assembling them is an option, but it adds complexity and potential weak points.
Component Quality and Setup Ease
User-Friendliness, Reliability, and Print Quality
SLA printers involve precise components and require careful calibration. For terrain printing, you need a machine that can consistently produce reliable prints without constant breakdowns or failures. Ease of setup is particularly important for beginners who might be new to the nuances of resin printing.
The goal is to have an SLA printer that you can depend on to produce usable terrain pieces without excessive troubleshooting. While SLA printers are known for high detail, the post-processing involved (washing and curing resin prints) adds extra steps compared to FDM. The desired print quality should balance detail with the practicalities of terrain use and the additional effort required for resin.
Saturn 2: An SLA Printer for Terrain and Miniature Enthusiasts
Best SLA Printer for Mixed Terrain and Miniatures
Elegoo Saturn 2 Elegoo Saturn 2 Pros:
- High resolution for detailed prints
- Relatively user-friendly for an SLA printer
- Decent build volume for larger miniatures and smaller terrain pieces
Cons:
- Resin material can be more expensive for large terrain prints
- Smaller build volume compared to FDM printers
- Resin prints can be more fragile than FDM for terrain
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For those seeking an SLA printer that can handle both detailed miniatures and terrain, the Elegoo Saturn 2 presents a compelling option. While SLA printers are generally not the primary recommendation for terrain due to factors like cost and build size limitations, the Saturn 2 offers a balance of features that make it worth considering, especially if detailed terrain is a priority or if you need a single printer for both miniatures and terrain elements.
The Saturn 2 stands out with its high resolution, capable of capturing intricate details that can enhance terrain pieces. While it’s essential to acknowledge that resin is typically more expensive than FDM filament and potentially less durable for terrain, the Saturn 2’s print quality can be beneficial for specific types of terrain, such as highly detailed scatter terrain or smaller, centerpiece terrain features.
A detailed miniature printed on the Elegoo Saturn 2, showcasing the printer’s high resolution capabilities.
The build volume of the Saturn 2, while not as expansive as some FDM printers, is generous for an SLA printer in its class. This allows for printing reasonably sized terrain sections or multiple smaller pieces in a single print job. For larger terrain projects, you might still need to divide models and assemble them, but the Saturn 2’s build area provides more flexibility than smaller resin printers.
It’s crucial to consider the trade-offs when choosing an SLA printer for terrain. Resin printing involves a more involved post-processing workflow, including washing and curing, and the material cost per volume is higher. However, if your focus is on achieving a superior level of detail and surface finish on your terrain, or if you require a printer that excels at both miniatures and terrain, the Elegoo Saturn 2 is a strong contender in the SLA category.
Exploring Other SLA Printers for Terrain
While the Saturn 2 represents a solid option for an SLA approach to terrain, the market offers other large-format resin printers that could be considered, particularly if build volume is a primary concern. Printers like the Phrozen Mega 8K offer significantly larger build areas, albeit at a higher price point.
It’s important to reiterate that for most terrain printing needs, FDM printers remain the more practical and cost-effective choice. However, if you are driven by the desire for ultra-high detail in your terrain, or if your projects involve smaller, intricate terrain elements where resin’s strengths can shine, exploring larger SLA printers could be worthwhile.
When considering alternatives, carefully evaluate:
- Build Volume: Does it meet the size requirements for your terrain projects?
- Resolution: Is the detail level necessary for your terrain vision?
- Cost: Factor in the printer price and the ongoing resin costs.
- Ease of Use and Reliability: Is the printer known for consistent performance?
Ultimately, the “best” SLA printer for terrain depends heavily on your specific priorities, budget, and the type of terrain you intend to create. For users primarily focused on terrain, especially larger pieces, FDM printers generally offer a more balanced and practical solution. However, for those who prioritize detail and are comfortable with the specifics of resin printing, SLA printers like the Saturn 2 and larger models present a viable, albeit different, path to tabletop terrain creation.
