In the 1960s, artists and prop masters painstakingly made models of the NCC-1701 out of various materials. Many hours and thousands of dollars were spent on construction. However, the budget was tight for the fledgling TV show. In fact, the creators used the now famous teleporting sequences because it was cheaper than filming the models landing on a planet.
Today, with the advent of additive manufacturing, we can produce highly-detailed models easily and affordably. While we may not yet have an outer space replicator that can serve up “Tea, Earl Grey, Hot”, 3D printing is enabling fans to make models that pay tribute to their favorite science fiction franchises.
Star Trek also has the distinction of being among the first to show us what 3D printing technology may evolve into in the future. While we perfect the technology, let’s check out some of the boldest Star Trek models!
Like what you see but don’t have the means to print it yourself? Not to worry – a galaxy of 3D printing services is waiting to help you! Regardless of your location, compare some of the best providers with Craftcloud, a 3D printing and price comparison service.
Functional
Let’s delve into 3D models that go beyond aesthetics, serving practical purposes in your everyday life. From useful household items to functional accessories, these Star Trek-inspired prints combine form and utility, making them a must-have for fans and enthusiasts.
Headphones Stand
When you finish your last gaming session of the night, you need to hang up your headphones. What fleet commander’s decor would be complete without a Federation-inspired stand for their headphones? This design ensures Starfleet will always watch over your headphones.
Supports aren’t needed for this model as it prints in two parts. After slotting the pieces together, glue them in place, and you’re done!
- Who designed it? 3DPrintBunny
- How printable/popular is it? People are listening with over 150 likes, more than 1,300 downloads, and 15 makes shared on both sites combined.
- Where to find it? Printables, Cults
Coaster
Not every item in the Star Trek fandom is super high-tech. Sometimes you just want to enjoy some cool visuals. Showcase your love of all things Trek with these coasters in your home. Featuring the seal of Starfleet Command, they look especially good when printed in the blue and silver of the original seal in the show. While an eye-catching display in their own right, they’ll also protect your coffee table from drinks – at least until everyone starts to pick them up to admire them!
Most makers print this design in PLA. While the traditional silver-on-blue color combination is popular, some have found fun in experimenting with solid colors. Several popular makes even used a glow-in-the-dark filament for the background with a black filament for the text.
At just over 100 mm in diameter and about 5.5 mm thick, the coaster will fit most of your drinks and print relatively fast.
- Who designed it? muddymaker
- How printable/popular is it? Grab a drink because this print has over 5,000 downloads and more than 60 makes shared on both sites.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
Container
Trekkies, it’s time to give your cherished Star Trek memorabilia the home they deserve with the Star Trek Container! This container offers the ideal storage solution for your prized communicator badge, discovery badges, and an array of other small treasures from and beyond the universe of Star Trek.
To make your container truly stand out, we recommend using two contrasting filaments. While the original design dazzles in red and silver, you have the creative freedom to personalize it with a unique color combination that resonates with your Star Trek fandom. Some fearless makers have already explored striking combinations like black and copper, adding an extra layer of individuality.
Crafting your container is a straightforward process. The designer has incorporated male and female locators on Parts A and B for seamless alignment and assembly. To ensure a sturdy bond, a touch of superglue is all you need to unite these two halves.
- Who designed it? muddymaker
- How printable/popular is it? With around 1,500 downloads and 10 makes from both sites, it’s about time for you to create a container that not only holds your treasures but also showcases your passion for all things Star Trek.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
Klingon Bat'leth Dual Towel Hanger
Elevate your bathroom’s style and functionality with the Klingon Bat’leth dual towel hanger. Crafted with a design straight from the 24th century, this unique towel hanger effortlessly blends form and function. It provides ample space for at least two large towels, making it an ideal addition to any bathroom seeking a touch of Star Trek-inspired flair.
What sets this towel hanger apart is its extended range, which ensures your towels are not only neatly organized but also optimally spaced out. This arrangement not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also improves airflow around the towels, facilitating quicker drying times. Say goodbye to damp and musty towels with this ingenious bathroom accessory.
For those keen to bring this Bat’leth-inspired towel hanger to life through 3D printing, the designer offers some valuable tips. To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to ensure that the seam runs internally on the mount parts. As for the Bat’leth itself, strategically placing the seam on the rear preserves the sharp edges, maintaining the weapon’s iconic look.
- Who designed it? BenShepperson
- How printable/popular is it? With over 20 downloads and 50 likes, this Star Trek 3D model does not have any make so far. However, the original design looks solid, and do you really not want to add a touch of Klingon warrior spirit to your bathroom decor?
- Where to find it? Printables
Tri-dimensional Chess
Tri-dimensional Chess (as it’s called in Star Trek), is a version of chess created just for the show. Although we saw it extensively in ST: TOS, this version of 3D chess didn’t even have rules until the 1970s. Now you can create your own Tri-D chess set, practice your strategy, and embarrass your crewmates.
