The Transformers franchise has been wowing fans for decades with toys, comics, and television shows. The story follows two robot factions, the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, as they battle against each other to determine the fate of humanity.
In the 1980s, Transformers were extremely popular toys as soon as they hit store shelves. Produced by Hasbro and the Japanese toy company Takara Tomy, these unique toys contain working parts that you can move around to form different figures. For example, you can transform a car into an animal or an action figure, and back again.
With 3D printing, anyone can create their own transformer at home and even print some fun accessories for them! The creative style and the fact that Transformers are essentially two models in one make these models a fantastic option if you’re looking for something cool to make on your 3D printer. If you like what you see but don’t have the resources to print these Transformers yourself, consider using Craftcloud by All3DP. This 3D printing service will help you instantly find the best price and provider for your needs.
So without further ado, Autobots, transform and roll out!
Matrix of Leadership
This is one of the few things Unicron really fears! With immense power, this artifact contains all the wisdom of ancient primes and can even resurrect Transformers. This beautiful model is everywhere, and you can print it with a different color for each part to make it your own.
The best printing tips and assembly details are on Thingiverse, but you can find the most current files on Printables. Most parts can be made with a standard layer height of 0.2 mm and 10% infill, but for the arms, a layer height of 0.1 mm and 15% infill is recommended.
- Who designed it? The3dPrintHouse
- How printable/popular is it? With 35 makes, 19,000 views, 9,200 downloads, and 1 remix, you’ll definitely want to make this print your own.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Printables, MyMiniFactory
Matrix of Conquest
Every great power has a dark side. Just as there is an Autobot Matrix of Leadership, there is also a Decepticon Matrix of Conquest. After all, every hero needs a villain. You can print it with a layer height of 0.2 mm and 10% infill, just like the other matrix, although the creator used 20% infill. You will also find details about assembling the light system with three AA batteries on Thingiverse.
While the designer invented this imaginary matrix, officially the Decepticons don’t have a matrix. However, this doesn’t make the print any less awesome.
- Who designed it? Craynubis
- How printable/popular is it? This artifact of power has 1 make, over 900 downloads, and 2 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Autobot Ark Teletraan
Building up your own Transformers collection is pretty cool in and of itself, but the more complete the collection, the better! This is the famous ark that brought the army of Autobots and Decepticons to Earth.
The terminal represents the computer on the ark. It’s divided into five printable parts that you can decorate with stickers and paint.
- Who designed it? FunbieStudios
- How printable/popular is it? With 4 makes and over 3,600 downloads, you can easily make this print for yourself at home.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Posable Hands
Action figures are great toys, but sometimes their hands are fixed and motionless, which limits the fun. With these articulated hands, you can transform your model and make it more realistic, functional, and fun. In the instructions, you will find helpful production details. Some parts need to be printed more than once and others are practically identical. However, there are some subtle differences that help with assembly.
No tools are needed to assemble the fingers, but post-processing and care are required for assembly. There are detailed printing tips for each piece available on the model page.
- Who designed it? sickofyou
- How printable/popular is it? This print has 2 makes, over 5,900 downloads, and 7 remixes so far.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Halloween Masks for Transformers
These aliens don’t even need masks to fit in with scary Halloween monsters. There are four different mask models available, including a killer hockey mask, a mask of the Chaosbringer Unicron, a popular Squid Game mask, and a traditional pumpkin head!
Each mask has snap tabs for easy on and off. Although they are designed to fit directly on the standard Transformer size, you may need to make them bigger or smaller.
- Who designed it? FunbieStudios
- How printable/popular is it? With 4 likes, over 40 downloads, and 2,000 views, these masks are just getting started.
- Where to find it? Cults
Unicron
When seeking redemption, Optimus Prime is captured by Quintessa. who reveals that the earth is actually in trouble from Unicron, the ancient enemy of Cybertron. With his powers, Optimus Prime manipulates Nemesis Prime to retrieve the staff and destroy Unicron.
This model was made on a 200 x 200 mm printing table. The creator suggests scaling the print up 150%, if possible, and recommends a wall thickness of 1.2 mm.
- Who designed it? littleTup
- How printable/popular is it? This print has 2 makes, over 10,100 views, 2,500 downloads, and 40 likes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Cults
Ham & Cheese
Ever since a piece of Allspark fell from Sam Witwicky’s hand and ended up in his kitchen, many strange objects in the Transformers world have taken on a life of their own. This duo is inseparable, and they can even disguise themselves as a ham and cheese sandwich to go for a ride in your lunchbox.
The designer initially intended to create a toaster, but he decided to mix things up and make something tastier. On the model page, there are detailed instructions that explain how to assemble each of these robots. The parts are relatively simple, with some pins made from pieces of 1.75 mm filament and optional holes to mount neodymium magnets. When closed, the print measures 64 x 57 x 24 mm. In robot form, it’s 115 mm tall.
- Who designed it? Dr Operator
- How printable/popular is it? With over 2,000 views, 130 downloads, and 180 likes, this tasty print has plenty of fans.
- Where to find it? Printables
Multi-Material Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is larger than life in the Transformers universe, so it makes sense that this maker decided to go big! Making this almost two-foot-tall model in multiple materials means there’s no need to paint it to achieve that vivid color.
