The axolotl is an aquatic salamander that has captured the fascination of biologists, scientists, nature enthusiasts, and now 3D printing hobbyists! Not only do these amphibians have the ability to regenerate lost limbs and organs, but they also have the cutest permanently smiling faces! Their unique look, distinctive features, and vibrant colors are fun to recreate with your 3D printer.
Whether you aim to adorn your workspace with a lifelike axolotl specimen or showcase a creative version that celebrates the creature’s unique charm, we’ve compiled a selection of some of the best 3D printable axolotl models to get you started. Our list includes a wide variety of models to add to your collection.
If you see an axolotl model you like but can’t print it at the moment, try Craftcloud. With a wide choice of printing materials and vendors, you can let the pros worry about the printing, while you focus on admiring the cuteness.
Let’s dive in!
Articulated
3D printers are exceptionally good at creating articulated models, thanks to their ability to print complex joints in-place. This cute axolotl is a fun example of an articulated print, and it’s a wonderful addition to your desk or workspace. If you want to grow your own axolotl collection, this one’s perfect to add to the mix!
The creator recommends using a 0.2-mm or lower layer height, 15% infill, and 2 or more perimeters for the best results.
- Who designed it? AKinferno
- How printable/popular is it? This cool model has 47 posted makes and 4 remixes so far!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Minecraft
Minecraft recently introduced the axolotl as a new mob within their popular game, which put the unique animal into the spotlight. Its small footprint and wide range of colors were very popular among players and can be easily replicated with a 3D printer.
The designer also included a file for an alternate model with a keyring, in case you want to hang it on a backpack or put it on your car keys.
- Who designed it? JakeWillMake
- How printable/popular is it? This simple model has a make, a remix, and over 1,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Flash Drive Case
Flash drive cases are a great way to hide the mundane look of typical flash drives, and this axolotl-themed case is no exception. Designed after the axolotl from Minecraft, the case will make for a cute gift.
Some members from the community commented that the head of the axolotl had a loose fit, and printing at 98% scale fixes the issue.
- Who designed it? IlyaDruzhe
- How printable/popular is it? This handy print has three makes as well as a remix.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Desk Organizer
In keeping with the Minecraft theme, here’s a handy organizer for your desk. If you’re tired of constantly losing the small knickknacks in your workspace, this awesome axolotl organizer is for you. It’s designed for storing small tools and items. Printing in a few different parts, you can customize the colors.
The creator recommends a small utility knife to trim unwanted plastic post-print, as well as glue to keep the parts together.
- Who designed it? Snacob
- How printable/popular is it? This useful organizer has a make and over 800 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Pumpkin
It’s never too early to start thinking about Halloween decorations. This year, try printing this adorable axolotl pumpkin for your home. Beware, it might not be the best at spooking your guests and trick-or-treaters!
The creator notes that they printed the pumpkin with 50% infill and used glue to stick on the gills.
- Who designed it? CalebTimoteo
- How printable/popular is it? This awesome pumpkin has one make and over 100 views. Will you be the next maker to share your print?
- Where to find it? Printables
Kit Card
This kit card is a unique and easy way to 3D print your own axolotl keychain. It’s also a great gift for anyone who loves axolotls as much as you do! Simply print and twist each part out of the card.
This model also has some built-in articulation, which is a nice addition. If you’re using two different colors, be sure that they’re the same material and fuse well together, as the gills can break off easily.
- Who designed it? chiz
- How printable/popular is it? With 13 makes, you’ll surely be able to print this model for yourself!
- Where to find it? Printables
Lucky
We’re sure many of you are familiar with maneki-neko, the popular lucky cat, an iconic Japanese figurine that’s said to bring good luck. But what about a lucky axolotl? We hope that printing this little creature will give you good luck for many prints to come.
The creator notes that it’s an easy print but recommends using supports for the gills.
- Who designed it? Sir_3D_Taco
- How printable/popular is it? This cute model has over 4,700 views, around 300 downloads, and a make.
- Where to find it? Cults
Skull
This spooky axolotl could be another cool addition to your Halloween collection. It prints in a few different parts, so you can create some fun color combinations, such as black and glow-in-the-dark.
The creator included a separate file for a NeoPixel holder, so you can add lights to the print. Just like many other models on this list, be sure to use supports for the gills.
- Who designed it? rayjizza
- How printable/popular is it? This freaky skeleton axolotl has four posted makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Cork Pal
If you have an abundance of corks lying around, this cork pal could be a great way to turn your sea of wine corks into an axolotl army! The model prints in two separate parts and can fit onto practically any cork.
The creator has designed this model to be printed in PLA, but we’re sure other materials would work as well. They recommend using a 0.2-mm layer height, 20% infill, and 3 shells.
- Who designed it? UAUproject
- How printable/popular is it? This playful print has around 960 downloads and a couple of makes so far.
- Where to find it? Cults
Fierce
Axolotls are not known for being fierce. Actually, it’s quite the opposite! Although this model might not be the most fearsome at first glance, it’s definitely the most intimidating print on this list.
It prints in four different pieces that glue together. You can also give it a fresh paint job for a fun look.
- Who designed it? ganganchen
- How printable/popular is it? This model has three shared makes as well as a remix.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
License: The text of "3D Printed Axolotl: 10 STL Files You Won’t Resist Printing" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.