The creator of this print painstakingly recreated the board using the Starfleet Technical Manual. Be prepared, as this is no quick print. It’s estimated to take about two weeks to complete the full set and board.
Want to play on the go? Try this mobile version with low-profile pieces and a smaller board!
- Who designed it? fso119
- How printable/popular is it? Level up with more than 4,500 downloads, over 400 likes, 3 makes, and 1 remix.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
BattleFleet Star Wars vs. Star Trek
For die-hard fans of Star Wars and Star Trek, the eternal debate just got a lot more exciting. Introducing Battlefleet, a captivating battleship-style game that brings these iconic sci-fi universes to life, and the best part? You get to 3D print your own game pieces for an immersive gaming experience.
The game designer also made it simple for enthusiasts by providing individual STL files for crafting your game components, so you can also decide whether you want to stick to one sci-fi universe or combine them. Construct your fleet atop the precisely spaced pegs, perfectly designed to fit the game board. To ensure a snug fit for the holes on top of your game pieces, a 4-mm diameter is recommended.
To guarantee stability during gameplay, consider using a higher infill for the bottom of the board compared to the top. This strategic move also helps prevent any gaps in the top layers, ensuring a seamless experience. While the game is designed to stand steadily on flat surfaces, a bonus comes in the form of two slots on the back of the top board, allowing you to attach your extended stand for that extra support.
- Who designed it? chemteacher628
- How printable/popular is it? With more than 4,600 likes, 5 makes, and 7 remixes combined from the sites, it might be a draw! Print yours and settle the age-old Star Wars vs. Star Trek rivalry.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Printables, MyMiniFactory
Ressikan Inspired Flute
In one of the most beloved episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, “Inner Light”, Picard lives out an entire life as another person after an alien probe sends a particle beam into his head. While he experiences almost 50 years as another person, only 25 minutes go by for the crew attending to their fallen captain. Once Picard wakes up and the crew solves the mystery of the probe, they only find the flute inside. Having learned to play while living his alternate life, it is all Picard has left of the time he was one of the Ressikans. It becomes one of his most prized possessions and shows up from time to time in later films and movies.
This version of the flute actually plays! The creator even aligned the holes to play on the G scale. While the designer stayed as true as possible to the screen prop, some modifications have been made to the mouthpiece in order to ensure playability. The design prints in four easy parts and is recommended for PLA. It’s probably best to print this with at least a .15-mm layer height. Print yours now and begin playing just like Picard!
- Who designed it? Scotlandlevel
- How printable/popular is it? People like this flute to the tune of over 350 downloads, more than 50 likes, and 8 makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Decorative
Want prints that are designed to adorn your space with iconic Star Trek models? Add a touch of sci-fi charm to your surroundings. Whether you’re a dedicated Trekkie or simply appreciate the visually stunning decor, this category has a lot to offer.
Spock Figure
The late Leonard Nimoy gave us the most famous portrayal of Spock, and for good reason. The character didn’t just serve as a convenient sidekick to Captain Kirk but as a reminder not to let our emotions get the best of us. Now you can pay tribute to Leonard Nimoy and show your resolve to stay calm under pressure by 3D printing a version of the famous Vulcan.
The designer has created several figures like this with different inspirations. Spock is one of the few free versions available. Supports are recommended for the print. The model is sized to print best at about 10 cm tall but can be scaled up or down. Two versions are available, one with a glue-on base and one without.
If a cute figure of Spock isn’t your type, maybe this Gorn bust is!
- Who designed it? purakito
- How printable/popular is it? It’s only logical that this figure has been downloaded over 11,000 times, has more than 700 likes, and that 15 makes have been shared on both sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, Thingiverse
TNG Borg Cube
If you grew up watching ST: TNG, you’ll instantly recognize this as one of the scariest things in the known (Star Trek) universe. The Borg have a collective mind and use nanotechnology to assimilate entire races and build or repair themselves and their ships. If you’re looking for something to give your decor an ominous feel, this is a great choice. Your resistance is futile.
This model should be relatively hassle-free since you’re basically creating an ornate box. However, keep in mind that the creator warns it takes nearly 30 hours to complete. For ease of printing, the outer piping effects are provided in a separate file. You can add them after the cube itself is complete. Several of the more popular makes for this model incorporate LED lighting for that added Borg effect. One of the remakes is by the creator and offers a more refined printing and assembly process.
