The Knowledge Base
Master your Prints
So, you've decided to print tiny plastic people with your complex piece of manufacturing equipment — excellent choice.
This is the go-to page for every beginner and mid-level printer who wants to level up their FDM miniatures. Everything you need, in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What settings should I use?
It depends on your printer and slicer — check the Settings Library tab for tried and tested profiles from other users who may have the same printer as you. In general, you'll want to print much slower than usual with the smallest possible layer height to maximise detail. A smaller nozzle size (0.2mm) also helps get finer lines. For supports, tree supports are the consensus, and you'll need to find a balance between adequate support, easy removal, and minimal scarring.
Where can I find miniatures to 3D print?
Check out our Discover section for supportless and FDM-friendly miniatures curated for quality. We aggregate the best models from all major platforms so you don't have to search everywhere yourself.
How do I hide layer lines?
Hiding all layer lines is impossible — you should learn to live with them. But you can reduce the effect with some precautions:
- Using primer or filler primer (you will lose some details, but the surface will be smoother).
- Avoid techniques like dry brushing and shading — they emphasize layer lines.
- Sand the most visible areas carefully.
My print looks terrible. How can I fix it?
Check the Troubleshooting tab above for common problems and solutions. If your specific issue isn't covered, try leaving a comment on a similar model's page — experienced printers in the FDMFoundry community are often happy to help.
Can I use PETG as support material?
No. PETG adheres too strongly to PLA and has different thermal properties, making it extremely difficult to remove cleanly. It's likely to damage or distort fine details on your miniatures. Stick to the same material as your model or use dedicated support interfaces in your slicer.