Dragon action figure

Stop me if you've heard this one before: it's a 3D printable… articulated… dragon.

Okay, the premise isn't that new, but the execution certainly is. Flexi dragons are fun, but how about something that can really strike a pose? 

With a system of meticulously engineered snap-fit joints, this dynamic dragon model will hold any expressive pose you can think of.

Design overview

This elegant dragon features over 40 points of articulation, using a system perfected through models like the award-winning Dummy 13. Unlike your average flexi dragon, this model is assembled from separate parts, giving it stiff joints that will hold their position - perfect for a display piece, desk toy, artist's reference, or even a stop motion model.

Rather than rendering every individual scale, I've opted for a sleek and simplified design aesthetic that will fit right in with the rest of the Lucky 13 portfolio. As always, I've focused on packing expressive and lifelike (fantasy-like?) articulation into a small package, so this dragon can fly as high as your imagination.

At 100% scale, the dragon uses less than 40 grams of filament and prints in about 4 hours (depending on your printer and settings). It measures 23cm from nose to tail and 24cm from wingtip to wingtip. The ball joints are compatible with all my other figure designs, and I've included an adapter to use the wings and tail with Dummy 13.

Printing

If you have printed any of my other designs, you probably know how this all works :)

If you haven't printed any of my other designs, I strongly suggest you check out Grabby the Claw before getting started here. Grabby is a free test print and includes a detailed troubleshooting guide!

Parts and materials

The parts of the main model are provided in three forms:

1. Parts on runners. This is the easiest way to keep track of everything, as all the parts are held together in a connective frame. They can then be popped out and cleaned up with a hobby knife. If you have experience with plastic model kits, or 3D printed “kit cards,” this should look familiar to you.
2. Grouped parts. These have all the necessary parts combined in one file, but not connected, letting you quickly lay everything out in your slicer.
3. Individual parts. These are separate files for each part, giving you the greatest amount of control of your printing layout. Be sure to check the file names and see which parts need to be printed more than once.

In each case, the parts are further divided into body parts and frame parts. 

• Body parts are the main aesthetic surfaces of the model and can be printed in the filament of your choice. 
• Frame parts are the mechanical connectors and should be printed in either ABS or PETG (or their cousins ASA and PCTG). 
• PLA is not recommended for the frame parts.

Also included are a simple two-part stand that can be used to put the dragon in a flying pose, and a small adapter assembly that allows you to use the dragon's wings and tail on Dummy 13.

All parts are pre-positioned in the best orientation for printing and do not need supports.

Print settings

These are my recommended print settings. Any settings not mentioned can use your slicer's default profile.

With so many small parts, bed adhesion is a crucial factor for this print. Make sure you have cleaned your print surface with soap and warm water, and consider applying a light adhesive too. For more tips, see the description for Grabby.

Scaling the parts down is going to be a challenge for most printers, but you should be able to scale them up to at least 300% without issues.

Assembly

A step-by-step assembly guide is included in the files section, just below the model files. Don't miss it!

All parts should snap or press firmly into place without tools or glue.

If any connections take more than a moderate amount of force to come together, stop and look at ways to improve the fit. There's no need to push until your fingers bleed, please!

Frequently Asked Questions

This section will be filled out as Questions become Frequently Asked.

License

When you purchase this design, you receive digital files for personal use only. You can print it out as many times as you want for yourself, and you can give those prints to your friends and family as gifts.

You may not share the digital files with anyone else, including by remixing them. You may not sell prints of this design without an active Seller License.

A Seller License is available through my Printables Club. You can join my Club with the “Support creator” button next to my name at the top of this page.

If you have any questions about the license terms, please email [email protected].

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy this print!