Flexi-gator

It's a flexible alligator. Or crocodile.

If you're not sure which to use, I recommend flexi-gator-5.stl.

This is designed to be easy to print. It's uses print-in-place hinges, and it's already oriented correctly for printing (on its side, with the tail flat on the bed). It doesn't need supports, and there are no crazy overhang angles. I've also successfully printed this down to 50% scale and up to 290% scale (see pictures for these sizes).

This was inspired by a couple of designs that deserve some credit: first, the classic Flexi Rex with stronger links, which provided the starting point for the hinge design. The Flexi Alligator design also gave me the inspiration for a multi-segment alligator. And some credit for the toy-like aesthetic goes to the Lego alligators that I grew up with.

For size reference: the five-segment gator measures 134.2 mm long, 19 mm wide, and 25 mm tall. Each additional body segment adds 21.8 mm in length.

This is also available on Thingiverse.

January 2022 update: I have updated the model to make the hinges stronger and correct a bug that fused the tail for longer gators (thanks to @Teque5 for letting me know about that problem!). If you still have trouble with the hinges breaking, let me know. You can also try printing with 3 perimeters.

Versions

There are a lot of different STLs here, based on the number of segments in the alligator. They follow the format flexi-gator-.stl.

If you're not sure which to use, I recommend flexi-gator-5.stl.

I also included some of the absurd versions, like a 3-segment tadpole-like gator, all the way up to a 17-segment monstrosity that looks more like a snake.

In addition, there is a STEP file for the three-segment gator. This contains all the types of segments, so you can remix and rearrange them to your heart's content.

I also have a multi-material/multi-color remix that I'll post shortly.

Print instructions

No supports required! This has been tested with PLA and PETG, but should print fine with pretty much any material.