If you've ever seen a 3D printed dragon wiggle its tail or a tiny octopus flex its tentacles, you've witnessed the magic of articulated 3D printing — and you probably had one question: how does that work?
What "articulated" means in 3D printing
An articulated 3D print is a figure printed in a single session with built-in moving joints. Unlike traditional toys that are assembled from separate parts, flexi figures come off the print bed already connected — no glue, no screws, no assembly required. The joints are printed with tiny gaps that allow movement while keeping everything together.
How the movement works
The secret is in the design. Each segment of the figure is separated by a small clearance — just enough space for the plastic to move freely once the print is complete. When you pick it up and flex it, the segments rotate and shift against each other, creating that satisfying, fluid motion.
Different designs use different joint types:
- Ball-and-socket joints — used in dragons and larger figures for wide, expressive movement
- Linked chain joints — used in keychains and smaller figures for a flowing, wave-like flex
- Segmented spine joints — used in fish, snakes, and creatures with long bodies
Why they're so satisfying
There's something deeply satisfying about the weight and movement of a well-designed flexi figure. They're tactile in a way that most collectibles aren't — you want to pick them up and move them. That's why they make such great desk companions, fidget toys, and gifts for people who like to keep their hands busy.
What material are they made from?
At 3DPrintSWA, our articulated figures are printed in PLA — a plant-based plastic that's rigid enough to hold detail but flexible enough at thin joint sections to allow movement. The result is a figure that's durable, colorful, and built to last.
Ready to try one?
Browse our full collection of articulated figures — from