HCA: Hermit Crab Association

It's ok that make a shell with 3D printer?

Wow. I don't know but that's a great idea. My husband wants to know what software would you use.

Yes, but use ABS - PLA can dissolve due to it being corn based, and in a high moister environment, you want it to last (reef forums are a great read for this).


Remember to also include natural shells as well, since the crabs may not take it the printed shells!

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Not for hermit crabs, no.

If calcium carbonate shells that were as hard as the snail shells they currently wear could be 3D printed, then perhaps.


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There was a campaign several years ago that used Ecuadorian hermit crabs and scanned the natural modified shells that they prefer to wear, and those crabs did actually take and wear the 3D printed ones over natural ones. However, it's been the only case I've seen where that has happened. For species that use intact shells, nothing comes close to the real thing - so far. I think it would be wonderful to experiment with if you have the time and ability!

wodesorel wrote:There was a campaign several years ago that used Ecuadorian hermit crabs and scanned the natural modified shells that they prefer to wear, and those crabs did actually take and wear the 3D printed ones over natural ones. However, it's been the only case I've seen where that has happened. For species that use intact shells, nothing comes close to the real thing - so far. I think it would be wonderful to experiment with if you have the time and ability!

I know one company did it with potato starch, is that the same project?


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In my company we have a 3D printer, but I've never tried to render a shell with it. But thanks for the idea anyway. Once I managed to fix my gmail, I will write to my boss and try to experiment on that.

lunneate wrote: ↑

Fri May 13, 2022 4:33 am

Guys, and why would you waste time and money on printing a shell on the printer? I guess if you want to buy a present to someone, better buy a live crab, no?

It’s not a super great idea to buy live pets as presents just in general, especially as a surprise. You don’t know if they have the time/materials to compensate for the extra animal, or if they want it at that point in their life, or if they want it ever at all. You might know some of this, but you still don’t really know the full story unless you have a serious discussion first, or the pet of any species might end up just being in a situation without proper care as the owner struggles to find a new home for it

This thread is two years old. I am locking it to keep things on topic.


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