The 3D printing community may be populated by tech-heads and engineers, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love animals too! From decorative art and toys to functional pieces, there’s no shortage of 3D printed animals to make.
If you’re an animal lover and wondering where to start, look no further because we’ve got a selection of the best animal models right here in this article!
Like something you see but don’t have the means to make it? Then check out Craftcloud by All3DP. Choose between a variety of materials and finishes, and have your menagerie delivered to your doorstep.
Figurines & Models
To get started, the following models represent some of our favorite basic models and figurines to get something nice that you can put on display for years to come. Enjoy!
Articulated Elephant
The articulated elephant is a delightful 3D printing model created as a goodwill gesture for LeFabShop’s customers. This print-in-place articulated model is inspired by the Nantes Mechanical Elephant.
Designed to be hassle-free, it requires printing at a 0.2-mm resolution with 20% infill, and surprisingly, it doesn’t demand any supports. That said, some makers have opted to enable them just to be on the safe side.
One of the most charming aspects of this model is its movable legs, which can be an absolute delight for kids. The intricacy and functionality of the articulated elephant make it a unique and engaging project for 3D printing enthusiasts.
- Who designed it? LeFabShop
- How printable/popular is it? This design has more than 120,000 downloads and over 1,500 makes on Thingiverse alone, so we’d say it’s pretty popular.
- Where to find it? Cults, MyMiniFactory, Thingiverse
Low-Poly Horse
The low-poly horse is an impressive model that captures the essence of elegance and simplicity. This model, which is a remix of YahooJAPAN’s design that’s available on Thingiverse, offers a unique twist on a well-established concept.
To achieve optimal results when printing it, it’s recommended to use a 0.15-mm resolution and a 10% infill. Additionally, supports are required.
The model’s low-poly aesthetic not only adds to its visual appeal but also makes it a suitable project for both experienced and novice 3D printing enthusiasts who are looking for a different take on a traditional animal model.
- Who designed it? Turtle Man
- How printable/popular is it? This model has been downloaded over 7,400 times and 2 makes have been shared so far.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Mike the Tiger
Mike the Tiger is a remarkable 3D printing model meticulously crafted from a 3D scan of the renowned “Mike the Tiger” statue situated outside Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium. This model pays homage to the university’s mascot, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to recreate a piece of LSU’s spirit.
To ease printability, a specific adjustment was made to the tiger’s tail, ensuring it connects to the hind leg. This thoughtful alteration simplifies the printing process, making it more accessible for enthusiasts.
For optimal results, a 0.15-mm resolution and 10% infill are recommended. It’s worth noting that this model needs supports during printing to maintain its structural integrity. And as can be seen above, a little bit of paint will go a long way to give it a realistic look.
- Who designed it? rowiac
- How printable/popular is it? This model has over 3,700 downloads and 2 makes have been shared.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Flying Sea Turtle
The Flying Sea Turtle is a captivating 3D printing model inspired by the poised movements of real sea turtles observed by its designer while snorkeling. This unique inspiration led to the creation of a model that aims to replicate the beauty of a turtle swimming gracefully beneath the ocean’s surface.
What sets this model apart is the hand crank on its base, which, when turned, simulates the turtle’s swimming motion. It’s a delightful addition that adds an interactive element to the print.
There are almost 20 files that need to be downloaded and printed, and while a normal 2.0-mm layer height should work, the designer also recommends opting for a raft and warns that some of the parts will need supports. Additionally, once everything’s been printed and put together, lubricating the moveable parts with oil is suggested to ensure smooth operation.
- Who designed it? amaochan
- How printable/popular is it? This clever design has almost 50,000 downloads and over 300 makes combined from all sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, MyMiniFactory, Thingiverse
Voronoi Cat
The addition of the Voronoi cat to the realm of 3D printing models is a welcome one. This model features a sitting cat with a captivating Voronoi pattern, blending the charm of a feline figure with the geometric intricacies of such a design.
To achieve optimal results, it’s recommended to use a 0.15-mm layer height to achieve as much clear detail as possible in the pattern, although makers mention that 0.20 mm also worked.
