Articulated Modular Figure – Block Boy with Reversible Head & Rotating Hands

Articulated Modular Figure – Block Boy with Reversible Head & Rotating Hands

A fully articulated, customizable 3D printed figure that blends the aesthetic of classic toy building blocks with a modern, clean design. The model is engineered as a multi-part assembly kit, meaning you don't need a multi-material upgrade (MMU) to get a colorful result – a standard single-extruder printer and a few different spools of filament are all it takes!

💡 Key Features:

• Fully Articulated Design: This figure isn't just a static display piece. It features movable arms at the shoulders, rotating hands, and a swiveling waist.

• 2-in-1 Reversible Head with Hair Lock: The head features two functional sides – you can assemble a happy expression on one side and a sad one on the other. The hair piece slips on from the top, locking the haircut's direction facing forward. To change the character's mood, simply pop the hair off, rotate the head 180° to display the other emotion, and snap the hair back on.

• Rotating Hands & Accessory-Ready: The hands insert into the forearms as separate pieces. They are fully rotatable and shaped like open clips, meaning the model is already prepared for a future lineup of various handheld tools and items that I plan to design!

• Two Torso Variants (Logo vs. Smooth): The files include two versions of the upper body:

  • A version with a built-in, non-removable letter "S" on the chest.

  • A completely smooth torso without any logo. This is perfect for those who want to add their own custom text, logo, or embossed shapes directly inside their slicer (e.g., PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, Bambu Studio).

• Modular Body Structure: The figure is split into separate boots, pants (lower body), and a shirt/hoodie (upper body), giving you endless freedom when it comes to color combinations.

📂 Available Files & Printer Compatibility:

To make your printing experience as smooth as possible, pre-configured 3MF project files are available, as well as universal STL files for any other slicer and 3D printer:

• Bambu Studio 3MF: Pre-arranged and tested on Bambu Lab A1 mini, P1P, X2D, and H2S.

• Anycubic 3MF: Optimized project files for Anycubic printers, specifically tested on Kobra X and Kobra S1.

• Elegoo 3MF: Project file tailored for Elegoo printers, tested on the Centauri Carbon 2.

• Universal STL Files: Included for all other 3D printers and custom slicer setups (PrusaSlicer, Cura, Simplify3D, etc.).

📏 Size & Scaling Guidelines:

• Default Size: At 100% scale, the fully assembled figure stands 20 cm tall.

• Downscaling Tests: The model has been successfully test-printed at 50% scale (10 cm). However, please note that when downscaling this heavily, the internal interlocking joints and rotating pins become significantly thinner and are noticeably more fragile during assembly or play.

• Recommendation: If you wish to shrink the model, I personally recommend scaling down to a maximum of 70% to ensure the mechanical joints retain adequate strength and durability.

🛠 Proven Print Settings:

This model was successfully tested on a standard FDM printer with the following recommended settings:

• Material: PLA (ideal for mechanical precision, tight joints, and vibrant colors).

• Layer Height: 0.16 mm to 0.20 mm.

• Infill: 10–15% (Gyroid or Grid patterns work perfectly).

• Supports: Supports are not needed for the entire model, but you must enable them for these specific parts:

  • Torso / Upper Body: Supports beneath the shoulder joints.

  • Arms / Forearms: Supports inside the joint sockets where the hands insert.

  • Hair: For this piece, Full Organic Supports yielded the best results.

  • All other parts (including the letter "S" on the torso, legs, and facial features) print cleanly without any supports.

• Bed Adhesion (Brim): A brim is recommended for the hair piece to ensure perfect stability while printing with organic supports. The other components hold well on the bed without it.

🧩 Assembly & Usage Instructions:

1. Facial Details: Press the eye, cheek, and mouth details into the designated slots on both sides of the head.

2. Body Assembly: Choose your preferred torso version (logo or smooth) and snap it together with the pants and boots. Insert the hands into the forearms, then pop the assembled arms into the torso's shoulder joints.

3. Head & Mood Changing: Fit the head onto the neck pin. Slide the hair piece over the top of the head. Whenever you want to switch the expression, just pull the hair off, rotate the head 180°, and put the hair back on.

The parts are designed with tight tolerances for a solid friction-fit. If any mechanical joints (neck, shoulders, hand inserts, or the hair lock) feel a bit too stiff, a quick pass with a piece of sandpaper or a hobby knife will do the trick. This is especially true if you are printing a downscaled version.

I'd love to see your color choices and custom logos! Please make sure to share your prints in the Comments/Makes section!