The Moon captivates us for many reasons. Its sheer presence in the night sky is a symbol of wonder and curiosity, and its changing appearance during the different phases makes it fascinating to watch.
The Moon’s mystical beauty often makes us wonder about space and the natural world around us. Now, you can 3D print the Moon (and some Moon-inspired designs) and bring it a little closer to home.
In this article, we’ve got you covered with seven beautiful and 3D printable models that you’ll be over the moon about. However, if you’re enthusiastic about 3D printing moon-themed models but don’t have access to a 3D printer, Craftcloud can make it happen for you!
Now, let’s get started!
Lithophane Lamp
A lithophane is basically an embossed photo created by a 3D printer. The surface appears to be flat in normal light. However, when illuminated from behind, the thicker areas appear darker and the thinner areas brighter, creating a 3D appearance and bringing out the details of the image.
This model is a lithophane lamp in the shape of the Moon, creating a 3D representation of its surface texture. When the lithophane moon lamp is on, the finer surface details of the Moon, including the craters, valleys, and mountains, become visible, creating a stunning lunar appearance that will brighten up any room.
Note that it will take about two days to print the moon globe and the stand. In addition to the 3D printed parts, you’ll also need a lamp kit and LED light bulbs.
- Who designed it? FrankDeschner
- How printable/popular is it? This model has, impressively, been downloaded over 58,000 times and 816 people have shared their makes. For further proof of how easy it is to print and add to your desk, many have reported printing it in PLA successfully.
- Where to find it? Printables
Moon City 2.0
The Moon City model is an artistic design that emphasizes architectural creativity. The designer notes that the model is based on an illustration called Arabian Crescent by the artist Chris Kawagiwa.
Slower print speeds are recommended to get the best printing results, which makes sense given the small and intricate details of the model.
Makers have printed Moon City using different printers, settings, and colors without issues, with one using a combination of three filament colors, including silver, gold, and blue with a 0.12-mm layer height and 60 mm/s speed. Among the many, many makes, you can definitely find inspiration for what you’d like yours to look like!
And anticipating different uses, the designer created a version that works as a lamp too (with a slight price tag that’s totally worth it, if you ask us).
- Who designed it? kijai
- How printable/popular is it? To date, this model has been downloaded over a whopping 82,000 times, with more than 800 makes shared combined from both sites.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory, Printables
Planter
This cute half-moon planter is both practical and beautiful. It can hold and display plants while adding a touch of elegance to your surroundings.
The author has mentioned the model can be printed with minimal or no supports, but hasn’t provided any other recommendations on print settings. However, many users have posted that they successfully printed the model in PLA without issues. For example, one maker posted a beautiful picture of the model using tri-color filament with a 0.1-mm layer height and 15% infill.
- Who designed it? Printsy
- How printable/popular is it? So far, this model has been downloaded over 2,100 times and 19 people have shared their makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Astronaut
This fun model showcases the intricate details of an astronaut’s suit, equipment, and the lunar surface. It has plenty of fans, and many enthusiastic makers have shared their prints.
One particularly cool example was successfully printed using purple and blue dual-color filament with a 0.15-mm layer height and 15% infill. As you’re setting the model up, keep in mind that it will require supports.
- Who designed it? Ribwich
- How printable/popular is it? To date, this model has been downloaded over 15,000 times and 41 people have posted their makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Minimalist Vase
This crescent Moon-shaped vase features a cool minimalist design, perfect for displaying your favorite flower around the house. According to the designer, due to the small hole on the vase, this model could actually be used as a bud vase to hold a single flower. That said, one of the shared prints by the designer was scaled up 150% to better fit more flowers.
The designer has mentioned print settings for making this model, including a 0.2-mm layer height and 100% infill. For the scaled-up model, the recommendation is 50% infill. While the model shouldn’t require supports, you can always add them if you’re having difficulties 3D printing the design.
- Who designed it? Skelei
- How printable/popular is it? So far, this model has over 1,000 likes and 6 people have posted their successful makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Celtic
This next model captures the beauty of the Moon in three phases of the lunar cycle, including waxing, full, and waning, with an artistic touch. The Wiccan triple moons are embellished with Celtic patterns, creating a unique and decorative touch.
The designer’s print settings include a 0.2-mm layer height and 20% infill without support. To achieve the two colors, one of the makers split the model and printed the parts separately, while another one opted to dry brush the design. You should easily be able to print this model at home and post-process it as you prefer!
- Who designed it? Dinamicom Albino
- How printable/popular is it? This model has over 300 likes, along with 3 shared makes and 2 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Wall Flower
This pretty floral moon model is perfect for decorating an empty wall or sprucing up your living space. The design features flowers, vines, leaves, and stars in the shape of a crescent moon.
The designer recommends printing this model using a 0.3-mm layer height. You should have no problem printing it, and imagine how cool it’d look in some red or purple glow-in-the-dark filament!
- Who designed it? Joseduarteeeee
- How printable/popular is it? To date, this model has 75 likes and almost 1,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Cults
License: The text of "3D Printed Moon: Best STLs for Lamps, Planters, & More" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.