A Decades-Old Icon
The X-wing Starfighter is an icon for generations of Star Wars fans across the world. This famed ship was the go-to for the rebel fleet in their battle against the dark side, and now you can print your very own!
From huge, intricate models to tiny keychains and ornaments, we’ve gathered a list of the coolest and most detailed X-wings that you can print at home. And once you’ve kicked off your collection with an X-wing (or two), there’s an endless inspiration of Star Wars 3D prints for your next project.
If you’re preparing for interstellar battle but aren’t able to print your own fleet, check out Craftcloud. Thanks to our many partners around the world, you’ll have a vast array of materials, colors, and finishes available to you.
Now, without further ado, let’s get to the list!
Movable
This model is so accurate it looks like it belongs with the rebel fleet itself. The design has a huge number of files to be printed individually, but the detail that you get is worth the effort.
Another bonus with this design is that the X-wing actually moves! The many interlocking components allow the wings of this model to articulate from the closed to open positions, just as it does in the movies. It may take some time to print and assemble, but the results will be impeccable.
Who made it? petergross3
Who printed it? This model has 2,031 likes and 30 makes on Thingiverse, which is impressive given the complexity of the build.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Snap Together
This model may not have the intense detail or the articulating wings seen on some others, but what sets this starship apart from the rest is that it can be printed in just two parts.
Just two pieces, no supports, and some snappy assembly give you a complete starship. This model can be scaled up or down, and is perfect for makers who prefer shorter printing and assembly times.
Who made it? 660
Who printed it? This model has nearly 7,000 likes and 74 makes.
Where to get it? Cults
With Luke & R2
If you’re hoping to build a whole fleet of realistic Star Wars replicas, you’re in the right place. This ship has all the key features, including folding wings, a hinged cockpit door, and its own removable astromech droid. The extra time it takes to complete this print will be won back by the incredible attention to detail in the design.
The creator warns that you’ll need a 3D printer with at least 210 mm of build volume to print the parts, and the recommended layer height is 0.2 mm. The finished model is around 23 inches long, so while it’s not the biggest X-wing on this list, it’s certainly not the smallest!
Who made it? Playaction
Who printed it? This model has about 4,000 downloads and more than 17,000 views.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Two Pieces
This is another fairly simple X-wing model, printed in just two pieces and easily glued together. This model can also be scaled to whatever size you prefer.
But we all know that the rebel fleet of X-wings fights side by side with the Millenium Falcon, so why not print one of each? Even though the scale is off, they do make an epic duo in the photo above. If you want to expand your fleet, the Millennium Falcon design can be found on Thingiverse as well.
Who made it? toolbox3d
Who printed it? This model has 14 makes and 3,497 likes from the community.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Kit Card
Looking for a fun, easy, and fast print? This X-wing is in the popular format of a kit card, in which all the parts of a model are printed in a flat card. Post-printing, the pieces can be broken free and interlocked to form the model.
This ship comes together with only six pieces and is designed with a small hole for hanging. The creator of this model has also designed a multitude of other kit cards of starships and planes, so this is definitely the quickest way to print your own rebel fleet!
Who made it? nakozen
Who printed it? This model has 4,476 likes! Makers just can’t get enough of this Star Wars icon!
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Details Galore
If you’re looking for a massive model with tons of detail, then look no further. This model prints in many, many parts, which allows the finished product to be far larger than the build volume of most printers. Coming in at 47 x 39 x 22 inches, this model is no mean feat to print and assemble. On top of that, don’t forget that such a large model will use a significant amount of filament.
But large models do come with a benefit, in that they can be so much more detailed than smaller ones. The intricacy of this model makes it look just like the real thing!
Who made it? caihuiwei
Who printed it? There are 5 posted Makes but this model has been downloaded almost 16,000 times.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
With Wheels
And now for something a little bit different. This model is unique in the addition of three wheels, which means it can be rolled around like a toy car. This playful take on a classic model is a perfect candidate for baby’s first starship.
This model lacks the detail of others but still has all the essentials to be recognizable. And the simplicity of the design means the printing of this model should go smoothly, and assembly is a snap. The designer suggests using glow-in-the-dark PLA for the details to make this one extra fun!
Who made it? clem2k3
Who printed it? With 10 posted Makes and over 5,500 downloads, we’re sure lots of people have printed this one.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Ornament
In the last few years, the new Star Wars movies have been released during the holiday season, which has led to many Christmas–Star Wars crossovers. What could be a better addition to your tree this year than an X-wing ornament?
This model prints similarly to the kit card model, but with more detail. It’s printed in PLA from two files and then assembled from the 2D parts. Hang it up alongside Tie Fighter and Death Star ornaments for a very merry Sithmas!
Who made it? v2oracle_9297
Who printed it? With 483 likes and 12 makes, people clearly love a festive take on a classic.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
1/64 Scale
This model takes the fun of a miniature to a whole new level. Coming in at just 1/64 the scale of a full-sized ship, this model packs a huge amount of detail into something so small. What makes this model so special is that, despite its size, it features folding wings, a removable astromech droid, and removable landing gear.
In the world of 3D printing, small size, immense detail, and interlocking parts are a tricky combination, so this print is no walk in the park. Assembly is fiddly with such a multitude of pieces, but if you really love a tiny, detailed model, or your printer doesn’t have a large capacity, then this model is a worthy choice.
Who made it? err404
Who printed it? This model has 478 likes and 10 makes on Thingiverse, with some great photos for inspiration.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Keychain
If you thought that the last model was as small as an X-wing can get, then think again! This ship is designed to be a key chain, so you can carry your rebel allegiance in your pocket.
With its tiny size, this model is quick to print, but trickier than it looks! It’s composed of a single piece that prints on one end, requiring supports. Because of its minuscule size, it lacks the detail of the larger models, but it still represents the starship’s iconic silhouette.
Who made it? Printing-the-future
Who printed it? 221 users have downloaded this model, and 2,068 have viewed the design.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Bonus: Edible!
This model will be a lot less permanent than the others on this list because its lifespan will depend on how long you can keep from eating it!
Rather than 3D printing a model of an X-wing, this project is printing cookie cutters to bake one! The file for the cookie-cutter will set you back about $6, but the detailed assembly instructions are available for free from Instructables.
As with any food-related 3D printing project, make sure you are using a food-safe filament.
Who made it? 3D-mon
Who printed it? This tasty X-wing has been viewed 829 times on Cults and the design has 33 likes on Instructables.
Where to get it? Cults
Lead image source: wischmob_ via Thingiverse
License: The text of "3D Printed X-Wing: 10 Models to Thwart Tie Fighters" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.