3D printing enthusiasts, get ready to unleash your inner dragon tamer! We’ve rounded up the top 10 free articulated dragon STL files that will have your printer breathing fire. These incredible designs combine the magic of 3D printing with the wonder of articulated models, creating dragons that can twist, turn, and even fly off your print bed.
1. Articulated Demon Dragon
A stunning design that truly shines when printed with morph-colored filament. This 3D printed articulated dragon STL boasts a fully movable body, articulating legs, a flexible tail, and a poseable head. It prints in one piece without supports and requires minimal infill (5-20%).
2. Articulated Christmas Dragon
Bring some festive cheer with this holiday-themed dragon! Available in three sizes, the longest version measures an impressive 56.5cm (about 1’10”). This 3D printed articulated dragon STL features up to 70 joints, including double joints, and prints support-free in a single piece.
3. Magical Articulated Dragon
Another fantastic design that showcases the beauty of morph-colored filament. This 3D printed articulated dragon STL offers full articulation and prints in one piece without supports. Recommended infill is between 10-20%, but it can work with as little as 5%.
4. Articulated Crystal Dragon
Put your printer to the test with this crystal-horned dragon. While it doesn’t need supports, the large overhang on the horns can be challenging. A raft or brim is recommended for bed adhesion. This 3D printed articulated dragon STL looks particularly striking in silk dual-color PLA.
5. Articulated Baby Dragon
Adorable and compact, this baby dragon even comes with a keychain version. It’s perfect for those who want a smaller, portable 3D printed articulated dragon STL.
6. Articulated Poison Flexible Dragon 3d Print
This flexible dragon prints best with 4 wall layers and 5-10% infill. The designer recommends ESUN PLA+ filament for optimal results. This 3D printed articulated dragon STL works well at 100% scale but may require adjustments if scaled up or down.
7. Articulated Night Spirit (Dragon)
A unique design featuring two variants – one with thin horns and another with thickened, textured horns. This 3D printed articulated dragon STL prints without supports or brims and looks good even at larger layer heights.
8. Articulated Spirit Dragon
Similar to the poison dragon, this model prints best with 4 wall layers and 5-10% infill. The designer recommends ESUN PLA+ filament and a print speed of 30-40 mm/s for the best results.
9. Articulated Love-ly Tiny Dragon
Last but not least, this cute little dragon is perfect for those who want a smaller print. This 3D printed articulated dragon STL requires no supports and prints in place, though good bed adhesion is crucial.
10. Crystal Dragon Articulated -Snake-Dragon Stand
This complex design features a larger base perfect for adding grass, trees, and other decorative elements. Printed on a Bambu Labs X1 Carbon at 0.2mm layer height with a 0.4mm nozzle, this 3D printed articulated dragon STL requires no supports or brim.
Other than their method of production as 3D printing, each of these articulated dragon STLs enjoy a challenge and reward that make them must haves for the hobbyist printer. There is a dragon for any taste- from the festive ones to the beastly. Remember, successful printing of these articulated models often depends on proper printer calibration and settings.
So, fire up your printers and get ready to bring these fantastic creatures to life! Whether you’re a seasoned 3D printing veteran or just starting out, these articulated dragon STLs are sure to provide hours of printing fun and impressive results. Happy printing, dragon tamers!
FAQs
Do articulated dragons need support?
Most articulated dragon STL files are designed to print without supports. This is part of their charm – they come off the print bed fully assembled and movable. However, always check the specific instructions for each model, as some may require minimal supports for certain features like horns or wings.
How long does it take to 3D print an articulating dragon?
Print time varies greatly depending on the size of the dragon, your printer’s speed, and your chosen settings. Smaller dragons might take 6-8 hours, while larger, more complex models could take 16-20 hours or more. For example, the Articulated Christmas Dragon’s longest version takes about 16 hours on an Ender 3 Pro.
How do articulated prints work?
Articulated prints are designed with small gaps between moving parts. These gaps are just large enough that the parts don’t fuse during printing, but small enough to keep the pieces connected. Once printed, you can break these sections free, allowing the model to move and pose.
How much filament does it take to print a dragon?
Filament usage depends on the size of the dragon and your print settings. Smaller dragons might use 50-100 grams, while larger ones could use 200-300 grams or more. Some models, like those compatible with multi-color systems, may use additional filament for purging between color changes.
Can you do articulated prints on a resin printer?
While most articulated dragon STL files are designed for FDM printers, many can be printed on resin printers with some modifications. You may need to adjust the tolerances of the joints and add drainage holes for resin. However, the cleanup process can be more challenging, and the joints may not be as durable as those printed on FDM printers.
Nestor Sawayn is a U.S.-based tech journalist specializing in maker tools and creative technologies. His coverage spans 3D printers, vinyl cutters, paper printers, and laser cutters across North America, Europe, and Asia. Sawen’s articles offer concise, insightful analysis of the latest News, innovations in this space. Beyond hardware, he explores the creative potential of board games and tabletop RPGs, providing readers with a comprehensive view of both digital and analog maker trends.
Feel free to reach out to me at nestorsawayn@360techinsights.com.
