Printed on a Bambu Labs X1 Carbon, built with patience and backups
This is a full-size, movie-accurate R2-D2 — printed piece by piece on a Bambu Labs X1 Carbon.
No custom spin. No reimagining. Just a real tribute to the droid that defined a generation.
The Build Method: One Layer at a Time
Every major part of this droid is being printed in-house on the Bambu Labs X1C, known for its speed and precision in FDM printing. This approach allows full control over the:
- Body shell and dome geometry
- Internal structure and compartment layout
- Mounting points for electronics and wiring
- Modular assembly and repairs
There’s no CNC shop here. Just filament, a printer, and commitment.
What It Includes
This isn’t just a static prop. The internal system is built for function and expandability:
- Fully tracked drive base
- 3-layer power distribution: 5V, 12V, and 24V
- Remote control via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth using Mac, iPad, or iPhone
- Integrated lighting system (LED arrays, spotlight zones)
- Modular wiring harnesses for clean internal layout
Every system is designed to be serviceable and future-proof.
See build photos and live progress
Why It’s All Backed Up
After a catastrophic SSD failure that erased years of prior work, I now store everything across:
- A 157TB SAN that holds project files, backups, logs, and firmware
- WD Black SSDs in all key machines for reliability
- Automated snapshots of design progress and print iterations
You don’t just rebuild a robot — you rebuild your workflow.
Why This Project Matters
- It’s about accuracy — matching the original design as closely as possible
- It’s about process — learning, logging, and refining as I go
- It’s about resilience — rebuilding better after losing everything once
This is slow work. But it’s honest work. And someday, he’s going to beep and roll across the floor like he always should have.
Fellow Droid Builders
Building an astromech? Printing a bot of your own?
I’d love to see what you’re working on — and trade some lessons (or war stories).
Acknowledgments & Attribution
This project wouldn’t be possible without the foundational work and shared resources from others in the R2-building community:
-
3D print files and original design work by MrBaddeley
-
Community learning and support from the Astromech.net forums
- Astromech Forums
- Special thanks to MisterFubar for custom electronics insight
MisterFubar’s Profile
While the exterior design follows screen-accurate models from the above creators, all internal layout, power distribution, and functional systems have been customized to match my own build workflow and hardware preferences.