Jointed Figure: print-in-place and tightenable!

The figure has 21 ball joints. No assembly needed! just tighten the screws. Head, hands and feet can be plugged.
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updated February 16, 2024

Description

PDF

[update 2024-01-01]: i have fully redesigned the joint, now it is easier to print, the connection to the ball is stronger, and the screw is better too. I have not updated this model with it yet, i plan to do it in the coming weeks (also depends on the feedback i get from the users of this model).

[edit] side note: notice that this model is using a new ball joint design i invented recently: a ball joint that is print-in-place but can be tightened with a screwdriver. I have made it as compact as i could, so it can be used as a general purpose tool. I demonstrated its use first in a ‘robot hand’, and now in this jointed posable figure. You can learn more from the 3d printing professor : https://youtube.com/shorts/0Jgq2EH1akA . I hope people will like it and use it in their designs.

this is kind of a remix of 2 of my own models (but it is not really a remix, because I restarted from my source files, not from the published stl)

The head and hands were created from emoticons found on the web. They could be integrated to the body for a full print in place, but it makes it easier for you to remix them with any head you want. And also easier to use another color. And you can change them on the same model.

I have provided the "plugHole" file, so you can make your own heads / hands / feet.

The feet were cut from https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3444513

Printing instructions are the same as : https://www.printables.com/fr/model/640043-robot-hand-print-in-place-tightenable. You'll find also a test print there, that is the same joint. In short:

  • try on the quick test print double-09.stl first.
  • slice with 0.2 mm layers, 0.4 mm noozzle, no supports  (other settings not garanteed)
  • print, remove built-in supports
  • tighten the screws: lay man facing down on a flat table, press the screwdriver in the screw and turn until you get the desired force. Careful! I did hurt myself once with those screwdrivers! Some PLA are easy (bambulab, wanhao) some are squeaky and difficult (BASF Ultrafuse). You may have to make some trials.
  • plug the head, hand, feet
  • Pose the figure as you like

At the beginning, the ball joint rotation may be difficult. Be gentle, dont break the small axis. Atfer a few times it will be better, and you'll have to give the srew another turn to get the grip back.

the body prints in 2h with PLA standard 0.2 profile on bambu studio (printed on P1S)

For the 2 colors in the head, just change the filament at the good height to black, then after 1 mm go back to white. Easier with AMS: just paint a 1mm (or more) thick plane in black.

PLEASE SHOW ME YOUR MAKES AND FEEDBACK IN THE COMMENTS!

[edit] to put this in perspective, this is my Gen-2 ball joint design

Model origin

The author marked this model as their own original creation.

License