CPF - Completely Printable Figure

After many many months of designing, printing and prototyping, finally CPF! 

CPF – Completely Printable Figure

Ball joints design from Gabe Rosiak.

Supportless Print 

More Than Models.

Introduction

CPF (Completely Printable Figure) is an ambitious 3D-printing project focused on creating a fully articulated action figure using the possibilities of desktop 3D printing. The main idea behind CPF is simple: create a figure that can be printed, assembled, and enjoyed using an ordinary FDM 3D printer, without relying on complicated manufacturing processes or specialized equipment.

CPF is not just another printable action figure. It is a mechanical design project that combines engineering, functionality, creativity, and accessibility into a single product. Every component has a purpose, and every joint contributes to the figure's overall movement and articulation.

The project aims to demonstrate that 3D printing can be used for much more than decorative objects and simple models. With careful mechanical design, even complex articulated structures can be created using accessible printing technology.

Design Philosophy

One of the main principles behind CPF is printability.

Traditional articulated figures often contain complicated mechanisms, small components, and structures that are difficult to manufacture using desktop 3D printers. CPF approaches this challenge from a different perspective: instead of designing a conventional action figure and adapting it for 3D printing, the entire figure is designed around the capabilities and limitations of 3D printing itself.

The goal is to make every component as practical and printable as possible while maintaining the functionality of the complete figure.

Another important principle is simplicity. The assembly process should be understandable, the components should have clear purposes, and the design should avoid unnecessary complexity.

Supportless Design

One of the most important objectives of CPF is minimizing the need for printing supports.

Supports can increase printing time, consume additional filament, and leave unwanted marks on printed surfaces. They can also make the printing process more complicated, especially for users who are new to 3D printing.

CPF is being developed with supportless or support-minimized printing in mind. Its geometry and individual components are designed to take advantage of the natural capabilities of FDM printing.

The objective is to make printing more accessible, reduce post-processing, and create a cleaner overall experience.

Articulation and Mechanical Structure

Articulation is one of the defining characteristics of CPF.

The figure uses a system of mechanical joints that allows its different body parts to move independently. These joints are an essential part of the design because they determine how the figure moves, holds poses, and interacts with its environment.

The mechanical structure is developed with attention to joint functionality, part compatibility, and assembly.

Rather than treating articulation as an additional feature, CPF considers it a fundamental part of the entire design process.

The ultimate goal is to create a figure that offers a satisfying range of movement while remaining practical to print and assemble.

Modular Construction

CPF consists of multiple individual components that are assembled to create the complete figure.

This approach offers several advantages:

• Individual components can be printed separately.

• Damaged or unsuccessful parts can be reprinted without reproducing the entire figure.

• Different components can be improved independently.

• Future modifications and accessories can be introduced more easily.

Modularity also makes the project suitable for continuous development. As the design evolves, individual parts can be redesigned without necessarily changing the entire structure.

Designed for Desktop 3D Printing

CPF is being developed specifically with desktop FDM 3D printers in mind.

The project considers practical printing factors such as:

• Component dimensions.

• Joint tolerances.

• Layer orientation.

• Part strength.

• Surface quality.

• Assembly requirements.

• Printing support requirements.

These factors are important because a successful 3D model is not necessarily a successful 3D-printable model.

A design must work not only on the computer screen but also as a physical object produced by a real printer.

CPF aims to bridge that gap between digital design and physical manufacturing.

Development and Continuous Improvement

CPF is an evolving engineering project.

Its development involves designing, testing, evaluating, and improving individual components. Mechanical functionality, printability, assembly, and overall usability are all important considerations.

The intention is not simply to create a model that looks good in a digital preview. The intention is to develop a functional physical product that can be reproduced by other makers.

Every improvement contributes to making CPF more reliable, practical, and enjoyable to build.

Future Possibilities

CPF is designed with future development in mind.

There is potential for additional accessories, alternative components, mechanical improvements, and different customization possibilities.

The modular structure also creates opportunities to expand the project beyond its original configuration.

The long-term vision is to establish CPF as a complete 3D-printable figure platform rather than a single downloadable model.

The Idea Behind CPF

CPF represents a particular approach to engineering: designing with limitations in mind and turning those limitations into opportunities.

Desktop 3D printing has made manufacturing more accessible than ever. However, its real potential goes beyond printing objects that already exist. It allows independent designers and makers to develop entirely new mechanical products.

CPF is an attempt to explore that potential.

Designed with creativity, developed through engineering, and brought to life through 3D printing.

CPF – Completely Printable Figure.

THM – More Than Models.