Axolotls are wonderful, quirky little amphibians that have gained popularity for their abilities to regenerate body parts. They are quite frankly one of the cutest critters we've ever seen, and their popularity has led to a surge of 3D printed representations of axolotls, from articulated fidget toys to sweet little figurines. The amazing 3D printing community has produced many free STL files of axolotls on platforms like Thingiverse and Thangs, allowing to bring a piece of them into your home.
Is It Difficult to 3D Print an Axolotl?
3D printing axolotls is generally easy, especially with simple print-in-place designs that are mostly beginner-friendly. Most models are also similar to articulated fidget toys and do not need supports and are mostly printed with normal settings (0.2mm layer height, 10-20% infill). Printing articulated models should result in smooth joints on a well-calibrated machine while a static figurine is even easier to print. Luckily, if you have basic knowledge of slicing software anyone can print these adorable axolotls!
1. Minecraft Axolotl
● Model URL: Thingiverse
● Designer: Community-contributed
● Features: This model exemplifies the blocky, pixelated goodness that is the Minecraft axolotl, complete with external gills and vibrant colors. It is a static model (a classy little gifty file) and perfect for fans that want a decoration for their desk or display shelf, even better, it is small enough to print fast, so you can enjoy it right away!
● Printability: The model was designed to be easy to print, with no supports and since it is a one-piece model, it is an easy printed object for beginners. Recommended slicing settings are 0.2mm layer height and 10-15% infill for sturdiness.
● What Makes It Unique: Minecraft fans will appreciate how this model closely resembles the in-game version of the axolotl, so gamers can now have a real-life piece of the game to cherish as a memory!
2. Dragon Axolotl V2
● Model URL: Thingiverse
● Designer: Community Contributed
● Characteristics: A really interesting design that incorporates an axolotl and dragon-like wings into a fantastical creature design, made for displaying. Taking the time to sculpt such detailed features to make it look more fantastical is why I loved this design. This is for anyone who appreciates a cool hybrid design.
● Printability: Only minimal supports for the wings and tail. 0.2mm layer height and 20% infill should provide enough durability. PLA is good, but if I print this in resin, it will enhance some of the details.
● Why It Stands Out: A dragon-axolotl hybrid can appeal to nearly anyone who is into fantasy, making it a unique statement piece along with potentially being a great conversation starter.
3. Articulated Axolotl Enhanced
● Model URL: Thingiverse
● Designer: Community contributed
● Features: This articulated, print-in-place model moves easily, resembling the slinkiness of an axolotl. It's a delightful fidget toy with increased joint/connection durability, it's whimsical nature allows for full engagement and tactile experience.
● Printability: No supports required, it is print-in-place. Use a 0.2 mm layer height and a 15% infill to ensure enough flex. Use adhesive to ensure strong bed adhesion and to mitigate any warping.
● Why It Stands Out:The increased articulation make this a fan favorite among fidget toys and suitable for even the novice fidgeter.
4. Articulated Axolotl - Multicolor Remix
● Model URL: Printables
● Designer: PrintBrothers3D
● Features: This articulated axolotl was a remix design from one Lizard model and 2 axolotl models.The feets of it come from lizard and the head is axolotl head. This make it looks more cute than a pure axolotl.
● Printability: This can be printed in one piece without any supports. Use 0.2mm layer height and 10% infill. PLA is the recommended material to give it some flex. It is better if you print it with two color filaments.
● Why It Stands Out: It's a low detail profile, so perfect for a quick print and just for fun as a desk toy.
5. Articulating Axolotl - Ludo 3D Printed Flexy Fidget Toy
● Model URL: Thangs
● Designer: Lude
● Features: This articulated axolotl is compact, multi-functioning fidget toy and keychain. It has smooth joints and the compact design makes it a handy travel companion! The cuteness of the design surely distracts from its practicality.
● Printability: The toy is print-in-place without supports. A 0.16 mm layer height will provide a smooth joint, but you could go with a lower layer height as well. Use 15% infill for durability. Using a brim may help with bed adhesion.
● Why It Stands Out: Having the option of a keychain takes it to the next level of practicality, making it good gift or accessory.
6. Baby Axolotl Dragon
● Model URL: Thangs
● Designer: User contributed
● Features: This charming static model combines a baby axolotl and dragon-like features for display purposes. The small size contributes to overall cuteness, and it is great for whimsical design fans and collectors.
● Printability: The wings will only need small supports, with a layer height of 0.2mm and 20% infill for weight. There are more details available with resin prints.
● Why It Stands Out: The "baby" look makes the model cuter, perfect for cute design fans.
7. Articulated Axolotl - Print in Place Keychain
● Model URL: Thangs
● Designer: Community-contributed
● Features: A compact articulated axolotl designed as a keychain, with movable joints; small but a neat, mobile fidget toy. Very useful to carry around as a pocket pet.
● Printability: Print-in-place with no supports. Caters to 0.16mm layer height and 15% infill. We highly recommend printing it with a well-calibrated machine as the joints will be quite small.
● Why It Stands Out: It is not only playful, but useful too as a keyring.
8. Very Cute Axolotl - Articulated, No Supports, Print in Place
● Model URL: Thingiverse
● Designer: Community-contributed
● Features: This articulated model is designed to be cute with its bulging eyes and oversized smile. It's print-in-place and perfect for fidgeting. The exaggerated features make it cute to almost everyone.
● Printability: It requires no supports. You can use a 0.2mm layer height, and 15% infill. PLA is a flexible material and comes in vibrant colors, so it is the best material.
● Why Does It Stand Out: The cute design makes it popular with kids and adults alike.
9. Flexi Axolotl & Keychain
● Model URL: Makerworld
● Designer: 3DeepDesigns
● Features: Mini articulated baby axolotl with a monster twist. Can fidget toy fun! Its small size, and articulated joints allow easy fidget. The fun design provides a nice quirky addition.
● Printability: Print-in-place and no supports. Use 0.16mm layer height and 10-15% infill, ensuring good bed adhesion, based on it's small print footprint.
● Why It Stands Out: There is a unique, playful addition to any collection with the "MiniMonster" theme!
10. Articulated Axolotl V2
● Model URL: Thingiverse
● Designer: Contributed content of the community.
● Features: A new articulated axolotl! A better version with improvement to the flexibility in the joints and more refined design. It's essentially a fidget toy. Improved looks just make it visually more fun!
● Printability: Print in place. (No supports required). 0.2mm layer height, 15% infill. Flexibility of articulation depends on strong layer lines that aren't blocked by infill.
● Why It Stands Out: As noted, the new design offers a better degree of flexibility and endurance.
11. Articulated Flexi Cute Axolotl
● Model URL: Thingiverse
● Designer: Community-contributed
● Description: This articulated model has a sweet and round design, incorporating smooth and flexible joints. The design works for both display and play. Its balanced design works in a variety of ways.
● Printability: You can print it in one place with no supports, using a layer height of 0.2mm and 15% infill. While PLA works great, you may want to utilize flexible filaments such TPU to enhance the experience.
● Why It Stands Out: Its balance of cuteness and functionality means it can be used and appreciated by children and adults for many reasons.
Tips for Printing Axolotl STL Files
1. Printer Calibration: Make sure your printer is calibrated, specifically for articulated, print-in-place models. Check your beds and extrusion to avoid glueing joints together.
2. Material Choice:PLA is the standard for most common models due to its easy handling and easy to reuse. For best detail you may also want to resin print static model.
3. Layer Height: 0.2 mm or 0.16mm layer height is a good balance for both speed and quality. For resin prints, the 0.1 mm layer height may be best to get those small details.
4. Infill: 10-20% is enough for most models. 20% may be a good idea for more static models that are going to take some abuse.
5. Post Processing: Sanding and painting are ways to bring the prints to the next level! For coloring your print use acrylic paints that offer bright colors. If printing a Minecraft style model the color options are vast!
