Discover the captivating world of Dragon Print 3D models with the exceptional Night Spirit Dragon. This articulated masterpiece is designed for 3D printing enthusiasts of all levels, offering a rewarding and engaging project. Created with passion and refined through community feedback, this model promises a stunning final product that embodies both artistry and printability. If you encounter any challenges, rest assured, the designer is actively involved and ready to assist, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dragon print experience.
Why Choose the Night Spirit Dragon Print?
The Night Spirit Dragon is more than just another dragon model; it’s a testament to continuous improvement and dedication to the 3D printing community. Originating from the popular Spirit Dragon, this variant has undergone significant tweaks and enhancements driven by user feedback and a desire for printing perfection. Inspired by a love for articulated creatures and a commitment to creating user-friendly designs, the creator has meticulously refined this model over numerous iterations. This journey of improvement means you benefit from a dragon print that is not only visually striking but also optimized for successful and hassle-free printing. The creator’s personal connection to the design, fueled by his daughter’s admiration for the Spirit Dragon, ensures a high level of care and attention to detail in every aspect of this model. Explore the evolution and discover why the Night Spirit Dragon stands out as a premium choice for your next dragon print project.
Image of the Articulated Spirit Dragon model showcasing its flexible and dynamic design, perfect for 3D printing enthusiasts looking for articulated projects.
Night Spirit Dragon: Design and Features of this Dragon Print
The Night Spirit Dragon distinguishes itself with a uniquely crafted head, carefully selected to minimize printing complexities often associated with intricate dragon models. Addressing common feedback regarding overhangs on horned dragons, the designer prioritized a head design that is both visually impressive and easier to print without supports. While the lower fins and chin presented some overhang challenges, strategic adjustments were made to the model’s orientation, scale, and base to mitigate these issues. The fins were reshaped to angle upwards at a more print-friendly 45 degrees, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to balancing aesthetic appeal with practical printability. This attention to detail ensures that even intricate features of this dragon print can be achieved with greater ease.
Head Variants: Tailoring Your Dragon Print
To further enhance your dragon print experience, the Night Spirit Dragon offers three distinct head variants, each with its own character:
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‘og’ Model: This is the original head design taken directly from the Night Dragon model. It boasts intricate, thin frills and horns that offer a classic dragon aesthetic. However, achieving optimal results with this variant may require slower print speeds, especially for the horns, to prevent print imperfections.
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‘thick’ Model: Addressing the printability concerns of the ‘og’ model, the ‘thick’ variant features thickened and textured horns. This design modification significantly improves the success rate of printing without supports, making it a more forgiving option for those prioritizing ease of printing. The textured horns maintain visual appeal while enhancing structural integrity during the printing process.
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‘bumpy’ Model: Created as an alternative to the ‘smooth’ horns, the ‘bumpy’ model introduces a unique aesthetic with bulged horns that evoke a sense of growth and organic form. This variant offers a distinctive look, particularly appealing when printed at larger scales, adding variety and customization to your dragon print collection.
Close-up image showcasing the ‘thick’ variant of the Night Spirit Dragon head, highlighting the thickened and textured horns designed for easier 3D printing and enhanced detail.
Optimizing Your Dragon Print: Print Settings
Achieving a successful dragon print with the Night Spirit Dragon is readily attainable with these recommended settings:
- Walls: Employ 2 or more perimeters for robust outer surfaces. The designer recommends 3 walls for enhanced durability and a solid feel to your dragon print.
- Infill: A minimum of 10% infill density is suggested. For a balance of weight and print time, 20% infill is preferred, though lightning infill or even 0% infill can be viable depending on your desired outcome.
- Layer Height: Print at 0.10mm layer height or coarser. The model maintains excellent detail even at 0.2mm layer height, offering flexibility in print speed and resolution.
- Supports & Brims: No supports or brims are typically required, simplifying the printing process. However, individual printer variations (YMMV – Your Mileage May Vary) may necessitate minor adjustments based on your specific machine’s calibration and performance.
- Scaling: Scaling the model to 70% or larger is recommended. Scaling below 100% may result in slight contact between links, but these are designed to break away easily post-print. Printing at 100% scale ensures no parts are fused, providing optimal articulation straight off the build plate. If scaling down, consider separating the model into parts in your slicer software to prevent unwanted merging of components.
Credits and Commercial Use for Dragon Print Models
This impressive dragon print model is a derivative work, made possible by the contributions of talented designers within the 3D printing community. Gratitude is extended to sunset, sunset_3d_design, and MZ4250 for their exceptional original models that served as the foundation for the Night Spirit Dragon. Proper attribution to these creators, as well as to AKinferno for the remix and modifications, is required when sharing or distributing this model.
Image showcasing a low poly remix of the articulated dragon, demonstrating the versatility and ongoing development of the dragon print models within the community.
For those interested in commercializing dragon prints of the Night Spirit Dragon and other designs by AKinferno, commercial rights are available through the Printables Club membership. This membership grants access to a growing library of exclusive models and resources, including a unique maker coin to signify your club membership when selling physical prints. The Printables Club supports the ongoing creation of innovative and high-quality 3D printable models, ensuring a continuous stream of exciting projects for the community.
Conclusion: Embark on Your Dragon Print Adventure
The Night Spirit Dragon offers an exceptional dragon print experience, blending intricate design with user-friendly printability. With its various head options and optimized settings, you can confidently embark on creating your own articulated dragon masterpiece. Download the files today and unleash the Night Spirit in your next 3D printing project! Don’t hesitate to share your makes and provide feedback – your input directly contributes to the ongoing refinement and improvement of these dragon print models for the entire community.
