This is my second effort for an articulating print-in-place model. I am still learning.
All articulation joints are designed to have some hold at selected positions (pose-able). The joints just don't “flop”. This ability does deteriorate with use while using PLA.
I used a BIBO with 0.2mm layers with 0.4mm nozzle (0.48mm extrusion width for the black model and 0.60mm for the blue) at 70% scale which is the largest that would fit in my print bed. The transition in colors was done by changing filament at 2mm mark. The eyes were painted.
The difference in extrusions widths seemed to make the blue model a bit stiffer in the joints.
CHALLENGE: To get the joints to “crack” and start articulating may require some strong fingers / careful manipulations. If you can print larger than 70%, I think it may help quite a bit since the articulating gaps would get larger.
To prep the articulations if they do not rotate, I needed to isolate each joint. I held one side against a rigid surface (I used my stable workbench) and gripped the other side with a pair of small pliers. Then I slowly applied increasing pressure with the pliers in the direction of the articulation until the joint gave way / started to rotate. For the main arms, I was not able to isolate the elbow joint but just swept it across the face and used the protrusion at the base of the head for the leverage that was needed.
I would love to get any feedback so I can improve or modify as needed.
The author marked this model as their own original creation.