Grateful Dead Name Logo

What a long, strange trip it’s been! This model is part of my Slave To The Metal 90s Drawing Series /Collection, where I am systematically turning my original hand-drawn concept art of classic band logos into clean, printable display pieces.

This model captures the iconic Grateful Dead "Steal Your Face" lightning skull emblem. It's designed modularly, giving you multiple ways to print, assemble, and display it:

Display Options:

1. Skull Logo Only: Print the classic 13-point lightning skull center piece as a standalone round display plaque.

2. Skull Logo with Outer Name Ring: Expand your display by adding the outer text ring ("GRATEFUL DEAD") and accent trim ring around the center skull.

Both versions are provided in two size options (8" or 5.35" main skull diameter); V2 is the smaller version. Note: The large 13" outer name and trim rings requires a larger printer bed. If anyone needs them split into 4 quadrant pieces for standard-sized build plates, just let me know in the comments and I can upload a sliced version!

Custom Color & Infill Options:

• Printed Inserts: The included inserts files (Gray for the lightning bolt, Red for the right field, Blue for the left field) are for a precise press-fit. A light pass with sandpaper may be needed depending on your printer's tolerances.

• Epoxy Resin Pouring: Prefer a poured resin finish? I’ve encased 3D printed parts in epoxy before using 50%+ infill—the extra infill and the plaque's 0.5" thickness should give it plenty of structural integrity to handle the pour.

• TriArt Liquid Glass (Alternative): For those looking to avoid exothermic heat altogether, an acrylic pour medium like TriArt Liquid Glass should work great as a heat-free alternative to fill the 0.0625" insets. (Note: I haven't personally tested TriArt, but acrylic mediums cure via evaporation, so they won't warp PLA walls!)

(If anyone prefers deeper recesses specifically for liquid pours, drop a comment and I can upload a deep-inset variant!)

3MF File Convenience & Slicer Tips:

• 3MF Format Provided: All multi-color/multi-part configurations are also available as .3mf files starting with the prefix "GD_" (e.g., GD_...) so you can quickly arrange parts across build plates.

• Printing as a Single Unit: If you have a multi-material printer (like an AMS or MMU) or want to print the logo and name ring merged together in your slicer, simply load both parts, re-center them, and ensure the "keep parts apart" option is unchecked in your slicer settings.

Equipped with (2) built-in keyhole slots on the back (located on both the skull center logo and the outer name ring) for mounting with #3 screws or nails. You only need to use one set depending on your preferred spacing!

Dimensions

Skull Logo (Standalone)

• Large Diameter: 8.0”

• Small Diameter: 5.35”

• Total Thickness: 0.5”

• Inset / Insert Depth: 0.0625”

Name Ring Expansion

• Large Ring Overall Diameter: 13.0” (12.575” Name Ring + 0.425” Outer Trim Ring)

• Small Ring Overall Diameter: 9.0” (8.65” Name Ring + 0.35” Outer Trim Ring)

• Total Thickness: 0.5”

Print Settings

• Material: PLA

• Layer Height: 0.12mm to 0.20mm (Lower layer heights yield smooth curves across the lightning bolt points and skull curves).

• Infill: 10% or higher (Gyroid or Grid patterns work beautifully for stability).

• Supports: None required when printed flat on the bed.

Where It All Began:

Curious about the original hand-drawn concept art that inspired this whole series? Check out the model that started it all: