Optimus Prime

I’ve always had an interest in designing and 3D printing my own Transformers figure. I recently purchased the 3D files and 3D printed an Optimus Prime figure in PLA+ for a friend as a birthday present (link below).

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/optimus-prime-orenstein-memory-with-trailer

It was interesting to see the different techniques the designer had used to make joints, in particular the ball and socket joints. I 3D printed the sockets in TPU and printed some parts for a test. The TPU worked really well, as it was less likely to break when pressing the joint together and it also provided grip for the joint when posing. Using PLA+ for the socket would mean the joint would become more “sloppy” over time as the PLA+ surfaces rubbed against each other and became more smooth.

Here is a progress shot of Optimus as his arm pieces were being printed.

And finally here’s the finished model! I have since upgraded the firmware on my Flashforge Inventor to Marlin, so I know I can print it in better quality now, but overall I’m happy with the result.