August Release Kinetic Flying Dragon Mobile (Patreon)

Introducing our Flying Dragon Mobile, a 3D printable hanging dragon decoration with articulated wings that flap using a simple string and weight mechanism. Hang it up, add a small weight at the bottom, and the dragon can come to life with a gentle pull or bit of movement.

What is included

Mono-colour raised-detail project files, set up for easy single-colour printing with raised linework

Two-colour flush-detail project files, designed for multi-colour printing with clean flat linework

Files for this month are provided to active Drake and Ancient Dragon patrons through Google Drive during the release month. Once the models are available on MyMiniFactory, you will receive a reward link so you can add them to your MyMiniFactory library.

Google drive link for this month's release:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qu61MdFbkxQYQlSqRNUPHBZnOxnRtyMo?usp=sharing

Hardware needed

To assemble the mobile, you will need:

Fine string or fishing wire

A small weight at the bottom to help the flying mechanism work like a stone or crystal

Printing notes

Printer type: FDM

Material: PLA

Nozzle size: 0.4 mm

Layer height: around 0.2 mm

Infill: 15 to 25 percent gyroid (or your preferred pattern)

Supports: none required

Wall-Type: Arachne or thin-wall printing modes are recommended

For the cleanest look, print the pieces in the provided orientation. The raised version works well for single-colour printing, and the two-colour flush version is ideal for multi-colour printing setups.

Assembly overview

Print the dragon body, left wing, right wing, and hanging rod.

Attach the wings to the body using fine string or fishing wire through the holes along the spine of the dragon body. The line should be tight enough to hold the wings in place, but still have enough slack that the wings can move freely.

Attach each side of the hanging rod to the remaining wing holes separately, so the mobile hangs from the rod by the wings.

Tie a small weight to a length of fine string or fishing wire, then attach it to the hole on the dragon’s tail. This creates tension in the mechanism and helps the wings flap properly.

Test the motion and adjust the string length and weight as needed until the wings flap smoothly.

You may need to experiment with different string lengths and weights to get the best flying motion. When the mobile is at rest, the wings should sit fairly flat. If the wings are sitting too high, use less weight.

Tier access and usage

Drake tier: Receives the Flying Dragon Mobile for personal use as part of this month’s pack.

Ancient Dragon tier: Receives the same files plus the right to sell physical 3D prints under the merchant license terms in our Patreon introduction post.

STL resale or sharing is not permitted. Credit to Curations By Kira is required when selling physical prints, and merchants must have an active Ancient Dragon subscription.