🎨 Source of Inspiration

This model draws its creative inspiration from the auspicious symbolism of “good fortune on the horizon and stellar luck shining brightly,” seamlessly blending the cultural essence of the 2026 Year of the Horse with star motifs that embody prosperity and good fortune.

The playful design features a tiny star‑headed figure (Xingzai) perched atop a charming, golden horse—symbolizing “boundless stellar momentum and success at every turn.” Not only does this design perfectly align with the hopeful aspirations for a lucky Year of the Horse, but its cute, Q‑style aesthetic also makes it a beloved desktop charm meant to attract wealth and bring joy to young collectors.

📐 Model Details

1. Core Design: The model boasts an integrated, two‑layer structure—top layer showcases a personified star figure, while the bottom layer features a rounded, endearing horse. The overall silhouette is softly curved, with finely crafted details and a rich, lustrous golden finish.
2. Optimal Dimensions: Measuring 12 cm long × 6 cm wide × 13 cm high, this piece strikes the perfect balance between size and presence—ideal for desk displays or as a thoughtful gift.
3. Material Compatibility: While gold‑silk PLA is the preferred choice for its glossy sheen and细腻 texture, standard gold PLA or PETG can also deliver a full, radiant golden appearance.
4. Structural Advantages: The base has been widened and the limbs thickened, ensuring a stable center of gravity and minimizing the risk of tipping. The joint between the star figure and the horse has been reinforced, eliminating the need for additional supports and resulting in a high print success rate.

🛠️ Printing Configuration Details

Basic Parameters

- Placement Angle: Stand the model vertically, with all four hooves facing downward, ensuring the connection between the star figure and the horse lies flush against the print bed—with no large overhangs.
- Layer Height: Use a standard layer height of 0.16 mm across most areas, while refining facial features and star‑point details to 0.12 mm.
- Infill Density: Maintain a main body infill of 18%–22%, with the base and limbs infused at 25%–30%.
- Wall Thickness: 2.0–2.2 mm (with a minimum of 3 wall layers).
- Print Speed: Set outer walls and intricate details to 30–35 mm/s, while filling and support structures should be printed at 50–60 mm/s.

Supports & Rafts

- Supports: Add only a few tree‑like supports beneath the star figure’s arms and along the base of the horse’s mane—keeping the support density at 10%–12%. Ensure the contact points are no larger than 1.0 mm in diameter, and enable the “Easy‑Peel” support option.
- Rafts: Attach a 5–6 mm wide raft (2 layers) to the base to enhance adhesion and prevent warping or lifting at the edges.

Materials & Temperatures

- Filament Selection: Gold‑silk PLA (preferred) or standard gold PLA.
- Nozzle Temperature: 200–210°C for PLA.
- Bed Temperature: 60–65°C for PLA.
- Cooling Fan: Keep the cooling fan running at 100% throughout the entire print process (PLA).

Estimated Print Time

- 0.16 mm layer height (standard version): Approximately 5–5.5 hours.
- 0.12 mm layer height (high‑detail version): Roughly 7–7.5 hours.

🧰 Assembly & Post‑Processing Instructions

1. No Assembly Required: The model is fully 3D‑printed in one piece, with no separate components—ready to use straight out of the printer.
2. Removal & Support Removal: Allow the print to cool for 25–30 minutes after completion before carefully removing it from the build plate. Gently peel away supports using fine‑tipped tweezers, starting from the base of each support to avoid damaging delicate details.
3. Sanding & Polishing: Lightly sand any residual support marks and raft traces with 400–800 grit sandpaper, then buff the surface with polishing cloth to enhance the silky sheen of the gold‑silk PLA.
4. Enhancement & Finishing: For an even richer golden finish, consider applying a coat of gold acrylic paint or a matte clear coat; you can also add subtle highlights to the eyes to amplify the model’s adorable, whimsical appeal.