Remember those colorful little bricks that powered our imaginations as kids? Well, today we’re diving into something super cool—3D printing your own LEGO-style bricks. We’re talking compatible pieces you can print, scale, customize, and build into anything from a throne to a spaceship.
Whether you’re printing for fun, creating something completely original, or even designing giant, click-together bricks for a display, I got you covered.
Where to Get LEGO-Compatible STL Files
First things first: you need models. And luckily, the internet delivers.
You can grab STL files from sites like Thingiverse or Printables. Just search for terms like “bricks” or “building blocks,” and you’ll find everything from classic two-by-ones to custom sloped pieces and minifig parts.
It’s kind of wild how many styles people have already modeled.
Key Tip: Dial in Your Tolerances
These tiny toys may look simple, but they’re shockingly precise. If you want your bricks to snap together like the real deal, you’ll need to nail your tolerances.
Even a 0.2mm misalignment can mess with how things fit. So before you go full maker, plan to print a few tests and tweak as needed.
Slicer Settings That Work Great
I’m using Bambu Studio, but these slicer tips will work in Cura or PrusaSlicer too:
Layer height: Use 0.12mm or finer for nice clean studs
Material: PLA works great, but PETG is solid and durable
Wall count: Go with 3–4 walls for added strength
Infill: 15–25% is usually enough unless you’re making a load-bearing brick fortress
Scaling Up: Go Big or Go Brickless
Want to build something massive? You can scale your STL models up 200%, 300%, or even 500%. I printed one of my bricks at 500%, and it turned out awesome. Just know that when you scale, tolerances may loosen, so you might need to adjust gaps or tolerances manually to keep that satisfying snap-fit.
Pro tip: If it gets too loose, a little blue painter’s tape on the studs can help during testing.
Designing Your Own Custom Bricks
Here’s where things get fun—you can create your own custom LEGO-compatible pieces. I recommend using Tinkercad, Fusion 360, or even Blender.
If you want to go wild like I did, you can use Nomad Sculpt to mash up different pieces and characters.
Key Dimensions
Stud diameter: 4.8mm
Stud spacing (center-to-center): 8mm
Wall thickness: ~1.2mm to 1.5mm
Stick to those numbers, and you’ll be able to make anything from a spaceship wing to a custom goblin-head minifig.
Example: Goblin Minifigure Mashup
I made a custom goblin minifig by merging a goblin head I sculpted with a standard minifig head STL from Thingiverse. Using Nomad Sculpt, I aligned the hole from the minifig head, carved it into the goblin, and boom—custom green PETG goblin head ready to snap into place.
You could do the same with custom helmets, creatures, or any wild idea you’ve got brewing.
A Quick Word on Legal Stuff
This project is all about fun and creativity—but if you’re thinking about selling LEGO-compatible parts, do your homework first.
While LEGO’s original patent has expired, their logos, name, and brand elements are still trademarked, and LEGO Group actively defends them. So if you’re planning on commercializing any of your designs, stay smart and steer clear of official branding.
Build Big, Dream Weird
This is one of those maker projects that just pulls you in. From small custom accessories to massive oversized bricks, you can make things no one’s ever thought of before—and that’s what I love most.