Dummy 13 - version 1.0!

Dummy 13 has won 3D Model of the Year!

Thank you so much to the judges and everyone who voted.

 

TL;DR

1. This is Dummy 13, a printable action figure. 
2. It was a work in progress for a while and now this is the finished product.
3. It's still a tricky print, but I believe in you.
4. Yes, you can sell it. Follow the CC-BY rules.
5. If you like it, consider making a donation: [ PayPal | Stripe | BMaC ]

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Dummy 13 is a 3D printable action figure designed for super expressive articulation and infinite customization, accessible to anyone with a 3D printer.

Dummy 13 was originally released in beta form in October 2023. This Version 1.0 release incorporates much of the feedback collected over the past year. Nearly every piece of Dummy 13 has been revised for easier printing and assembly.

If you have printed the beta version before, you will find that the look of Dummy 13 is largely unchanged, but the experience of printing and assembling it is greatly improved.

If this is your first time printing Dummy 13, please be aware that this is a challenging print that requires you to be reasonably familiar with your printer and slicer. But I know you can do it!

I hope you will enjoy Dummy 13 as much as I have enjoyed creating it.

 

 

PRINTING

 

Files

Dummy 13 is made up of an inner frame with an outer layer of armor. In the sample images, the frame parts are the ones printed in black or gray.

You can use whatever colors you like, of course, but I strongly recommend that you do not use PLA for the frame parts. (I explain why in the “filament” section later on).

The name of each file will indicate what layer it belongs to, followed by the body part, and the quantity if applicable.

The model files are available in three different formats: runners, pre-plated parts, and individual parts. Choose the format that works for you.

 

Runners

This is the easiest way to print Dummy 13. All the parts are connected together, like a plastic model kit. There is one runner for the frame parts and one for the armor parts.

After printing, you will need to remove the parts from the runners. You should be able to snap the parts out by hand, and if needed you can clean up the “nubs” with a hobby knife.

The runners should help keep individual parts from losing adhesion during printing (although you should still keep your build plate clean!) They're also handy for packaging Dummy 13 as a model kit. 

The downside of runners is the added plastic waste. At 100% scale, the runners will add about 9g of filament to your print - which doesn't sound like much, but consider that the parts themselves only weigh about 24 grams, so that's close to 40% more filament.

 

Pre-plated 3MF

These files contain all of the individual parts of Dummy 13, pre-arranged into two plates (one for the frame and one for the armor). You can tweak the arrangement however you like.

If you use PrusaSlicer, you can select “open as project” when loading each file, and you will also have the recommended settings already applied.

When you print a lot of individual small parts, bed adhesion is super important! Make sure your print surface is clean, and consider applying glue for better adhesion.

 

Individual part files

For the maximum control over your print arrangement, individual STL files of each part are also provided. You can use these to print replacement parts or as the base for remixes.

If a file name ends in “2x,” you should print two of that part for the full assembly. The same goes for “4x” parts.

 

Filament

For the armor parts, you can use the filament of your choice. PLA, PETG, and ASA have all been tested with good results.

For the frame parts, you will get the best results with ABS/ASA, and PETG is also usable.

 

Why no PLA?

PLA has three properties that make it a poor fit for the movable joints of Dummy 13's frame.

1. PLA is stiff, so it can take a lot of force to snap the joints together.
2. PLA is brittle, so the parts may break when subjected to that force.
3. PLA will creep under stress, so the joints will become loose over time.

I understand that you may only have PLA handy. You can give it a try if you want. But you will get much better results if you invest in some PETG.

 

Print Settings

Recommended settings (100% scale, 0.4mm nozzle)

MaterialFrame partsABS, ASA, or PETGArmor partsAnyLayer heightFirst layer0.2 mmOther layers0.15 mmNumber of perimeters2Infill20%, rectilinearFirst layer speed25% of defaultElephant foot compensation0.15 mmSupportsNoneBrimAs needed (depends on bed adhesion)Perimeter generatorArachneAdditional settings

☑ Print external perimeters first OR

☑ Only one perimeter on first layer

These settings are not too different from the default medium-resolution profile on most slicers. Infill is set to rectilinear because grid infill has self-crossings that can knock parts loose. The first layer speed is reduced to promote bed adhesion, and upping the elephant foot compensation improves part fitment. 

Using Arachne ensures that certain thin walls print correctly. Printing external perimeters first is optional but can help with dimensional accuracy, and sticking to one perimeter on the first layer will help with printing the parts on runners.

 

 

ASSEMBLY

 

Follow these steps to assemble Dummy 13. This assembly guide is also available in PDF form in the files section.

You can also follow the video assembly guide from the beta version:

 

BONUS CONTENT

 

To celebrate the 1.0 release, I've also created some “first party” bonus content:

• Accessories starter pack
• Feminine torso
• Extra hand poses
• Simple display stand

These all use the same CC BY 4.0 license as Dummy 13 itself, so if you are selling Dummy 13, you can easily add this extra content to your store under the same attribution.

Additionally, the official CAD files for Dummy 13 are now available for my Club members as well as in the Printables Store. These are a great starting point for remixes, or you can just study and critique my design process :)

 

 

LICENSE

 

tl;dr for sellers:

1. Yes, you can sell prints of this model.
2. You do not have to buy a license or join my club.
3. YOU MUST GI