For enthusiasts diving into the fascinating world of 3D printing, the allure of creating intricate and captivating models is undeniable. Among the myriad of possibilities, 3d Printer Dragons stand out as a particularly exciting and rewarding project. If you’re seeking a unique and articulated dragon model to test your 3D printing skills, look no further than the Night Spirit Dragon. This model, a remix of existing designs, offers a blend of aesthetic appeal and printability, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced makers.
Discover the Night Spirit Dragon: A 3D Printing Gem
The Night Spirit Dragon isn’t just another 3D model; it’s a testament to iterative design and community feedback. Born from modifications and improvements to the original Spirit Dragon, the Night Spirit variant focuses on enhanced printability and a distinct visual style. The creator, AKinferno, a dedicated member of the 3D printing community, has meticulously refined this model based on user experiences and a passion for creating compelling articulated figures.
One of the primary motivations behind the Night Spirit Dragon was to address common 3D printing challenges, particularly with support material. The original Spirit Dragon, while impressive, sometimes presented difficulties in printing the horns without supports. The Night Spirit Dragon tackles this head-on with a redesigned head, minimizing steep overhangs and making support-free printing more achievable. This thoughtful design consideration makes the Night Spirit Dragon a more accessible and enjoyable project for a wider range of 3D printer users.
Variants to Explore: OG, Smooth, and Bumpy
To cater to different aesthetic preferences and printing capabilities, the Night Spirit Dragon comes in several head variants:
- OG: This variant features the original head design, staying true to the Night Dragon model from MZ4250. It boasts intricate, thinner frills and horns. While visually striking, printing this version might require careful attention to avoid overhang issues, especially with the horns. Printing the horns at a slower speed is highly recommended for optimal results.
- Smooth: Addressing the printability concerns of the OG version, the Smooth variant features thickened horns while maintaining a smooth surface finish. This design choice makes it easier to print without supports and offers a cleaner, more robust look.
- Bumpy: For those seeking a more textured and organic appearance, the Bumpy variant presents an intriguing option. The horns are designed with bulges, giving them a unique, grown-like aesthetic. This variant adds a touch of visual interest, particularly when printed at larger scales.
Choosing between these variants allows you to personalize your 3D printer dragon based on your printing skills and desired aesthetic outcome. Experimenting with different filaments and colors can further enhance the visual appeal of each variant.
Optimizing Your 3D Printer Dragon Print: Settings and Tips
To ensure a successful and satisfying 3D printing experience with the Night Spirit Dragon, consider these recommended print settings:
- Walls: Employ 2 or more walls. For added robustness, 3 walls are recommended.
- Infill: A minimum of 10% infill is suggested. For a more substantial feel, 20% infill is ideal. However, for lightweight prints or experimenting with infill patterns, lightning infill or even 0% infill might be viable options.
- Layer Height: A layer height of 0.10mm or above works well. The model retains its detail even at 0.2mm layer height, offering a balance between print speed and quality.
- Supports and Brims: Generally, supports and brims are not required, simplifying the printing process. However, this can vary depending on your specific 3D printer’s calibration and performance.
- Scaling: Scaling at 70% or larger is recommended. Scaling down below 70% might lead to link fusion due to the intricate articulated design. If scaling below 100%, separating the model into parts in your slicer software can prevent merging, although some parts might still touch slightly at 70% scale but should break away easily after printing. At 100% scale, there are no touching parts.
A 3D printed Night Spirit Dragon in green filament, showcasing the 'smooth' horn variant and its articulated body. Remember that these settings serve as a starting point. Experimentation and fine-tuning based on your printer and filament are always encouraged to achieve the best results.
A Community Effort: Attribution and Commercial Rights
The creation of the Night Spirit Dragon is a collaborative effort within the 3D printing community. AKinferno’s remix builds upon the original Night Dragon model by MZ4250 and the Articulated Spirit Dragon by sunset3d. Proper attribution to these creators is essential and appreciated.
For those interested in commercializing prints of the Night Spirit Dragon, AKinferno has acquired commercial rights from sunset3d for the original dragon model, extending to derivative models like the Night Spirit Dragon. Joining AKinferno’s Printables Club grants commercial access to their designs, including an exclusive maker coin to signify club membership when selling prints. This offers an excellent opportunity for enthusiasts looking to explore the commercial potential of 3D printed dragons.
Download, Print, and Share Your 3D Printer Dragon
The Night Spirit Dragon is more than just a 3D model; it’s an invitation to engage with the 3D printing community, experiment with different print settings and filaments, and unleash your creativity. Download the STL files, fire up your 3D printer, and bring this captivating articulated dragon to life. Don’t forget to share your prints and provide feedback to the creator, contributing to the ongoing evolution of this fantastic model. Happy printing!
