3D printing has opened up a colorful and creative world for hobbyists and makers alike. One particularly popular and charming model is the 3D printed articulated octopus. These flexible, lifelike models have captured the attention of the community—“invading” the homes of enthusiasts around the world with their adorable design and realistic movement.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to print your own articulated octopus—from choosing the best filament to print settings, print times, and where to find free STL files. Let’s dive in!
What Is The Best Filament For Articulated Octopus?
Choosing the right filament depends on your goal, the desired look and feel of the model, and your level of experience. Below are three commonly recommended materials, each with its advantages:
| Filament | Purpose | Print Appearance | Printing Difficulty | Overall Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPU | Feel and toy experience | Medium | Difficult | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| PETG | Outdoor ornaments, a little durable but not too soft | Medium | Medium | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| PLA | Static display, first print | High | Easy | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is widely recognized for its ease of printing, good dimensional stability, and low risk of warping. It also emits no unpleasant odor, making it suitable for home environments. PLA is biodegradable and made from natural materials such as corn starch and sugarcane, which makes it an eco-friendly choice.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, PLA is a reliable and ideal filament for printing articulated octopuses intended for display or light use.
2. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU is a flexible, rubber-like filament that allows printed octopuses to have naturally bendable tentacles that stretch and bounce back, giving them a lifelike, playful feel. TPU is especially beneficial for moving joints, as its flexibility helps prevent breakage.
However, printing with TPU requires some caution; it must be printed at slower speeds to prevent jamming, and because it’s highly hygroscopic, it’s best to dry it before use with a filament dryer to avoid print quality issues.
Recommended Reading：How to Dry Filament: PLA, ABS ,TPU & Nylon
3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG offers a balance between PLA and TPU. It's stronger and more flexible than PLA, yet more rigid than TPU, making it ideal for slightly flexible, functional models. PETG resists moisture and UV, making it an excellent choice if your octopus will be displayed outdoors or near water.
PETG filament is also less prone to breakage and extrusion issues, providing a solid upgrade for users seeking greater durability without the complexity of TPU.
Recommended Print Settings for 3D Printed Octopus
Articulated octopus models are usually designed to be printed without supports, with pre-built joints that move straight off the printer. For optimal results, consider the following settings:
-
Layer Height:
A 0.2 mm layer height provides a good balance between detail and speed. For higher detail (and longer print time), you can go down to 0.1 mm. -
Nozzle Size:
A 0.4 mm nozzle is standard and works well for most articulated models, offering a good mix of precision and efficiency. -
Infill:
These models don't need a high infill percentage due to their joint structure.-
15% is recommended for a lighter, more flexible model.
-
Increase to 20% if you want a bit more strength, but keep in mind it will lengthen the print time.
-
How Long Does It Take to Print an Articulated Octopus?
Generally, the time required to print an articulated octopus depends on several key factors, including model design, printing material, and printer settings. The most significant factors are model size and complexity. Larger and more intricate details octopuses—such as multiple articulated legs, fine textures, or expressive facial features—naturally take longer to print.
As previously mentioned, the choice of filament also plays a critical role. For example, TPU requires slower printing speeds (typically 20–30 mm/s) due to its flexibility, which helps prevent clogs and extrusion issues. In contrast, PLA is easier to print and allows for faster speeds (around 50–60 mm/s), thereby reducing overall print time.
Other factors, such as layer height and infill percentage, also influence printing duration. A finer layer height produces better detail but increases print time, while a higher infill makes the model stronger but adds additional time.
Based on the recommended printing settings, the estimated time to print a 160mm long articulated octopus is as follows:
| Filament | Print speed | Printing time |
|---|---|---|
| TPU | 20-30mm/s | 6 ~ 9 hours |
| PETG | 40-50mm/s | 4 ~ 6 hours |
| PLA | 50-60mm/s | 3 ~ 5 hours |
1. Cute Mini Articulated Octopus - A popular articulated octopus design on printables
This Octopus model is the most downloaded Articulated Octopus model on printables. It can be printed in one go without the need for additional support structures or post-assembly, making it suitable for beginners and quick printing needs. In addition, an STL file of spare tentacles is provided to facilitate replacement when the tentacles are damaged during the printing process, reducing material waste.
This "Flexi Funny Octopus" model was created by designer ilya91. The overall shape is very funny and cute. The whole model is printed in one go, suitable for quick printing and display. It is very suitable as a keychain ornament or a toy for children.
This "Articulated Goofy Octopus" model was created by the designer Contributing Factor. The eyes and tentacles of the articulated octopus are designed to be detachable, making them easy to replace and customize. With exaggerated eyes and a rounded head, the overall shape is humorous and suitable as a desktop ornament or a children's toy.
This "Flexi Baby Octopus" model adopts a minimalist style. Its round head and short tentacles make it look very cute, suitable for people who like minimalist style.
This "Cute Articulated Octopus" model was created by designer Alexandre. The face is designed with curved eyebrows and round eyes. The overall shape is playful and cute, suitable as a collection or creative display.
Conclusion
The 3D Printed Articulated Octopus is an exciting and rewarding project for both beginners and experienced makers. With the right filament and proper printer settings, you can create a stunning, lifelike octopus model that’s not only fun to play with but also a great conversation piece. You can print it as a desk toy, a gift, or just for enjoyment. The articulated octopus exemplifies the intersection of creativity and 3D printing.