Matrix APU STL Files for 3D Printing | Assembly Model

3D MODEL HISTORY

In the desperate, machine-dominated future of The Matrix trilogy, Zion stands as humanity's last bastion. Against the relentless, swarming Sentinels, Zion's primary defense isn't sleek technology, but robust, human-piloted mechs—the Armored Personnel Units, or APUs. These powerful hydraulic robots, exposed and formidable, represent Zion's grit and determination. Immortalized in the iconic Battle for Zion in The Matrix Revolutions, APUs like Captain Mifune's became symbols of courage, showcasing raw firepower and surprising agility as they defended the docks against overwhelming odds. Their functional, almost industrial design, with exposed pistons, heavy cannons, and a visible pilot, speaks to the necessity and pragmatism of Zion's military forces.

Bringing this crucial piece of The Matrix universe to life as a 3D print model required immense dedication to detail. This Matrix APU 3D model is fully articulated and captures the essence of Zion's frontline defense, meticulously recreating the complex hydraulics, the operator's cockpit with its joysticks and pedals, and the signature twin 30 mm rapid-fire cannons. This detailed 3D printed robot features an ammo belt that is realistically assembled from separate parts, designed to remain fully articulated for dynamic posing. Furthermore, the model features mounting holes throughout for optional wire installation in any configuration chosen, adding another layer of realism to this powerful Matrix APU. This representation of an iconic mech from The Matrix is ready for your 3D-printed collection!

3D PRINTING MODEL FEATURES

Model-specific features:

• Highly articulated design with specialized joints at the pelvis, hips, knees, shins, feet, toes, shoulders, arm cannons, and operator panel;
• Retractable pistons throughout the APU's frame that compress and extend as you pose the hips, knees, feet, toes, and shoulders;
• Fully poseable pilot's console: joystick panel, pedals, and firing levers;
• Articulated ammo belt assembled from separate parts for dynamic display;
• Includes the detailed Ammo Loader accessory;
• Comes with a dedicated display platform.

Printing & assembly details:

• Provided as error-free STL files compatible with most 3D printers;
• Optimized part division minimizes support material and ensures smooth surface detail;
• The assembly parts in the FFF/FDM version come in the recommended print orientations for easy bed placement;
• Assembly manual in PDF and video formats is included for both FFF/FDM and DLP/SLA versions;
• The model is available in recommended scales of 1:32 for the FFF/FDM version and 1:64 for the DLP/SLA version, based on the 4-meter height of the Armored Personnel Unit.

VERSIONS' SPECIFICATIONS

1.1 FFF/FDM

• Parts: 134
• Eco parts: 0
• Scale: 1:8
• Printed model size (w/h/d, mm): 575 x 525 x 486;
• Assembly: Connectors
• Features: Improved version of the model with new joints and connections; Highly articulated design (pelvis, hips, arm cannons); Includes Ammo Loader accessory; Comes with a display platform; Model can be wired with real wires or TPU filament; The assembly parts are connected using specially designed integrated connectors that fit securely into the corresponding slots. Some model parts use short pins cut from regular 1.75 mm PLA filament for connection. These pins are highlighted in red throughout the PDF and video assembly instructions.

1.1 DLP/SLA

• Parts: 36
• Eco parts: 0
• Scale: 1:16
• Printed model size (w/h/d, mm): 239 x 263 x 217;
• Assembly: Connectors
• Features: Improved version of the model with new joints and connections; Highly articulated design (pelvis, hips, knees, shoulders, arm cannons, operator panel); Features retractable pistons; Articulated ammo belt; Includes Ammo Loader accessory; Comes with a display platform; Model can be wired with either real wires; The assembly parts are connected using specially designed integrated connectors that fit securely into the corresponding slots. Optionally, for added strength and rigidity, the static assembly joints can be glued together.

1.0 FFF/FDM

• Parts: 210
• Eco parts: 0
• Scale: 1:8
• Printed model size (w/h/d, mm): 576 x 512 x 602;
• Assembly: Connectors, Short PLA pins
• Features: Initial version of the model; Highly articulated design with retractable pistons and ratchets for firm pose; Poseable cockpit controls (console, joysticks, pedals, levers); Flexible, articulated ammo belt; Includes Ammo Loader accessory; The assembly parts are connected using specially designed integrated connectors that fit securely into the corresponding slots. Some model parts use separate connectors (part "210_Ge_lock_x54", requires 54 copies), or short pins cut from regular 1.75 mm PLA filament. These pins are highlighted in red throughout the PDF and video assembly instructions.

HELPFUL EXTRAS

You can get the STL files of Matrix APU for 3D printing immediately after the purchase! Just click the green Buy button in the top-right corner of the model’s page. You can pay with PayPal or your credit card.

Watch the tutorial on how to assemble the 3D printed Matrix APU Model from the provided 3D print files on Gambody YouTube channel.

Also, you may like the Neo 3D Print Model, as well as the Morpheus 3D Printing Design.

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FAQ: 

• Where can I print a model if I have no printer?
• How to get started with 3D printing?
• How to set up my 3D printer?
• How to choose right 3D model print bed positioning? 
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Below you can find printing recommendations for Cura, Bambu Studio, Simplify3D, Slic3r and PrusaSlicer software.

Disclaimer: The following printing settings are a recommendation, not an obligation. The parameters can vary depending on the peculiarities of your 3D printer, the material you use, and especially the particular assembly part you are working with. Each part that any model comprises often needs preliminary review, and you are free to tweak the settings the way you find suitable.

Note:

You can scale up the model (downscaling for FFF/FDM 3D printers is not recommended!);

All connectors should be printed at 100% Infill.

Bambu Lab printing recommendations:

These basic 3D printing settings recommendations for beginners were tested in Bambu Studio 1.9.1. Test models were printed on the Bambu Lab A1, Bambu Lab A1 Mini, Creality Ender 3 S1, Anycubic Kobra 2, and Anycubic Vyper using PLA and PETG filaments.

To avoid printing problems, we recommend the following settings: download

Cura printing recommendations:

These are averaged settings which were tested in the Cura 5.2.1 slicer. Test models were printed on Anycubic Vyper, Creality Ender 3 Pro with PLA filament.

To avoid printing problems, we recommend the following settings: download

Simplify3D printing recommendations:

These are averaged settings which were tested in the Simplify3D 5.0.0 slicer. Test models were printed on Anycubic Vyper, FLSUN v400, Ender3 S1 with PLA filament.

To avoid printing problems, we recommend the following settings: download

Slic3r printing recommendations:

These basic 3D printing settings recommendations for beginners were tested in Slic3r 1.3.0 software. Test models were printed on Ultimaker 2, Creality Ender 3, Creality Cr-10S pro v2, Anycubic I3 Mega, Anycubic I3 MegaS, Anycubic Vyper with PLA and PetG filaments.

To avoid printing problems, we recommend the following settings: download

PrusaSlicer printing recommendations:

These basic 3D printing settings recommendations for beginners were tested in PrusaSlicer 2.3.1. Test models were printed on Ultimaker 2, Creality Ender 3, Creality Cr-10S pro v2, Anycubic I3 Mega, Anycubic I3 MegaS, Anycubic Vyper with PLA and PETG filaments.

To avoid printing problems, we recommend the following settings: download