The Voronoi Cat serves as an engaging project for 3D printing enthusiasts, offering a unique aesthetic that can appeal to both cat lovers and fans of geometric art.
- Who designed it? 3D-zakaz
- How printable/popular is it? This design has 10 makes in a variety of materials and over 14,600 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Gadgets & Functional Items
Next, we’ve picked some of the coolest animal-themed 3D printable gadgets and functional parts we could find. It’s always great to see practical, inventive, and cool items, so let’s take a look!
Cute Crab Pen Holder
The Cute Crab Pen Holder is a well-designed 3D printing model crafted with ease of printing in mind. This delightful crab-shaped pen holder offers both functionality and charm for organizing pens and pencils on your desk.
Its standout feature, its cuteness notwithstanding, is the pen-holding capability, thanks to the cleverly designed pliers. This practical addition adds a touch of whimsy to an otherwise ordinary desk accessory.
While the designer didn’t specify a resolution or infill, they did note that supports are necessary for the legs. When it comes to the claws, they’re recommended for best results, although they’re not compulsory, provided that sufficient part cooling is ensured.
- Who designed it? markury
- How printable/popular is it? This cute and useful model has over 2,000 downloads and more than 50 makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Piggy Phone Stand Keychain
The piggy phone stand keychain is a versatile 3D printing model that combines the functionality of a keychain and a smartphone stand while sporting an adorable piggy design.
Its dual-purpose nature makes it a practical accessory for those seeking both style and utility. As a keychain, it can securely hold your keys, and when needed, it easily transforms into a handy smartphone stand, allowing you to enjoy hands-free viewing or video calls. And last but definitely not least, the piggy-shaped design adds a playful and charming element.
While the average 0.2-mm layer height and 15-20% infill should do the trick, going a bit lower on the former could help ensure a better detail.
Entitled Goose
The Entitled Goose is a 3D printing model that replicates the infamous and mischievous goose character from the Untitled Goose game. This goose statue is designed with meticulous attention to detail, offering an opportunity for fans to bring their virtual antics into the physical world.
Notably, this design is available in either one full STL or split into parts, allowing for multicolored printing, which enhances the visual appeal of the final model.
If you want the Entitled Goose to hold keys, a 6 x 2-mm disc magnet is required.
The assembled size of the Entitled Goose is approximately 60 x 103 x 135 mm, making it a substantial and eye-catching piece. For optimal results, the designer recommended to print this model at either a 0.15-mm or 0.1-mm resolution with a 15% infill. Additionally, supports are necessary to ensure accurate and stable printing of the various parts.
- Who designed it? gynni
- How printable/popular is it? This design has been downloaded almost 100,000 times and over 300 makes have been shared.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Cute Whale Planter
The Cute Whale Planter is a charming, functional addition to any household.
One noteworthy feature is the hollow top with drainage holes, allowing for the easy maintenance of your potted plants. This design consideration ensures that your plants receive adequate water drainage while preventing overwatering.
Before printing, you might want to ensure that you’ve gone over how to make a print watertight – especially if you’re planning on altering the design in any way.
While the designer hasn’t shared any printing tips, one successful maker mentioned that they opted for a 0.2-mm layer height, 5% infill, and 40 mm/s print speed. Importantly, no additional supports are necessary during the printing process, making it a hassle-free project.
- Who designed it? 3D Central
- How printable/popular is it? This model has more than 4,700 downloads and a dazzling make has been shared.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Woolly Mammoth Skeleton
The Woolly Mammoth Skeleton is an exceptional 3D printing model, particularly well-suited for educational purposes in classroom settings. This model’s source file originates from a 3D scan of an actual woolly mammoth skeleton housed at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, ensuring a high level of accuracy and authenticity.
To facilitate the printing process, the original model has been thoughtfully divided into multiple printable pieces, with added snap-together features for ease of assembly. This makes it accessible for educators and students alike.
For optimal results like the one shared by the designer, opting for a 0.15-mm resolution with a 10% infill should do the trick. Additionally, supports are essential during the printing process to ensure the intricate details and structural integrity of the individual components.
- Who designed it? rowiac
- How printable/popular is it? This educational design has been downloaded over 20,000 times and 14 makes have been shard on Thingiverse.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory, Thingiverse
Toys & Games
Animals can surely be fun to play with, but they can also be quite demanding. Find the middle ground with these 3D printable toys and games!
This section is particularly great for kids and the young at heart. Give the kids something to play with or have a bit of fun yourself!
Chess Set
The Animal Chess Set is a stunning creation that transforms the classic game of chess into a visual masterpiece. Each chess piece is beautifully shaped to resemble various animals, adding an artistic and whimsical dimension to the game.
What sets this chess set apart is the clever remixing of different animal figurines to create the chess pieces, demonstrating a unique and creative approach to 3D printing design.
No printing tips were shared by the designer, and a few makers have mentioned that scaling down the pieces 20% is best because of the original size of the parts.
- Who designed it? David_Mussaffi
- How printable/popular is it? The STLs have more than 35,000 downloads, while 17 makers have shared their makes and 2 have posted their remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Animal Upon Animal
Animal Upon Animal is a delightful 3D printing creation designed for toddlers and young children. This stacking game is not only entertaining but also promotes essential skills like hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
One of the charming aspects of this game is the ability to print the animal pieces in as many colors as you prefer, adding a visually stimulating element to playtime.
The designer didn’t include any printing settings, yet a 0.2-mm resolution and a 15-25% infill should do the trick. Importantly, no additional supports are needed during the printing process, which simplifies the workflow.
- Who designed it? tjdesign
- How printable/popular is it? This fun game has over 100 downloads and 1 make so far, but we’re sure that these numbers will only grow.
- Where to find it? Printables
Impossible Cat Puzzle
The Impossible 3D Cat Puzzle is a unique and engaging 3D printing model that combines the challenge of a puzzle with the charm of a cat-shaped design. This puzzle presents a fascinating task: arranging geometric-shaped parts to form the shape of a cat.
The appeal of this model lies in its intricate and visually captivating design. It offers an excellent opportunity for 3D printing enthusiasts and puzzle lovers to test their spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills while creating a beautiful feline figure.
No printing tips have been shared so far, yet given the intricacy of the parts and how they have to perfectly fit in the cat model, it’d be best to check your printer’s dimensional accuracy before getting started.
- Who designed it? emillauzon
- How printable/popular is it? There are two makes of the puzzle, with an especially fun one having different colors for the parts. The file has more than 200 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Floating Rubber Duck
Odds are, you’ve seen floating rubber ducks, either in a bathtub or on a river. This is a 3D printing model that brings the classic rubber duck to life with the added twist of being designed for buoyancy. This charming model offers a delightful way to bring a beloved childhood toy into the digital age.
Crafted for floating, this rubber duck is perfect for various water-related activities or simply as a fun and decorative piece. The designer printed it with a 0.15-mm resolution, ensuring a balance between print quality and efficiency.
For added convenience, a 3MF file is provided with pre-configured settings optimized for better floating. However, users are also encouraged to experiment with their settings in case the default ones don’t yield the expected results.
- Who designed it? sigma37
- How printable/popular is it? With over 900 downloads and 15 makes shared, this is certainly a popular ducky!
- Where to find it? Printables
Butterfly
This is an intriguing puzzle or kit card model that challenges users with its intricate design. Originally intended for laser cutting, it has now been adapted for 3D printing, broadening its accessibility to a wider audience.
One of the model’s strengths is its availability in two different sizes, allowing users to choose between varying levels of intricacy when constructing the puzzle.
The designer didn’t include any settings, yet for the makers who shared theirs, the layer height was 0.15-0.2 mm and no supports were needed. This model offers both a creative and intellectually stimulating experience for those who appreciate puzzles and 3D printing.
- Who designed it? mikeq
- How printable/popular is it? This design has over 19,000 downloads and more than 50 makes, as it’s easy to print and can make for a fun present. And a colorful take is especially dazzling!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
License: The text of "3D Printed Animals: 15 Best STL Files to 3D Print" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.