When it comes to making cosplay props and armor, you probably hear a lot of people talk about materials like Worbla and EVA foam. These aren’t your only options though. This raises the question, can you make cosplay with a 3D printer? The short answer is of course yes. But let’s dive into this a bit more.
You absolutely can make cosplays with a 3D printer. There’s a few pros and cons to keep in mind though when choosing this route. I’d also like to note, 3D printed cosplays are acceptable for competing. It’s a valid technique that requires a lot of skills and thus you won’t be disqualified from a cosplay competition if you 3D print pieces of it.
Can You 3D Print Cosplay Armor & Props?
So let’s talk about the pros and cons. As I said, you can 3D print cosplay armor but there are things you want to keep in mind if you choose this route
Advantages & Disadvantages of 3D Printing Cosplays
Pros of 3D Printing Cosplays
- Accuracy – In comparison to creating armor with EVA foam or Worbla, a 3D printer can create it more accurately. This is especially true for pieces with fine details that might be easier to make mistakes on. With how accessible screen accurate files are as well for armor and props, you’re able ensure not a single detail is missed.
- Customization – There’s a multitude of platforms out there to create or customize prints. This means you can create your own unique pieces or better scale it to fit your body better.
- Durability – Foam and Worbla can be easier to break or melt. 3D prints can be a lot sturdier and if you use ABS, the risk of melting becomes reduced.
Cons of 3D Printing Cosplays
- Weight – 3D printed cosplay props and armor tend to be far heavier than Worbla or EVA foam. So if you want to wear the costume for long periods of time or carry a prop across the con floor for the day, you might want to evaluate if printing is the right choice or if you’re comfortable with the added heaviness.
- Cost – A 3D printer can be an expensive up front cost. However if you already own one or have a local library or makerspace with one, the filament is actually not that expensive. Thus 3D printing can be done on a budget whereas foam and Worbla themselves can be expensive, excluding the tools you need for them.
These cons are not a reason to completely rule out 3D printing cosplays. They are just things to be aware of during your cosplay planning stages so you can ensure you build something you love to wear.
Best 3D Prints for Cosplay
- Bambu Labs P1S or P1P
- Elegoo Neptune 4
- Bambu Labs A1 or A1 Mini
3D Printing Cosplay FAQ
- What am I not allowed to 3D print? – If something has a patent on it, you shouldn’t try to 3D print it.
- Where to find STL files to 3D print for cosplay? – There is a multitude of websites for both paid and free cosplay files.
- Is a 3D printer expensive to run? – On average, standard filament printers will cost under approximately 5p per hour to run. This can vary due to different factors.
- Is 3D printing hard to learn? – If you take time to do research and follow directions, 3D printing can be incredible easy to learn.
- How long do 3D printers last? – They can last between 5-10 years with proper maintenance. This translaters to around 7500-15000 printing hours.
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