The creator says that, apart from some assembly, no post-processing is required (as long as your printer is properly calibrated).
- Who designed it? ChaosCoreTech
- How printable/popular is it? This epic print has 9 makes and over 20,000 downloads so far.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Masterpiece
This “Masterpiece” model is also based on Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots. It not only looks just like him, it actually transforms, too! There’s nothing more satisfying than taking the time to make and assemble your very own Masterpiece!
This model will require some supports, and you’ll need to take measures to prevent warping (i.e. printing slowly) to ensure the parts fit together properly. Also, be prepared to spend a good bit of time post-processing and assembling this model for the best results.
- Who designed it? petergross3
- How printable/popular is it? With eight makes and four remixes, this model has its fans.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
G1 Megatron
This Megatron model is fully articulated and looks just like the original from the 1980s. The articulation is accomplished with ball and socket joints, so you can position him however you want. This makes him a great companion model to display alongside other Autobots.
This model will require some supports for parts like the legs and waist, which means you can also expect the associated post-processing.
- Who designed it? STIG_
- How printable/popular is it? This Transformer has 5 makes and almost 5,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Fortress Maximus Sword
This accessory is a great example of how 3D printing can help you replace or customize parts for your Transformers model collection. When customizing a sword like this, you’re only limited by your imagination and skill.
As-is, this sword is a pretty simple print for beginners. It comes in multiple pieces that will need to be glued together, but other than that, post-processing should be minimal.
- Who designed it? Banjinbuban
- How printable/popular is it? So far, this print has 6 makes and over 3,700 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Articulated G1 Bumblebee
Bumblebee has always been a popular character in Transformers, in part because of a rich backstory and character arc involving a damaged voice processor. For fans not familiar with the original series, Bumblebee’s vehicle mode was originally a Volkswagen Beetle, unlike in the later versions of the franchise.
This model requires some glue and maybe a bit of sanding in post-processing, but the creator states it’s easy to print, scale, and assemble, so this should be a great project for beginners.
- Who designed it? Toymakr3d
- How printable/popular is it? This awesome print has 15 makes, over 12,100 views, 6,000 downloads, and 1 remix.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory, Printables, Thingiverse
Transformable Megatron
Megatron is a devious foe, and with 3D printing, we can make models of the iconic villain in all his incarnations. Here’s a model of the original Megatron that actually transforms and looks as menacing as in the original series. His vehicle mode is a tank, but whichever mode he’s in, Megatron is the perfect addition to any display that features Optimus Prime.
Adding to the fun, the creator even made a companion version of Optimus, so you can print Optimus and his nemesis to show off your 3D printing skills!
This model was designed to print without supports, so post-processing should be minimal. The creator reports that “you can transform it right off the build plate!”
- Who designed it? DaBombDiggity
- How printable/popular is it? With 7 makes, over 5,500 downloads, and 2 remixes, you can make your own!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
G1 Soundwave
This model of Soundwave from the original 1980s series is a faithful reproduction that looks almost like the real thing. It’s complete with rotatable joints, however, it doesn’t transform. Soundwave is a very nice model to print if you’re a fan of the Decepticons in the franchise.
Soundwave shouldn’t need much post-processing other than painting. The creator even reports that no glue was needed for assembly, as the joints fit snugly together, but your results may vary depending on your printer.
- Who designed it? CautionLowSign
- How printable/popular is it? This print is making some noise with 8 makes and over 7,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Predacon Megatron
If you grew up in the 1990s and watched Saturday morning cartoons, there’s a good chance you remember Transformers: Beast Wars. The series was notable in that it was fully CGI and saw the Transformers take on the forms of animals rather than vehicles. Megatron was a terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex.
The creator hasn’t posted any instructions on printing or assembly, making this model is a great way for fans of the series to exercise their 3D printing muscles.
- Who designed it? Paultini
- How printable/popular is it? With 2 makes and over 8,500 downloads, this model sure is printable.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Bonus: Transformers Cookie Cutters
These cookie cutters are modeled after the Transformers “Rescuebots”. If you’re into baking or want to make some fun treats for a fan, these are awesome models to print. Transformers cookies will make any fan feel special.
Just remember to take the necessary precautions to ensure that they’re food-safe, like selecting an appropriate filament and washing them in cold water, as they aren’t dishwasher-safe!
- Who designed it? Gustavo015
- How printable/popular is it? This delicious print has over 4,000 views and 30 downloads.
- Where to find it? Cults
Bonus: Logo Keychains
Transformers in the franchise are just as divided as modern human society, which is a good thing because it means that even if you hate one of these logos, you’ll probably love the other.
The Autobot and Decepticon logos are distinctive designs that make excellent keychains. They’re also a great way of reminding people not to judge a book by its cover, as there’s often more than meets the eye.
This print is about as simple as they come, so you shouldn’t have much trouble or need to do much post-processing, other than some painting.
- Who designed it? herisuprapto
- How printable/popular is it? This print has 9 makes and almost 4,600 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
License: The text of "3D Printed Transformers: Best STL Files to 3D Print" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.