We the Builders’ Ben Franklinstein—also called Distributed Ben Franklin—was a completed 2014 collaborative sculpture, not an open project today. Its organizers scanned a bust, divided the model into 198 printable pieces, and asked people with 3D printers to print, label, and ship parts for assembly in Baltimore.
How the distributed build worked
We the Builders’ method was to break a large sculpture into smaller sections that people with 3D printers could claim and make locally. For this project, Direct Dimensions scanned a contemporary bust at its office in Owings Mills, Maryland. We the Builders split the scan into 198 STL files, then distributed the parts among participants for printing and shipment. The organization describes Franklin as its second crowdsourced 3D-printed sculpture. (We the Builders’ Franklin project page; About We the Builders)
Why the pieces were smaller
The Franklin parts were smaller than those used for the group’s earlier George Washington bust. That choice was intended to shorten printing time, make the project workable on smaller printers, and let more builders contribute in a wider range of colors. The assembled Franklin was planned to stand about 33 inches tall, roughly the height of the Washington bust.
What participants were asked to do
- Print an assigned STL part. Each participant needed access to a 3D printer capable of making their piece.
- Mark the piece before shipping. The project asked builders to write the part’s X, Y, and Z coordinates on an inside face, along with a signature or optional message. Accurate coordinates helped the team identify where each section belonged during assembly.
- Ship the part to Baltimore. The organizers collected the printed sections and assembled them into the bust. The project page’s guidance and shipping instructions were for the 2014 build, not an invitation to send parts now.
Historical print guidance and project logistics
For the 2014 project, We the Builders suggested a minimum of two shells and 5–15% infill as needed. These were recommendations for that project, not universal settings: appropriate shell count and infill depend on the printer, material, geometry, and intended use. The page noted that the earlier George sculpture weighed nearly 30 pounds and anticipated that Ben would weigh more; it did not establish a measured final weight for the Franklin bust.
#1 Best Overall
- Depicts Benjamin Franklin, a key Founding Father of the United States known for his contributions to science and politics.
- Crafted from durable PLA plastic with a realistic marble stone finish, this bust offers a classic aesthetic.
- Available in multiple sizes: 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 14", 16", 18" to suit various display needs and spaces.
- Ideal for display on a desk, bookshelf, study, or mantelpiece, adding historical charm to any interior.
- Makes a thoughtful gift for history enthusiasts, students, or anyone with an interest in American heritage.
Make reported that the project launched on August 4, 2014, with a target of receiving all parts in Baltimore by September 1 for assembly and appearances at maker events. On September 18, 2014, Adafruit reported that the sculpture was complete. Organizer Todd Blatt told Adafruit that the process took about a month, including scanning, slicing, distributing files, tracking incoming pieces, arranging reprints for missing parts, and final assembly. (Make’s launch coverage; Adafruit’s completion report)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the project matters to makers
Ben Franklinstein was a practical demonstration of distributed fabrication: the finished object was too large for many people to print as one piece, but its sections could be produced on smaller machines and joined through centralized assembly. The arrangement broadened access to participation, while creating coordination work that a one-printer project would not have: parts had to be labeled correctly, tracked, shipped, checked, and sometimes reprinted.
Rank #2
- This plastic toy bust is a great decor piece. Press the button to get a fun fact or quote from them. Each bust features 40+ fun facts and quotes. The voices may or may not be historically accurate.
- After you press the button, wait 1 second after each line before pressing it again to allow the sound module to reset, otherwise the button press may not start the next line.
- The usb sound module allows you to upload any quotes you would like. It will play any sound file in random order. The battery is rechargable.
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The project page also credits Direct Dimensions for scanning the bust and says Tinkerine Studios Ltd. agreed to reimburse some participants’ printing and shipping costs after completion. Those are acknowledgments of support for this historical project; they do not indicate present sponsorship or an ongoing reimbursement offer.
We the Builders reproduced a Franklin quotation that fits the collaborative premise: “That as we enjoy great Advantages from the Inventions of Others, we should be glad of an Opportunity to serve others by any Invention of ours, and this we should do freely and generously.” (We the Builders, quoting Benjamin Franklin)
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Depicts Benjamin Franklin as a printer, showcasing his early career. Features rolled-sleeve colonial attire with arms close to the body.
- Crafted from 3D-printed PLA plastic with a marble-look finish, offering a durable and detailed representation.
- Available in multiple sizes: 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 14", 16", 18", to suit various display needs and spaces.
- Ideal for display on desks, shelves, studies, or mantels, adding historical charm to any environment.
- Makes a thoughtful gift for history enthusiasts, educators, or anyone interested in early printing and publishing.
Rank #4
- This bust of Benjamin Franklin features him in colonial attire, gazing downward in scholarly concentration, embodying his intellectual legacy.
- Crafted from 3D-printed PLA plastic with a marble-look finish, this sculpture offers a timeless aesthetic for any space.
- Available in sizes from 4" to 18", this bust fits well on desks, shelves, studies, and mantels, adding historical charm.
- The pedestal displays intricate motifs of book-filled shelves and an open-book design, honoring Franklin's library contributions.
- An ideal gift for history enthusiasts, scholars, or as a unique addition to themed collections and library decor.
Rank #3
- PRESIDENTIAL BOBBLEHEAD COLLECTION: Part of Royal Bobbles’ distinguished collection honoring the presidents who helped shape American history, this figurine is a must-have for collectors, presidential memorabilia enthusiasts, history buffs, and patriotic displays.
- ARTISAN QUALITY & EXQUISITE DETAILING: Each premium bobblehead is skillfully sculpted from heavyweight polyresin and hand-painted for stunning detail. It features an authentic hologram with a unique serial number and comes in a beautifully designed collectible package that will make an impression before the box is even opened.
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