StrandBeests: 3D Print Crazy Live Animals… Well Almost
While browsing Shapeways this afternoon I stumbled upon something that caught my eye. No, it’s not another life saving device that has been 3D printed, or even something that you can get any real use out of, but I still could not look away. What are these 3D Printed objects you may ask? They’re Strandbeests, and they have been created by an extremely talented fellow by the name of Theo Jansen.
Theo is a 65 year old Dutch artist with quite the imagination, who gained fame for his work with PVC piping in the 1990’s to create what were also known back then as StrandBeests. They were basically large structures that 
could move on their own, many resembling animals or insects. Because of the fact that they have several leg-like extremities, they also usually have the ability to move on sand better than wheels can. Unlike a wheel, only small portions of the “Animals” need to touch the ground. Many Strandbeests can move on their own with the help of a wind driven propeller. The work was quite an engineering as well as artistic feat.
Theo has recently decided to take those same skills and apply them to 3D modelling and printing, bringing his creations to Shapeways so that anyone around the world can buy his famous StrandBeests. He has produced the following video, somewhat humorous, showing off his new 3D printed Beests, comparing them to wild animals:
Currently he is offering four different Strandbeests on Shpaeways, they include the following:
- Animaris Geneticus Gracilis
- Animaris Geneticus Larva
- Animaris Geneticus Ondularis
- Animaris Geneticus Parvus
Prices for his little works of art range anywhere from $39 to $110, and make amazing coffee table toys. You can discuss these little creatures in the 3DPrintBoard Forum here: https://3dprintboard.com/showthread.php?1518-Introducing-Theo-Jansen-s-StrandBeests
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
US Army Corps of Engineers Taps Lincoln Electric & Eaton for Largest 3D Printed US Civil Works Part
The Soo Locks sit on the US-Canadian border, enabling maritime travel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, from which ships can reach the rest of the Great Lakes. Crafts carrying...
Construction 3D Printing CEO Reflects on Being Female in Construction
Natalie Wadley, CEO of ChangeMaker3D, could hear the words of her daughter sitting next to her resounding in her head. “Mum, MUM, you’ve won!” Wadley had just won the prestigious...
Blue Laser-powered M600 3D Printer Launched by Meltio
Founded in 2019 as a joint venture between Additec and Sicnova, metal 3D printer OEM Meltio develops and manufactures high-performance and easy-to-use metal 3D printing solutions that use its patented wire-laser metal...
3D Printed Storage Tanks Cut Material Costs by 25%
In a previous article, “Concrete Dreams: Let’s Print Money, Not Houses,” we discussed how the spotlight on 3D printing homes might be misplaced. Bollards, pedestrian bridges, and concrete tanks could...
