3D printers aren’t just for printing calibration cubes and Benchys. Sometimes you have to cut loose and print something that makes heads turn, especially if that head is long, scaly, and horrifying.
We’ve found 13 amazing models from the Alien movie series that are sure to be conversation starters – that is, if you can talk around the facehugger.
If you see a special Alien model that you want professionally printed, head on over to Craftcloud. With a wide range of materials and finishes, you’ll be getting a print that so realistic, it might scare you!
Without further ado, let’s get to the list!
Grab your cat and flamethrower, because we have just one minute to abandon ship. This model is a beautifully-detailed print of the lifeboat used by Ripley (and Jones) to escape the doomed Nostromo.
The ship can be printed with no supports, making it a relatively easy print. Orient it vertically on your print bed (upside-down if using a resin printer like the Anycubic Photon) and try to avoid the self-destruct sequence.
Who made it: aaskedall
Who printed it: 8 people have posted pictures of their Makes.
Where to find it: Thingiverse
We could all use a few hugs right now, and what better way to get them than with your morning brew? Whether you’re working from home, office, or sacrificial chamber, this model is not only amazing, it’s functional. Print it in glow-in-the-dark PLA as shown, and have it double as a night light.
You can print in PLA with standard settings (60-°C bed with a 0.4-mm nozzle), but be generous with the supports, and try for three shells for solidity. Thanks to the nature of the model, there’s no need for extra bed adhesion (unless your printer usually needs it, of course).
Don’t want to drink from PLA? The designer also remixed it into a travel-mug koozie.
Who made it: MasterAnubis
Who printed it: This model has been viewed by over 1,600 users and downloaded 170 times.
Where to find it: MyMiniFactory
Whether you want it to fight Xenomorphs or to simply carry your truck, the Caterpillar P-5000 Powered Work Loader is one of the most popular concepts within the Aliens fandom.
This statuette takes a bit more experience to create due to the integrated lighting, but it’s well worth the effort. Detailed instructions can be found on the model page (linked below). The model is helpfully split into multiple files for the marine, Alien, and power loader. The power loader should be able to print without support, but the Alien’s curves and the marine’s outstretched arms should be supported as much as possible.
Who made it: Dave Cortes (original model creator), OneIdMONstr (modifier and STL file maker)
Who printed it: More than 800 people have downloaded it, but there are no documented prints yet (apart from the designer’s).
Where to find it: Cults
Coming straight from the bulkhead of the Nostromo, this corporate logo will show that you’re a proud member of the Weyland-Yutani corporate family.
While you can print with PLA, TPU might last longer. If you want the logo in different colors, you may have to print the logo separately, unless you have a dual-extruder printer. Alternatively, you could paint it.
Who made it: xfanta
Who printed it: While there have been no recorded makes, almost 60 people have downloaded the model.
Where to find it: MyMiniFactory
Just because we have to wash our hands doesn’t mean we can’t have fun with it. With this Xeno head, you won’t get a bad feeling, just clean hands.
If you have a resin printer, make sure to keep the center hollow for the soap travel through. If printing with FDM, enable support blockers under the hole in the bottom to make sure it’s not covered up. PLA should work just fine with standard settings.
Who made it: schroeder22
Who printed it: This model was only recently uploaded, but there have already been 100 downloads.
Where to find it: Thingiverse
If you need transport for your troopers, this ship will get you off the ground in style – that is, if nothing unexpected happens. This is a beautifully-sculpted model and the Alien-head base is perfect for getting the point across: Nowhere is safe, not even the sky.
In order to get the quality shown in the picture, you’ll have to print at a low layer height – 0.1 mm on an FDM printer – or even use a resin printer like the Elegoo Saturn.
Who made it: freebug2day
Who printed it: 703 people have downloaded this model, contributing to building a better world.
Where to find it: MyMiniFactory
“The bones are bent outward, like he exploded from inside.”
Whether you prefer the one from Prometheus or the original film version, the Space Jockey is an iconic and tantalizing hint at a larger universe. This model brings out every skeletal detail, making for a truly unsettling piece overall. If you don’t like the base, another user has remixed it to be more Alien-y.
