Printing 40mm miniatures in resin requires a careful balance between sharp detail, structural strength, and print reliability. Even small setting adjustments can dramatically affect surface quality, facial details, and thin elements like weapons or claws.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best resin settings for 40mm miniatures, how to fine-tune exposure, and how to achieve clean, professional-quality results for fantasy tabletop models.
Why 40mm Miniatures Require Specific Settings
Compared to smaller 28–32mm miniatures, 40mm models often include more pronounced textures and slightly thicker elements. This allows for exceptional detail — but only if your resin printer is calibrated correctly.
Incorrect exposure or layer height can result in:
- Soft or blurred facial details
- Loss of texture definition
- Brittle thin parts
- Layer separation or print failures
Recommended Layer Height for 40mm Miniatures
For high-detail resin miniatures, layer height is one of the most important settings.
Optimal Range
- 0.03mm – Maximum detail, slightly longer print time
- 0.04mm – Balanced detail and speed
- 0.05mm – Faster prints with still excellent quality
For display-quality miniatures or painting competitions, 0.03–0.04mm is highly recommended.
Exposure Settings (General Starting Point)
Exact exposure settings depend on your printer model and resin brand, but these values provide a strong baseline for 40mm miniatures.
- Bottom Layers: 4–6 layers
- Bottom Exposure: 25–35 seconds
- Normal Exposure: 1.8–2.8 seconds (mono LCD printers)
- Lift Speed: Moderate (avoid aggressive speeds)
Always run a small calibration test before printing a full miniature to fine-tune exposure for your environment.
Support Settings for 40mm Miniatures
Pre-Supported Files
If using pre-supported STL files, ensure your exposure matches the intended support thickness. Minor exposure tweaks may be necessary for optimal adhesion.
Unsupported Files
When generating supports manually, slightly increase support tip diameter for larger scaled models. This helps prevent detachment during lift cycles.
Print Orientation Tips
Proper orientation reduces suction forces and improves detail preservation.
- Angle miniatures 30–45 degrees
- Avoid flat surfaces parallel to the build plate
- Position delicate parts upward when possible
Common Problems & Fixes
- Soft Details: Reduce exposure slightly
- Layer Lines Visible: Lower layer height
- Supports Breaking: Increase tip diameter
- Base Warping: Increase bottom exposure
Related Guides & Miniatures
- [How to 3D Print Perfect Resin Miniatures]
- [How to Scale STL Miniatures]
- [Browse 40mm Fantasy STL Miniatures]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 0.03mm layer height worth it for 40mm miniatures?
Yes, especially for display models. It increases print time but maximizes surface detail and smoothness.
Why are my 40mm miniatures brittle?
Overexposure or aggressive curing can make resin parts brittle. Adjust exposure and follow curing guidelines.
Should I hollow 40mm miniatures?
For standard 40mm miniatures, hollowing is usually unnecessary unless printing at larger scales.