- Who designed it? dmaccallum
- How printable/popular is it? You can assimilate this Borg Cube just like the more than 25,500 downloads, almost 1,300 likes, 16 makes, and 4 remixes did!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Warp Core Lamp
The warp cores (and dilithium crystals) enable ships in Star Trek to travel faster than light, so it makes sense that a fan made a 3D printed warp core lamp. This lamp can be scaled up to look like a life-size warp core! It’s sure to create an authentic sci-fi atmosphere in your office, shop, or engine room.
This model was designed to print in modular pieces. Some of the parts will, of course, require translucent filament, and they can be optionally glued together.
- Who designed it? ThePlanetMike
- How printable/popular is it? This warp core has breached more than 19,000 downloads, almost 2,000 likes, 35 makes, and 7 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Live Long & Prosper Hand
Vulcans can all do it. Some humans can, others cannot. The Vulcan salute is the hand gesture used by most Vulcans when greeting each other formally. Simply hold the hand up with the palm outwards while placing the fingers in a V shape by separating the middle and ring fingers. Do this while keeping the other fingers together and the thumb extended. Easy, right? Well, for those who cannot manage it, you can print one!
This model requires no supports. The wrist bottom is flat, and it will stand on its own. Designed as a life-sized model you can “live long and prosper” even if you can’t get your fingers to cooperate.
- Who designed it? kevinjay4
- How printable/popular is it? This model is a remix itself with over 1,400 downloads, more than 80 likes, and 4 makes shared.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
USS Enterprise Ultimate Collection
For the avid Star Trek enthusiast and 3D printing conqueror, the Star Trek USS Enterprise Ultimate Collection is a treasure trove of starship marvels. This extraordinary collection brings together all the iconic starship Enterprise models, meticulously scaled to maintain accuracy. From the sleek Enterprise-F featured in Star Trek Online to the one from J.J. Abrams’ 2019 remake.
But this collection isn’t just about the grandeur of the Enterprise. It includes smaller yet equally significant vessels like the Space Shuttle Enterprise, The Phoenix, NX-Alpha, and the Declaration-Class USS Enterprise XCV-330. The beauty lies in their compatibility with the overall scale, although the designer recommends upscaling these petite ships to ensure the finest 3D print quality.
While the collection is a galaxy of its own, it’s worth noting that some notable starships like the Dreadnought class, IXS Enterprise, Warp Delta, and others are conspicuous by their absence. The designer promises future expansions, although there’s no official update yet. So, if you’re ready to embark on a voyage through the stars, the Star Trek USS Enterprise Ultimate Collection is your ticket to the final frontier.
- Who designed it? Solid_Alexei
- How printable/popular is it? More than 4,500 likes, 56 makes, and 101 remixes show that these models are ready for a journey beyond the stars.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
NCC-1701-D Enterprise Kit Card
The Enterprise is as much a character on the show as Kirk, Picard, or Janeway. This iconic vessel and her crew have saved the Federation (and Earth) more times than you can count. Want to capture its spirit? This kit card print will allow you to take the Enterprise D with you just about anywhere. Any Next Generation fan will be thrilled with this print.
The designer has created two versions: one with a hanger and one without. A third version is available although it’s still in progress, but allows for a more traditional 3D assembly.
Want more Star Trek kit cards? Then check out this great Deep Space Nine kit card!
- Who designed it? Nakozen
- How printable/popular is it? With more than 20,000 downloads, over 5,000 likes, 70 makes, and 5 remixes between both sites, this print is hitting warp speed fast!
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
Props & Wearables
Now, for those looking to immerse themselves fully in the Star Trek universe, the Props & Wearables category is a treasure trove. From intricately detailed prop replicas to wearable accessories straight from the series, these 3D models allow you to channel your inner Starfleet officer or Klingon warrior. Get ready to cosplay or display these iconic pieces with pride.
Discovery All Badges
Prepare to embark on a cosmic adventure as you wear the iconic badges from Star Trek: Discovery. These intricately designed badges allow you to gear up and follow the intrepid crew of the U.S.S. Discovery on their mission to unravel the mysteries of seven enigmatic red signals and the enigmatic entity known as the Red Angel.
The designer has meticulously crafted these badges to be printed as a single unified piece or, for that authentic touch, as two separate components, just like the ones seen on the TV show. With five distinct badges representing Command, Science, Operations, Medical, and the enigmatic Section 31, you can choose to embrace the role of your favorite Starfleet department.
To ensure a perfect fit for any Star Trek enthusiast, the designer recommends a slight downscaling before starting the 3D printing process, as the ones they’ve designed are slightly larger. With these badges, you’ll be ready to join the ranks of Starfleet and boldly go where no one has gone before.
- Who designed it? mmakaj
- How printable/popular is it? With over 200 likes and 3 makes, this collection is ready to launch into your 3D printing journey.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Communicator
This working Communicator goes from prop to the real deal with a few simple steps. Modeled after the style from Star Trek: The Original Series, the 3D printed parts house a cleverly designed cellphone using the FONA Feather.
