Resin supports for scale model minis

[jacob.m7641]

Hey everyone, I'm just about to dabble into resin 3D printing and could really use some veteran advice. I picked up a small LCD printer to tackle some high-detail custom parts for a couple of intricate scale models I have planned.. think tiny, delicate engine components and highly ornate custom weapons for a sci-fi piece.

My problem is getting the prints to survive the post-processing phase, specifically the supports. I’m printing these models at a 45-degree angle in Chitubox with mostly medium supports, but when I try to snip them off, I'm constantly getting little divots and craters in the model's surface, and even snapping off fine points. I've tried heating them in warm water before removal, but they're still leaving pits that are a nightmare to sand without losing critical edge detail.

Are there specific support settings, like contact point depth or shape, that work best for these tiny, very visible model parts, or is there a trick to using very light supports without risking a print failure? I’m currently using a standard grey resin but could switch to something else if a different material handles supports better. Thanks in advance for any tips!

 

[Eliahscore]

For those parts that are delicate, try switching most of your supports to light with smaller contact points and only keep mediums on critical anchor spots. It’s better to add more light supports than a few heavy ones and its easier to clean up without craters

 

[Alan]

That’s a fun project to start with. For those tiny parts, maybe try lighter touch points or cone-shaped supports. What printer and resin are you using?

 

[Magicniner]

I tried a free trial of Voxeldance Tango, the support options and function both auto and manual are far better than Chitubox or Lychee, particularly fine supports for difficult small parts and edges.