Best 20 Articulated 3D Print Models: New Levels of Posing and Animation
Articulated 3D printing allows multi-piece models to pose, move, and come to life right off the print bed.
This post showcases 20 impressive articulated 3D print designs across categories. Discover new heights of dynamism and personalization for your 3D-printed figurines!
Articulated Night Spirit Dragon
With graceful curves and flowing details, this mythical dragon appears ready to take flight, its slender body and expansive wingspan conveying a sense of majesty and power.
Find it in Printables
Cute Mini Octopus
The articulated octopus is an adorable and enchanting creation that captures the charm of these fascinating sea creatures. This miniature model or toy features a series of articulated joints, allowing for a delightful range of movements and poses.
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Super Flexi Gecko
Experience the wonder of nature with the gecko, engineered for unmatched posing ability! You can use PETG to create a smooth, jam-free range of motion that maintains rigidity while allowing incredible contortion.
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Articulated Elephant
This articulated elephant design was inspired by the magnificent Mechanical Elephant that transports people in the city of Nantes.
The elephant’s movable legs make it a popular choice for children’s playtime and for individuals looking to add a touch of charm to their office or workspace.
Find it in Cults
Articulated Whale Shark
You have the choice to print it with different amounts of infill, allowing it to either sink or stay afloat on the water’s surface. There are also various versions available, so you can customize your shark to have a happy or frightening face, and decide if you want its jaw to be movable or fixed.
Find it in Printables
MINI 13 Printable Jointed Figure
Bring this fully posable mini figure to life right from your 3D printer! Designed with printable joints for bending and posing the arms, legs, and head. Customize your own mini-character with various filament colors and painting.
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Articulated Pangolin
In recent years, the pangolin, a mammal covered in scales found in Africa and Asia, has been classified as an endangered species. To contribute to this cause, amaochan has designed a 3D printable version of a pangolin.
Find it in Cults
Articulated Axolotl
It is a multi-part 3D printed model assembled using flexible joints for posing. Crafted from lustrous silk filament, each part of this unusual salamander shines in vivid colors. Despite its rigid appearance, specially designed joints allow gently positioning of the axolotl’s head, legs, and tail into different stances. Here are more axolotl models to enrich your collection.
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Articulated Bone Dragon
Take flight with this fearsome 3D-printed bone dragon! Designed with articulated joints and movable parts to allow posing mid-flight or perched on the included display stand.
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Friendly Articulated Slug
This articulated slug is a delightful and unique creature that showcases the beauty of nature in unexpected ways. This charming model or sculpture features a series of movable joints, allowing the slug to assume various poses and positions.
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Articulated Square Fidget Toy
With this intriguing fidget toy, you can unravel the puzzle-like nature of these geometric shapes deconstruct a square, and rearrange its pieces to form a triangle, offering a unique and engaging fidgeting experience. Here are more fidget toys for you.
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Second Print In Place Dinosaur
Articulated dinosaurs are fascinating creatures that captivate both children and adults alike. These impressive models allow us to bring the ancient world of dinosaurs back to life in a tangible way.
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Articulated Snake v8
The articulated snake is a remarkable engineering feat that pushes the boundaries of robotic design. This snake features an enlarged head, which enhances its capabilities and versatility.
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Articulated Lobster
This updated articulated lobster model is a must-print for seafood lovers! Designed with segmented body sections and printed movable parts like claws and antennae to enable posing.
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Articulated Lizard
With its series of movable joints mimicking a lizard’s natural movements, the articulated lizard is a captivating creature showcasing the adaptability of reptiles.
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MINI 13: Star Wars AT-ST
Lead a miniature assault with this 3D-printed posable AT-ST from Star Wars! Designed with movable joints to allow posing just like the films. This mini all-terrain scout transport makes a great addition to any Imperial Army or Star Wars collection!
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Articulated Unicorn
If you have an admiration for mythical creatures, this design by Benchy4Life is perfect for you. Unlike other articulated models, this unicorn possesses cleverly designed legs that allow it to stand independently.
Find it in Cults
Articulated Butterfly
This model serves as a delightful ornament for indoor plants and offers the flexibility to pose it according to your preference, all thanks to its set of movable wings.
Find it in Thingiverse
Articulated Chameleon
The design features a 10-segment tongue that can stretch up to 5 inches. The creator made the tongue and body as separate pieces, allowing you to display the chameleon in various poses, like catching flies or resting on a shelf.
Find it in Cults
Flexi Starfish Coaster
This innovative mouse design incorporates a flexible joint mechanism that allows for enhanced movement and adaptability. This improved articulated mouse provides greater comfort and control.
Find it in Printables
Tips for 3D Printing Articulated Models
- Print with flexible filament – Materials like TPU and PLA filament flex rather than snap when under pressure. Use flexible filament for parts like joints that need to bend.
- Use pins and axles – Pins aligned through holes allow parts to pivot smoothly. Use short sections of filament or metal rods for axles.
- Print supports for overhangs – Overhanging parts will need supports to print properly. Use dissolvable support material.
- Sand and lubricate parts – Sanding parts smooth the print layers. Lubricating with oil or grease helps articulated parts move freely.
- Test print first – Print one version of the model fully assembled to test the fit and function before printing the full model.
- Assemble carefully – Press parts together firmly for the best layer adhesion when gluing. But avoid excess glue that could cause moving parts to stick.
Conclusion
Articulated 3D printing actualizes imagined creations with enhanced motion and interactivity. As shown, makers continue pushing the boundaries of multi-part animation with ingenious designs. Whether seeking to fabricate an original character or animate a beloved figure, these examples inspire new possibilities.
FAQs
Q: What are articulated 3D print models?
A: Articulated 3D print models are designs with interconnected, movable joints that allow parts like arms, legs, heads, etc. to pose dynamically. This enables animation, more lifelike figures, and creativity.
Q: Why are articulated models useful?
A: Articulated 3D print models are great for model kits, figures, puppets, miniatures, robots, concept prototypes, and any application where flexibility, posing, and motion are desired.
Q: How do you make an articulated 3D model?
A: Making an articulated 3D model requires designing parts with pivots and hinges that interconnect with each other. Ball joints, twist joints, universal joints, and living hinges enable movement and posing.
See Also
How to Create Articulated 3D Print
Greatest 20 3D Print Files for Axolotls: Make Your Own Axolotl Army
Best 50+ 3D Printed Fidget Toys to Keep Your Hands Busy in 2024
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