Tiniest Benchy In a Bottle

Model Description

This might be the tiniest Benchy ever sealed in a bottle.

Designed specifically for @3DOdyssey’s World’s Smallest Benchy — a precision-optimized model engineered to push the limits of a 0.4mm nozzle — this bottle was scaled, tuned, and crafted from scratch to fit the microprint like a glove. Every curve, every wall, every millimeter matters when you're working at this scale.

I adapted my original spiral-vase bottle geometry, redesigned the stand to match, and dialed in PETG clarity settings to preserve both form and visibility. The result? A display piece that catches light like glass and delivers a lens-like magnification effect on the tiny captain trapped inside.

Printed in transparent PETG using @jmaicn_lmberjck’s tuned spiral vase profile (with early inspiration from @TheIceBurge), the clarity is shockingly good — and yes, it’s still single-walled. No supports, no stitching. Just one continuous vase-mode spiral with ultra-clean extrusion and a gemlike shimmer in the right light.

This model is part of my "Benchy in a Bottle" series, which explores PETG clarity, display engineering, and joyful storytelling through transparent prints. This one? This one is the runt of the fleet — but it might just be my favorite.

Read Before Printing

This bottle is printed in Spiral Vase Mode using transparent PETG — meaning it has a single continuous outer wall with no infill, no top layers, and zero internal structure.

It’s not meant to be handled roughly — but it’s surprisingly sturdy if printed correctly and removed carefully.

Important: This version requires a pause at layer 80 to insert the miniature Benchy.
If the print bed cools and the PETG contracts during the pause, the layer bond may snap when printing resumes.

Tips for the pause:

• Pause at layer 80 (verify in slicer preview)
• Do not unload filament or let the nozzle/bed cool
• Gently insert the Benchy using tweezers (the opening is narrow)
• Resume the print immediately to maintain thermal consistency
• Enclosed printers help minimize temperature drift

Tips for removal:

• Let the print cool completely on the bed
• Use a sharp spatula or razor to slide under the base — do not pry or twist the neck
• Avoid flexing the bottle while it’s still warm

Pro tip: If this is your first attempt, try with a lower-cost PETG or test run before committing to your clearest filament.

Print Settings

• Filament: Transparent PETG
• Print Mode: Spiral Vase / Vase Mode
• Nozzle: 0.4 mm
• Layer Height: 0.2 mm or finer
• Wall Line Count: 1
• Bottom Layers: 2
• Top Layers: 0 (vase mode)
• Speed: 15–25 mm/s
• Cooling: Off or minimal
• Supports: None
• Brim: Optional (thin brim for adhesion only)
• Bed Temp: 75–85 °C
• Nozzle Temp: 235–245 °C
• Filament must be thoroughly dried

Credits & Attribution

• Micro Benchy: World’s Smallest Benchy by @3DOdyssey
• PETG Clarity Tuning: @jmaicn_lmberjck and @TheIceBurge
• Bottle and Stand Design: Original by me, fully resized and tuned for this application
• Spiral Vase Profile: Based on optimized clarity profiles used in my other models

Part of a Series

This design is part of my “Benchy in a Bottle” series, where I explore creative and technical challenges in PETG clarity, display engineering, and spiral vase precision.

Check out the other models in the series:

• Classic Benchy in a Bottle
• Benchy Ship in a Bottle
• Benchy Prime – Tugbot Defender of the Makerverse

This is the smallest of the set — and maybe the most satisfying to pull off.