3D Printed Manatees


I had gray in the 3D printer from last week's shark print, so I decided to print these little manatee figures that I had my eye on.

My love for these unusual creatures started after my mom picked me up a beach towel with manatees on it when I was about 13 years old (I think it was a birthday present). I had asked for a dolphin beach towel. So, at first I was a bit annoyed, but it turns out I never had to worry about someone else having the same beach towel and manatees are pretty cool.


I printed these guys using the gray PLA I already had loaded with .16 resolution and 20% infil.



Because of the slightly higher resolution, they took a few hours to print.


I selected the two models that didn't require supports and they came out perfectly.


I might have to smooth off the top of their heads just a bit and put a dot of paint in their eyes to really bring them to life, but I'm really pleased with my little manatees.

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