One of the unique challenges in printing something asymmetrical is weight distribution. The creator suggests printing the middle section and telescope with less infill to compensate.
Who made it: Geoffro
Who printed it: An impressive 31 people have shared their successful Makes.
Where to find it: Thingiverse
Analog clocks are a dying breed, but this one will stick to your wall while you’re looking for your cat. Make sure you never over-hypersleep again!
Given the sizing, you may want to split the file into two or three prints: the head, clock and arm, and body. Regardless, PLA filament should work, and with some sanding, you can have the clock of your nightmares!
Who made it: 3dlito
Who printed it: This clock has been viewed over 1,500 times and downloaded 216 times.
Where to find it: Cults
One of the most horrifying sights in the Alien franchise is seeing an egg the size of a watermelon begin to open and expose the creature inside. There’s no escape, only inevitable doom.
For the best results, make sure to print with a skirt, as the tapered bottom might be susceptible to drafts. If you’d like to fit more pens, check out the larger remix.
Who made it: kongen115
Who printed it: Over 3,300 people have downloaded this model!
Where to find it: MyMiniFactory
A sore throat, a ravenous hunger, a pain in the chest, and the Chestburster emerges to wreak havoc on the ship! The story goes that the actors weren’t prepared for the explosive force of the blood packs; those expressions of shock were real, even if the creature wasn’t.
The maker of the model suggests printing in ABS for cleaner post-processing with acetone. Support the tiny hands, teeth, and the end of the tail, and print slowly. The model’s shape makes it susceptible to shearing forces from the print head. Stringing will likely be an issue, as the nozzle will travel across almost the entire model when printing. Be prepared for some work with sandpaper.
Who made it: AndresMF
Who printed it: There are 30 recorded Makes of this model.
Where to find it: Thingiverse
Skittering, leaping, and grappling, Facehuggers are in every movie in the Alien franchise, and for good reason. Don’t be surprised if it’s not where you left it because it’s probably on the ceiling, waiting.
Print with four outer walls and a 0.15-mm layer height. Be patient, as this is a huge print, measuring 40 x 23 inches. the designer also states that you’ll need some glue and sandpaper to put it together.
Who made it: Agisis
Who printed it: There are several community prints, which isn’t surprising considering this model has been downloaded over 11,000 times.
Where to find it: MyMiniFactory
Make like a predator and show off your hunting skills with this wall-mounted trophy! This model doesn’t need to simply be the size of your print bed; slice it into pieces and make it life-size. As a bonus, the creator posted a time-lapse video of the sculpting process.
This model is one of the most detailed in this list. Print slowly, at about 50 mm/s, and set your layer height to 0.15 mm. You may have to support the lower chin.
Who made it: Nello
Who printed it: Although there are no recorded makes, there are over 5,600 views and 700 downloads for this model.
Where to find it: Cults
“You still don’t understand what you’re dealing with, do you? The perfect organism.”
Here it is – the model you’ve all been waiting for: Xenomorph XX121, also known as Internecivus raptus. The real stars of the film franchise, the Aliens are less sapient adversary and more highly intelligent and physically-dominant parasites. Not that the protagonists of the series would care much…
As you might expect, this highly detailed model will likely require some work to print perfectly. If you want to try something similar but simpler, check out the popular design from Thingiverse user Tomalinski or the cute variant from cipis.
Who made it: printedobsession
Who printed it: Judging from the impressive number of images, downloads, and likes, this is an incredibly popular design.
Where to find it: MyMiniFactory
Why wear a mask over your face when you can wear a face over your face? Unleash the inner Queen in you, even if she bleeds acid.
According to the author of the file, it’s best to use a flexible material and a wider nozzle when printing, such as 0.6-mm. You’ll have to part with $4.99, but we think it’s worth it.
Who made it: Plastcore3D
Who printed it: So far, seven people have added this mask to their collection, meaning they have either printed it or are planning to.
Where to find it: MyMiniFactory
Lead image source: InterstellarMisfit via Reddit
License: The text of "3D Printed Alien Models: Xenomorphs, Facehuggers & More" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.