The creator, Adafruit Industries, offers a detailed guide listing all the parts and steps necessary to call Scotty (or whoever else you need to beam you up). A short YouTube video even shows the finished build in action. The child in you wanted one of these before you had a cell phone. Now you can finally make one yourself!
- Who designed it? Adafruit
- How printable/popular is it? Making your own ST: TOS communicator is very popular, with more than 10,000 downloads, almost 1,300 likes, 2 makes, and 1 remix between the sites.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
TNG Science Tricorder
While you may not be able to produce a real-life tricorder, there’s a good chance you can make this 3D-printed replica. This is one of many 3D printed Star Trek props that would be great to take to a convention.
Designed to match the science tricorders from ST: TNG, the model can take some time to produce. It’s recommended to print with supports and the highest of resolutions. The post-processing involves rounds of sanding, painting, and then sticker application. The hinges can also be a tricky and fragile part of the print.
Makers report good results when things come together, evidenced by some great makes and several remixes. However, the original model is no longer receiving updates since the creator is focusing on building a real working device!
- Who designed it? TG-Techie
- How printable/popular is it? 13,700 downloads, over 1,000 likes, 18 makes, and 7 remixes might mean you should print this one soon!!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Geordi Laforge Visor
Geordi La Forge’s visor was a vision of the technologies that, in the future, may help the blind see. It showcased bionic implant technology and digital imaging in style. Now fans can make their own prop almost exactly like the original and wear it for their next cosplay!
The most challenging aspect of this print is ensuring it fits the wearer and scaling to the proper size. With no supports necessary and a standard 20% infill, these pieces are relatively quick to print but require a bit of assembly. To assemble the final product, you’ll need some brass tubing and glue. The creator provides a detailed parts list and suggestions for sourcing the proper-sized brass parts. Some patience, attention to detail, and a paint job will give you that ST: TNG look.
- Who designed it? DrewSmith007
- How printable/popular is it? You can clearly see (with Geordi’s visor) that it has more than 12,000 downloads, over 1,300 likes, 15 makes, and 3 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
TOS Phaser
Trekkies have admired the stylish design of the original phaser since the days when color television was just starting to make its way into homes. The phaser has seen many incarnations, yet the original is still one of the coolest. This is a perfect project for anyone who wants to make the toy they dreamed of back in the day.
This is a somewhat involved project, so you’ll need to be ready to do some assembly by hand and a bit of tinkering if you want electronics such as lights. Fortunately, it’s made to be customizable, so you should be able to use whatever works for you both creatively and practically.
- Who designed it? Corma
- How printable/popular is it? More than 14,700 downloads, almost 1,000 likes, 20 makes, and 1 remix fired at this one from both sites combined.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Cults
Klingon Bat'Leth
The Klingon race in Star Trek has a rich storyline and culture, and some fans actually learn to speak the Klingon language! Now they can also 3D print their very own Bat’Leth. The weapon is used both in ceremonies and battle, but it would also look great displayed on a bookshelf or nightstand.
This model has no special instructions, although the one user that made it had to use Cura, as it wouldn’t slice properly for them in Simplify3D. It comes in both a full print and one that is split into two halves.
- Who designed it? A_Skewed_View_3D
- How printable/popular is it? It is honorable that this print has more than 2,000 downloads, over 200 likes, 1 make, and 1 remix combined from all sites.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, Cults
Klingon D'k tahg Knife
For the passionate Star Trek devotee who gravitates toward Klingon culture, the Klingon D’k tahg Knife may be an exquisite addition to your collection. This meticulously designed knife pays homage to Klingon weaponry with remarkable attention to detail. Notably, it features side blades that can be deftly opened using a sliding lever discreetly positioned at the knife’s rear.
But this is no ordinary D’k tahg. The designer has taken it a step further by incorporating an alternate side blade with a distinctive notch cutout, reminiscent of its appearance in DS9. This upgraded design, conveniently labeled with ‘Alt’ in the filename, adds a touch of realism for passionate fans.
The side blades can be seamlessly collapsed and opened, thanks to the inclusion of 6 x 2-mm magnets, imparting a spring-loaded feel that enthusiasts will appreciate. The main blade, designed to fit within a 250 x 200-mm print bed, is printed diagonally. Measuring an impressive 16 inches in length (about 40 cm), this Klingon D’k tahg Knife is a formidable display piece that comes complete with a purpose-built stand.
- Who designed it? UnimatrixRed
- How printable/popular is it? Gaining around 400 downloads, over 100 likes, and 7 makes means you should bring this iconic Klingon weapon to life through 3D printing, all without the need for additional supports.
- Where to find it? Printables
License: The text of "Star Trek 3D Print/STL Files: The 20 Best 3D Models" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.