There are handful of the fascinating facts about slugs that make them one of the world’s most fascinating organisms. Besides, they’re actually quite cute! We’ve chosen the most incredible 3D printed slug models to 3D print because we’re admirers of these unique animals. People have also become more inventive!
Slugs are often misunderstood as stray snails. However, labeling slugs is inaccurate, as they are interesting organisms that also make excellent 3D printing objects.
Internally, slugs have a fleshy protein shell. This bodily arrangement allows them to drive themselves forward utilizing muscular impulses on their feet and a greasy mucus that they produce on their skin. Their four tentacles will enable them to simultaneously view, smell, taste, and touch various objects. They breathe through a blowhole in their side, and their food is ground with 27,000 teeth that operate like a circular saw, cutting through the food as it enters the mouth.
Let’s have a look at what’s outside our garden now!
Articulated 3D Printed Slugs
This list’s first slug is adorably realistic. This sculpture uses articulated joints in a print-in-place approach rather than a flexible internal shell and slime to wiggle. Its movement even resembles that of a real slug.
The designer recommends printing the articulated joints at a low speed (30 mm/sec) with a high resolution (0.1 mm) to make the thin walls, steep overhangs, and tight clearances wonderful. The joints should be as close as a snail in a rug.
The slug should take roughly eight hours to print with these settings. This may appear slow, but it’s perfectly acceptable for a slug! The designer also gives thorough post-processing instructions to ensure that the joints and the complete print are not damaged.
Friendly Articulated Slug
Designer: _Isaiah_
Download 3D printed slug: Thingiverse
Also, there are some other similar designs and remixes of this model.
Friendly Articulated Larva
Designer: joelmdev
Download 3D printed slug: Thingiverse
Friendly articulated snail with 12 different shells
Designer: Nebetbastet
Download 3D printed slug: Thingiverse
Friendly Articulated Slug (ezbrim)
Designer: Teque5
Download 3D printed slug: Thingiverse
Slug in pieces
Designer: spooner2011
Download 3D printed slug: Thingiverse
Simple Articulated 3D Printed Slugs
Slugs are highly complicated animals. On the other hand, the next print is a much simpler print-in-place 3D model than the first. The 3D print’s articulated joints allow it to bend in a single direction, just like a genuine slug.
The vast majority of slicer settings should function. Remember to turn off the supports and use a lot of infills to give the slug a more realistic weight. We recommend printing the file version with the rounded tail if you have little children. You can also print a clip-on snail shell as an added bonus.
Two Remixes stand out among the many excellent ones. One from Polymathic of PrusaPrinters comes with a split file so you may print your slug in alternating (two) colors. At the same time, another from GuidoVermicelli of Thingiverse has eyeballs and a top hat!
3D Printed Banana Slug
Banana slugs are named after their vivid yellow hue. You can, however, create your banana slug any color you choose because you have a 3D printer!
This model is a Remix of a design by smwombat, but with a greater polygon count and a considerably higher resolution. There are three fun Remixes to select from a slug heart pendant, a regular slug pendant, and a jumbo-sized slug rattle.
Realistic 3D Printed Slugs
This slug is by far the most realistic on the list. Its details are similar to those found in the wild. Though it cannot move like a slug because of its fixed base.
Both Makes were created using resin 3D printers. If you intend to print this model on an FDM printer, keep in mind to use a high resolution (to retain as much detail as possible) and be cautious when removing the support structures from the tentacles.
Futurama 3D Printed Slugs
This model is a polished Futurama-inspired slug remixed from a simple brain slug design. The obvious color choice for this pattern is green, but you can get creative with colors to personalize your Make. After a simple print and paint job, you’ll have your adorable brain slug.
No different print settings are required; only keep a watch out for the tentacles to ensure they don’t snap accidentally. There are also a handful of noteworthy Remixes, including a light and a hair clip.
Designer: Calcaware
Download 3D printed slug: Thingiverse
Sam the 3D Printed Slugs
Sam, the designer’s slug, was inspired by a slug found by his wife in some cilantro. Despite her displeasure, he played the “it’s a snail who lost its house” card, which made her feel horrible and convinced her to retain it.
When you print it on your own machine, you might be able to give this angry snail a home. Just be careful with the tentacles; they are delicate and quickly snap.
Designer: mooses
Download 3D printed slug: Thingiverse
