7 iconic movie props to 3D print this weekend (July 17

The most dedicated movie fans with cash to splash can sometimes get their hands on real movie props, but even mass-produced replicas demand a premium. With a 3D printer and a bit of spare time, you can make your own.

You’ll have fun doing it, and sometimes the end results are even better than official merchandise.

Star Wars lightsabers

You don’t even need to make the sounds yourself

The lightsaber might be the most iconic movie prop from the past 50 years, recognized by faithful fans of the 1977 original right through to modern fans of Disney’s reimagining. While everyone has an opinion on Star Wars, one area where most fans can come together is in agreeing that lightsabers are cool, and we all want one.

To this day, one of the most impressive lightsaber builds is Printables user GizmoThrill’s replica prop, originally released prior to the Disney reboot and updated as recently as a few years ago. This is a full build that includes the lightsaber handle (modeled on a metal prop), a light-up blade, and sound effects to match.

Alien facehugger and chest-burster

Can’t decide between either? Make both

The original 1979 Alien film is peak sci-fi horror that has helped define the genre, push creature design forward, and even inspire the chunky cassette futurism aesthetic that many love so much. It gets so much right, with two of its most iconic scenes involving the early stages of a xenomorph’s life cycle: the facehugger and the chest-burster.

MakerWorld user indianin666 has remixed an existing facehugger model with 3D modeling tool Zbrush. They describe being unsatisfied with the tail, which they promptly fixed to better match the depiction in the movies. The same author has since added an Alien egg design too.

Stag 3D’s chest-burster prop is attached to a chest plate that can sit against your torso, complete with mounting points. Position it strategically beneath a torn t-shirt and add some fake blood for a relatively simple, yet highly effective, fancy dress costume.

Jurassic Park raptor claw

There are so many iconic scenes from Jurassic Park, but one of my favorites happens right at the start of the movie. It involves Sam Neill explaining to a child that “you would be alive when they start to eat you,” referring to a pack of hungry velociraptors. He makes several slashing movements with a prop claw, while explaining how the brutal attack would go down.

VOID#LAB’s velociraptor claw replica has nothing to do with Jurassic Park beyond the fact that it’s a part of a dinosaur. That won’t stop me from printing it and walking around the house making slashing motions, though.

Ghostbusters ghost trap

An essential for any wannabe Ghostbuster

Credit: uni3Dworld / MakerWorld

There are many reasons that the original Ghostbusters is such a well-remembered movie. The stellar cast, the intelligent writing, and the witty dialogue all play a big part. Then there’s that earworm of a title theme, and special effects that may look dated but have aged in an endearing way.

The props are another reason, from the jumpsuits and proton packs to the beautiful Ectomobile. Then there’s the iconic ghost trap, which you can print yourself from just shy of 400g of filament thanks to MakerWorld user Stag 3D. Assembly is easy with a little force and some superglue.

Lord of the Rings one ring

Now you can have your own precious

Credit: uni3Dworld / MakerWorld

It’s amazing how little filament you need to use to produce one of the most iconic movie props of all time, which is what I love about the one ring by MakerWorld user uni3Dworld. The model is an original Blender creation, and comes in three sizes (but you could scale it up or down to taste).

Your choice of filament and finishing touches will go a long way towards making this one look the part. Silk PLA in gold is probably a good choice, though PLA metal (which doesn’t actually contain metal) would also work well. One reviewer notes that they “rubbed some dark orange in lettering to fill them” for a bit more contrast on the inscription, which is a good idea.

For best results, print this at the highest quality you can manage with the smallest nozzle you own.

Hellraiser Box of Lament

We have such sights to show you

Credit: crabstiks / MakerWorld

Hellraiser is the cult-hit creation of horror writer Clive Barker, and I’ll be the first to admit that it’s the odd one out on this list. For the unaware, Hellraiser tells a tale of a supernatural puzzle box that summons otherworldly demon sadists known as cenobites. Cue some of the greatest costume special effects in movie history, and one of the neatest MacGuffins to boot.

Print your own Box of Lament thanks to the work of MakerWorld user crabstiks. The box is available in two sizes and clicks together much like the version in the movie.

Build Volume

256x256x256mm

Printing Speed

600mm/s

The Bambu Labs P2S 3D printer is ready to go out of the box and can have you printing within 15 minutes. It features up to 20-color printing with the AMS unit, has an upgraded built-in camera for remote monitoring and time lapses, and has an enclosed body for printing even high-temperature filament.

Love having fun with your 3D printer? Check out these LEGO 3D printing projects too.