How long does it take to 3D print a figurine? i3dfigure Custom Figurine Solutions

When people ask me, “How long does it actually take to 3D print figurines?” I smile, because it’s one of the most common questions I hear at i3dfigure. The answer isn’t simple—print times can vary from just a few hours to several days. But what I’ve learned over the years is that the time invested is always worth it when you hold that finished figurine in your hands.

In this article, I’ll explain how we at i3dfigure approach the process, what factors influence the timing, and why patience is often the key to creating high-quality custom figurines.

The Journey from Idea to Figurine

Every figurine we produce begins with an idea. Sometimes it’s a customer who wants a superhero brought to life. Other times, it’s a wedding couple wanting a miniature version of themselves. At i3dfigure, we specialize in turning those ideas into tangible collectibles.

The first step isn’t printing—it’s design. We gather photos, sketches, or digital references and sculpt the figurine digitally using tools like ZBrush or Maya. This part alone can take hours or days depending on the level of detail. But it’s essential, because a great print starts with a great model.

• Subtitle: “Good Design = Good Print”
  If the digital design isn’t prepared correctly, the print won’t succeed no matter how fast the printer is.

Preparing for the Print

Once the design is ready, we prepare it for the printer. At i3dfigure, this means repairing the 3D mesh, checking wall thickness, and ensuring the file is printable. This stage may sound technical, but it’s what prevents failed prints later.

Then comes slicing—the process of cutting the model into thin layers. This step also determines how long the printer will run. For example, a figurine sliced at a fine resolution (very thin layers) will look smooth and detailed, but the printer will take much longer to finish.

Printing Time: What to Expect

So how long does it really take to 3d print figurines? The answer depends on several factors:

1. Size of the Figurine

• Small figurines (10–12 cm / ~4–5 inches): Usually 6–12 hours.
  
  

• Medium figurines (15–20 cm / ~6–8 inches): Around 12–24 hours.
  
  

• Large figurines (25–30 cm / ~10–12 inches): Often 1–3 days.
  
  

2. Printer Type

At i3dfigure, we mainly use resin printers for high-quality results. Resin printing produces incredibly fine details, but it usually takes longer compared to FDM printers.

3. Level of Detail

High-resolution settings mean more layers, which equals more time. For collectible figurines, we often choose quality over speed.

• Subtitle: “Patience Brings Perfection”
  If you rush a print with thick layers, you lose the fine detail that makes a figurine truly lifelike.

Post-Processing: More Than Just Printing

Many people are surprised to learn that the actual printing isn’t the end of the journey. Once the figurine comes out of the printer, we spend additional hours on finishing.

At i3dfigure, post-processing includes:

1. Cleaning & Curing: Resin prints must be washed and hardened under UV light.
   
   

2. Support Removal: The support structures holding the figurine during printing need to be carefully removed.
   
   

3. Sanding & Priming: To achieve a smooth finish before painting.
   
   

4. Painting & Detailing: This is often the most time-consuming step, but also the most rewarding. A simple figurine might take only a few hours to paint, while a highly detailed one could take several days.
   
   

So, when we say a figurine takes 12 hours to print, we should also add that finishing may double or even triple the total time.

Common Time-Related Challenges

Over the years, I’ve learned that time in 3D printing is unpredictable. Sometimes prints fail halfway through, and we need to start again. Other times, clients request last-minute changes that mean redesigning or reprinting.

• Subtitle: “Why Time Estimates Vary”
  This is why we always give our clients a range rather than an exact number of hours. It’s better to under-promise and over-deliver.

Why i3dfigure Takes the Time

At i3dfigure, we don’t believe in rushing. Every figurine is a personalized collectible, not just a plastic object. Taking the time ensures:

• Stronger, more durable prints
  
  

• Cleaner surfaces with fewer visible lines
  
  

• Lifelike painting and finishing
  
  

I often tell customers: “If you want something fast, it may not be something you’ll treasure. But if you give us the time, we’ll give you a figurine you’ll love forever.”

So, How Long Should You Expect?

When people ask me, “How long will my figurine take?” here’s the simple breakdown I usually give:

• Designing & Preparing: 1–3 days (depending on complexity)
  
  

• Printing: 6 hours to 3 days (depending on size and detail)
  
  

• Post-Processing & Painting: 1–5 days (depending on customization)
  
  

In total, creating a custom figurine at i3dfigure can take anywhere from a couple of days to about a week.

Final Thoughts

So, how long does it take to 3D print a figurine? The honest answer is: it depends. Small, simple figurines can be printed overnight, while larger, detailed, custom-painted ones may take several days from start to finish.

At i3dfigure, we take pride in investing the necessary time to create figurines that aren’t just prints, but works of art. From sculpting to painting, every stage is about quality and personalization.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing yourself, your favorite character, or a loved one as a miniature statue, remember this: 3d print figurines take time, but the results last forever.