Slug Life
To many, slugs are simply homeless snails. However, it’s unfair to label slugs as such, when they are actually fascinating creatures that also make incredible 3D printing subjects.
Slugs have an internal shell made of fleshy protein. Along with a greasy mucus that they excrete on their skin, this body structure allows them to propel themselves forward using muscular impulses on their feet. Their four tentacles allow them to see, smell, taste, and touch multiple objects simultaneously. Breathing is done through a blowhole in their side and they grind their food with 27,000 teeth that act as a sort of circular saw that cuts through the food as it enters the mouth.
These are just a few amazing facts about slugs that make them some of the most interesting creatures on the planet. Besides, they’re actually kind of adorable! As we’re fans of these special animals, we’ve gathered the coolest models out there to 3D print. And people have gotten creative!
If you see a model that you like but don’t have the means or desire to print it yourself, try Craftcloud. With a range of materials and finishes to choose from, your slug print can be on its way to your doorstep in no time!
And now, let’s see what’s out there beyond our garden!
Articulated
The first slug on this list is adorably realistic. Even its movement mimics that of a real slug. Instead of using a flexible internal shell and slime, this model uses articulated joints in a print-in-place style to wiggle.
To get the articulated joints to work well, the designer suggests printing at a low speed (30 mm/sec) and high resolution (0.1 mm) to ensure that the thin walls, steep overhangs, and tight clearances come out beautifully. You want the joints as snug as a slug in a rug.
Using these settings, the slug should take about eight hours to print. This might sound slow, but it’s appropriate for a slug! The designer also includes detailed instructions on post-processing so that you don’t risk damaging the joints or the entire print.
- Who designed it? _Isaiah_
- How printable/popular is it? 65 Thingiverse users have printed this model, so rest assured that this slug is 100% printable. Check out the color choices for inspiration; the rainbow prints are especially eye-catching.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Simple Articulated
Slugs are incredibly complex creatures. This next print, however, is a simpler print-in-place 3D model than the first. The articulated joints allow the 3D print to bend, albeit in a single direction, just like a real-life slug.
Most slicer settings should work. Remember to disable supports and opt for high infill so that the slug has a more realistic weight. If you have small children, we recommend printing the file version with a rounded tail. As a bonus, you can even print a clip-on snail shell.
Of the many great Remixes, there are two standouts. One from PrusaPrinters maker Polymathic includes a split file so you can print your slug in alternating (two) colors, while another from Thingiverse maker GuidoVermicelli has eyes and a top hat!
- Who designed it? 8ran
- How printable/popular is it? An incredible 481 Makes are posted of this model! You can also choose from 32 interesting, adorable, and humorous Remixes that have dozens more verified Makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory
Banana
Banana slugs get their name from their bright yellow coloration. However, since you have a 3D printer, you can make your banana slug any color you want!
This particular model is a Remix of a design by smwombat, with an increased polygon count so it has a much higher resolution. You can also choose from three other fun Remixes, including a slug heart pendant, a normal slug pendant, and a jumbo-sized slug rattle.
- Who designed it? scanlime
- How printable/popular is it? Four user prints and three Remixes prove the printability of this model. The rainbow-colored jumbo slug is an inspiration!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, 3DForPrint
Realistic
This is by far the most realistic slug on this list. Though it may not move like a slug thanks to its fixed base, its details mimic those of slugs out in the wild.
Both Makes have been printed on resin 3D printers. If you plan to print this model on an FDM printer, just remember to use a high resolution (to retain as much detail as possible) and be careful when removing the support structures from the tentacles.
- Who designed it? scanlime
- How printable/popular is it? Two Thingiverse users have printed this model on resin-based 3D printers.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Futurama
Remixed from a simple brain slug design, this model is a perfected Futurama-inspired slug. After a quick print and a paint job, you’ll have your very own, adorable brain slug. Green is the obvious color choice for this print, but you can get creative with colors to customize your Make.
No special print settings are required, just keep an eye out for the tentacles to make sure they don’t accidentally snap. Also, there are a couple of fun and notable Remixes, including a light and a hair clip.
- Who designed it? Calcaware
- How printable/popular is it? Dozens of makers have printed this model or similar Remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Sam
The designer modeled this slug, Sam, after his wife found it in some cilantro. Although she wasn’t pleased, he played the “it’s a snail who lost its house” card, and she felt bad and decided to keep it.
Maybe you can give this grumpy snail a home when you print it on your own machine. Just be careful with the eyes; the tentacles are thin and can be easily broken.
- Who designed it? mooses
- How printable/popular is it? Seven Thingiverse users have posted Makes of this model so far. They all look sluggishly fantastic!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Lead image source: IRISH23 via Thingiverse
License: The text of "3D Printed Slug: Incredibly Cute Models to 3D Print" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.