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What Is a Flexi 3D Print?

A flexi 3D print is a single-piece articulated model that bends at carefully placed joints, mimicking the movement of real animals. Because the joints are printed as part of the same object, there are no screws, springs, or assembly required—just smooth, satisfying motion straight off the build plate.

How to Make One Without Designing

PrintPal's Flexi Model Creator lets you skip the CAD workflow entirely. Here is the quick process shown in the video:

  • Open PrintPal and navigate to the Tools section.
  • Select the Flexi Model Creator.
  • Upload a clear photo of your pet, or type a short description of the animal you want.
  • Click Place Joint and drag the marker to the body part you want to bend—typically the neck, tail, or legs.
  • Download the generated STL and send it straight to your slicer.

The whole workflow takes only a few seconds, making it one of the fastest ways to go from a photo to a finished 3D printed toy.

Printing Tips for Best Results

  • Material: PLA and PETG both work well. TPU gives the softest flex, while PLA keeps tight tolerances.
  • Layer height: 0.16–0.2 mm balances detail and print time.
  • Orientation: Print standing upright so gravity helps the joints settle naturally.
  • Infill: 15–20% is usually enough; higher infill can stiffen the joints and reduce flex.
  • No supports needed: The model is designed to print support-free on most FDM printers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any 3D modeling experience?
No. The Flexi Model Creator generates the geometry automatically from your photo or description.

Which animals work best?
Cats, dogs, and other four-legged pets translate especially well because their natural movement matches the flexi joint style.

Can I add more than one joint?
Yes. You can place multiple joints to create more complex motion, such as a wagging tail combined with a nodding head.

Is the output compatible with my slicer?
The downloaded file is a standard STL, so it works with Cura, PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, Bambu Studio, and most other slicers.

Full Transcript

Here is how you can create a custom Flexi animal from a photo in seconds. Go to PrintPal and click on tools. Find the Flexi model creator and upload your photo or describe what you want. Now click on place joint and position the flexible part where you want the animal to move. Then just download and print. This way, you can turn your pet into a fun 3D print.