Introduction: 3D Modeling With K'nex

In this instructable I will be showing you how to make a 3d head for a K'nex body.

Step 1: Things You Need


  • 3D Printer
  • Computer
  • Markers
  • 3D modeling Program
  • K'nex body
  • Rare earth magnets
  • Drill
  • 5/16" Drillbit
  • Epoxy Glue

Step 2:

  1. Open up your 3D modeling software
  2. make a head that is 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" (any head you want)
  3. I made a skull, after your head is done then its time for the knex peice

Step 3:

  1. Make half of a K'nex peice (measurements above)
  2. After you have made one use the revole tool in surface and make it 3D
  3. Go to transform and select rotate then rotate your peice so its upside down
  4. Move it so its below your head and in the middle then move it up and connect it to the bottom of your head.
  5. After you have connected your K'nex peice to the bottom of your head then go to edit>groups>group, to group your head and the k'nex
  6. After your models are grouped use the rotate tool in transform and flip the head upside down
  7. save your model as a STL file

Step 4:

  1. Open up your 3D printing program
  2. Open up your STL file
  3. make sure your head is centered
  4. Print your head

Step 5:

  1. After the head has been printed then you could color it if you want using permanent marker
  2. Attach your head to the torso of your K'nex body
  3. If you want to use your figurine for animation or other purposes of easy posing do the following
  4. glue the grey (or whatever color your peice is) peice of your figurines foot to the black peice with epoxy glue
  5. Do step 4 to the other foot

Step 6:

  1. After the glue has dried then drill a halfway into the center of each foot using a drill and a 5/16" drillbit
  2. Now use a toothpick to put a bit of epoxy glue in each hole
  3. Now put the 1 rare magnet in each hole and press them in so their secure
  4. after they have dried then re attach the feet to the legs of your K'nex body

Step 7: K'nex Body Animation

Know that your custom made figurine is ready, you can animate it.

Here is my animation of my skull guy:



Step 8: Skull Print Timelapse

Here is a timelapse of the 3d printer printing the skull head:

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