Everyone's Favorite Droid
R2-D2 is everybody’s favorite astromech droid from the Star Wars saga. R2, as he often goes by, has a great personality, and shows emotions despite never saying a single word throughout the entire space epic.
If you’ve always wanted to print a model of this galaxy-saving robot for yourself, now you can! Dive into this list of some of our favorite 3D printable R2 models.
If you see something you like on this list, but don’t have the equipment to handle the project yourself, or you’d rather someone else take care of it, we suggest Craftcloud by All3DP. It’s a great way to check out local manufacturers and get prints professionally done.
Now, without further ado, let’s get to the list. As Yoda says, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
A Classic Model
This model had to be included on the list because of its intense attention to detail. The separation of the design into parts accommodates printing them in different colors.
When assembled, you get a multicolored result without the need for hand painting or dual extrusion. It may take some time to get everything printed, but it’s sure worth it if you want a model worthy of the big screen.
Who made it? Knichohr
Who printed it? 8 users have already posted their makes on Thingiverse and almost 700 have added this popular model to their collections.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Remote Control Droid
This next model is also rather large and has to be printed in a few different parts. What really sets it apart is that it incorporates an automating Arduino board, giving life to the model. Through a servo motor and direct current, this R2 behaves just like the real thing.
Additionally, the designer incorporated a Bluetooth module, so you can control R2 from your phone or other smart devices. This model may take more time to print and assemble, but it stands (or rolls) apart from the others.
Garrett also included the same design without the electronics in case you’re looking for the same large-scale feel, but without the complexity of actual robotics. The non-electronic model can also be found on MyMiniFactory.
Who made it? Garrett Kearney
Who printed it? 4,239 users have downloaded the model files and almost 31,000 users have viewed the page.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
You can see Garrett explain more about his R2 model in this video:
Posable Scale Model
This model is smaller than what we’ve seen so far and therefore, a much easier print. And, since it’s printed in separate parts, once it’s assembled, you can change the positions of the legs, body, and head, giving the model more realism.
Who made it? Sam Roe
Who printed it? 4 users have posted makes to its Thingiverse page and 245 users have liked the model.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Amazon Echo Holder
Here’s a very special print because it’s not just another cool model of R2-D2: This make serves as a holder for your Amazon Echo or Alexa smart speaker.
While this R2 might not be movie-accurate in every detail, especially its scale and proportions, it’ll still significantly upgrade the look of your smart speaker. The blue light when your speaker’s on even shines through R2’s head (see image above). Hey R2!
Who made it? Jay Charles
Who printed it? 1,100 users have viewed the page and 5 have liked the model.
Where to get it? Cults
Voronoi Style
For all you math and Star Wars fans out there, this Voronoi R2-D2 is for you. Its artistic license means it’s not as accurate as other models on our list, but you can certainly still tell what it is.
The model may be a bit complicated when printing because it’s just one piece and it’ll require supports (touching the build plate only). The artistic approach really showcases the abilities of 3D printing as a technology, as is true with most Voronoi style models.
Who made it? 3DDEDCLUB
Who printed it? This model’s Thingiverse page has over 1,000 views and 156 likes.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Print-In-Place Movable R2-D2
The next on our list is a great pick. This R2 is designed to be a print-in-place model with joints and all. Don’t worry, they can be freed to roll around post-printing.
This model more than makes up for its sparse detail by the fact that both side legs pivot, the head rotates, and the third leg is retractable for changing R2 from a standing to a rolling position.
The model prints with supports touching the build plate only and they’re easily removed. Users say the joints brake free easily when printed in PETG with standard settings, but it’s expected that most other materials would also work just fine.
Who made it? Scott Correia
Who printed it? This model’s Thingiverse page has 681 likes and 13,635 downloads.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Multicolored Model
Here’s a scale model that has lots of details and is the perfect size for adding to your action figure collection. The model prints in many small pieces that must be glued together after printing.
The plus side to having many small pieces is that they can be printed in different colors, so when assembled, you’ll have a detailed and colorful model that you don’t need a dual extruder printer to print. You can choose to make your R2 in movie-accurate colors, or spice it up and choose a different color scheme for your droid.
Who made it? Lubos Hort
Who printed it? This model’s Thingiverse page has 217 likes and 4,340 downloads.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
A Detailed Droid
This is an amazing Make, with incredible attention to R2’s unique look. It’s practically a rendering from the movies themselves and doesn’t leave out any details. This R2-D2 is also one of the most popular on the list, with downloads in tens of thousands.
It’s printed in only eight pieces and unlike other models, must be hand-painted in order to achieve the full look. This can become especially difficult because it’s so detailed, but if you have plenty of time on your hands, or like a challenge, this R2 model isn’t to be missed.
Who made it? Jason McMains
Who printed it? This model’s Thingiverse page has a staggering 186,193 views and 46,679 downloads.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
3D Painting
Looking for a simpler print? This model resembles a portrait, but it’s still a 3D print. It captures R2 in a way that would make for a cool galactic coaster, wall art, or even a gift!
It’s a very easy print that anyone with a basic 3D printer can make. It can be printed with dual extrusion or painted post-printing by pressing it face-down on a paint-saturated surface to highlight the reliefs. The model would also look great if printed with multi-color filament.
Who made it? 3DOK
Who printed it? This model’s Thingiverse page has 314 likes and 3,834 downloads.
Where to get it? Cults
Best Companions
Last but not least, we have an R2 unit paired with his great friend C-3PO. Some details were removed in order to make R2 easier to print and his proportions match the C-3PO made by Jesse_M (also available in parts on Thingiverse). You’re going to want to print both members of this dynamic droid duo.
Who made it? Michał Kowalik
Who printed it? This model’s Thingiverse page has 314 likes and 3,834 downloads.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
(Lead image source: Holden Rice via All3DP)