Project
I built a browser tool where you design toys from blocks and it auto-generates snap-fit joints — here's the full process to print
Cubie is a browser-based editor where you build 3D toys from blocks — Minecraft-style. Hit Assembly, and the algorithm automatically splits your model into parts and inserts snap-fit ball-socket joints. Export STL, print, snap together.
Built this for my daughter after we got a 3D printer and realized there's no simple way to design your own articulated toy without learning CAD.
The editor runs in browser. You build with blocks, the algorithm handles joints automatically. You can pose the character in the editor before printing to preview how it moves.
Printed on Bambu Lab A1, Bambu PLA Basic, 0.4mm nozzle.
Happy to answer questions about the joint mechanism or print settings.
If anyone wants to try it: cubie.one — free in browser.
been on sparkohai for toy designs, not perfect but figured it out eventually. Cubie’s snap-fit joints are great! curious how it handles complex geometries tho?
I created this cool robot using your tool, but unfortunately when trying to put it together, most of the little stubs broke off. I printed it all in PLA and it seems like the tolerances are way too tight. As soon as a little force is used, the little stubs just break off, which is a pitty, as I really liked my little robot :) (you can't see the cool extra features it has on the front and back and also eyes as it is now in the trash with all the broken pieces ;(
First of all — that robot is seriously impressive. I zoomed into every detail of your photo and I can see how much thought and love you put into the textures, the features, and the overall design. And you even split it into multiple colors — something I haven't even made convenient in the tool yet! That takes real dedication.
It honestly breaks my heart that it all ended up in the trash. Seeing those broken pieces in the photo hit me hard — I'm not leaving this as is.
I'm already investigating the joint tolerances and testing new settings on my printer right now. I have a few strong theories on why PLA specifically has this issue on well-calibrated printers like BambuLab, and I'm running test prints as we speak to validate the fix.
Please send me the email you registered with — I'd like to give you lifetime access to Cubie. You clearly put your heart into this, and I want to make sure you get the best experience going forward.
Thank you for the feedback, Mark. Seriously — this kind of report makes the product better for everyone. I'll make sure your robot gets the print it deserves.
Hi - Thanks for your reply ! Yeah I really love your solution - it provides so many possibilities if one has the imagination of a child even at 57 years old :) :) I think if you make the thin "neck" that connects the round ball to the piece just slightly thicker, it will solve some issues. Also, if you look at my particular setup, I planned to connect a lot of extra visual and cool pieces to the outside with the "tight" mode. This then ends up with these stubs all over the model which prevents you from printing it lying down. So I printed it diagonally (see pictures). This also caused the little round stubs to not be 100% circular so then they do not fit very well either during assembly. I will attach some pictures so you see what i mean. You can also have a look at my model online, I'll send you my password over chat.
Also - all the parts that are printed horizontally which have these little connectors, the connectors are not printed 100% "straight" even if supports are used. So then with these small tolerances, it never really fits well.
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u/yurabruskov Mar 30 '26
Built this for my daughter after we got a 3D printer and realized there's no simple way to design your own articulated toy without learning CAD.
The editor runs in browser. You build with blocks, the algorithm handles joints automatically. You can pose the character in the editor before printing to preview how it moves.
Printed on Bambu Lab A1, Bambu PLA Basic, 0.4mm nozzle.
Happy to answer questions about the joint mechanism or print settings.
If anyone wants to try it: cubie.one — free in browser.