How to Use a 3D Printer to Make the Best Cosplay Props
The life of a cosplayer is a costly and sometimes painful one if you prick yourself with a needle making your latest cosplay. It can also be very fulfilling and fun until you realize you’re on a time crunch. Making props and power armor can be extremely time-consuming.
Having a 3D printer can help cut down on some of the time and give you some really realistic-looking cosplay props to work with. But first, discover what is 3D printing? How does a 3D printer work? Learn 3D printing!
Keep reading to find out how to choose a 3D printer, a few good models for beginners (and your wallet), and how to begin your creations using this method.
Features to Look for in a 3D Printer 
You’ll be needing to print pieces that will be worn, so a small home 3D printer with its basic features might not cut it. When choosing a 3D printer to make these large prints, you should be looking out for a couple of features.
Types of Filament
For the most part, you’ll want to print out your cosplay with different filament colors and types to really capture the character you are portraying. Since you’re wearing what you print, you want it to be durable, and exotic filaments are usually what can do this.
Consider materials like metal, ceramics, and wood vs. the usual materials like PLA and ABS.
Build Volume
Build volume is probably the most crucial part of buying a 3D printer for your cosplay. Again, you’ll be wearing what you print, so you’re going to need some pretty big pieces, so the build volume needs to be large.
Also, printing larger pieces mean fewer prints. The fewer prints that you have to do, the fewer weak points your cosplay will have.
Easy Usage
3D printers can be a little difficult to use at first, but with time and experience, it gets a little easier. If you’re picking out your first printer and don’t yet have this experience, it probably bests that you pick up a suitable printer for beginners.
Also, if this truly is your first 3D printer purchase, you should get one that involves as little self-assembling as possible. To pick up a printer that is suited for beginners is not an easy task.
Technical Features
There are a few important technical features that you should be looking for. The main ones are print resolution and print speed. This will allow you to make quality prints fairly quickly. It would help if you also looked at its maximum nozzle and bed temperature. These will be big factors in what you can print.
Affordable 3D Printers
Now that you know what you should be looking for, here are a few that you can choose from that are perfect for beginners and won’t be too bad on your wallet either.
Original Prusa i3 MK2S
The Original Prusa i3 MK2S is perfect for beginners and comes with a ton of technical features. It’s got a pretty large build volume and a wide variety of filaments that it can use. It’s also got a high and reliable print quality, and it is heating bed has a pretty even temperature distribution.
Monoprice Maker Select PLUS
The Monoprice is a kit-based printer, which means that some assembly is required, but it’s 6 screws or so. It’s not that complicated or demanding vs. others like it. It’s got a decent build volume and works with just about any print filament making it a versatile machine.
Creality CR-10S
This machine prints with over thirty filaments, making it versatile for most of your projects. For the most part, it comes pre-assembled, and with this, a sensor that will pause the print in the event your filament runs out or there is a power outage.
When the power comes back on, or you refill the filament, it will resume printing where it left off. If none of these sounds like something you would want to try, you can read more here for other options.
Make Your Design
So, you’ve purchased your printer of choice, now what? You have to use software to build a 3D model of your project before you print it out. Suppose you aren’t experienced in this area, no worries. There are tons of online tutorials that you can turn to, and some colleges offer beginner courses. If you aren’t the artistic type, there are online libraries to purchase and download models.
Add the Finishing Touches
Once you’ve printed your creation, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Before you start priming and painting, you’ll need to get sandpaper or even an electric sander to smooth out any rough edges.
Once you’ve got a nice, smooth surface, prime it and paint on any fine details that you need to really bring your cosplay to life.
Can’t Afford a Printer
3D printers, while a worthwhile expense, is still, well, expensive. If there is just no way to drop cash on a printer right now, there are plenty of online printer services you can choose from.
These services are a great resource and will get you the cosplay you want. It just might take a little longer and take away from the satisfaction of you doing it yourself.
Use a 3D Printer to Make Your Cosplay Props Con Ready.
Cosplay can be fun and rewarding when you see your creations come to life, but it can also be difficult to create costumes and props by hand. Having a 3D printer can cut down some of this work and time.
Use these tips for finding a 3D printer to have your cosplay props ready in time for the con. A great 3D printer isn’t the only tech that can make your life easier. Go here for a full list of gadgets that can improve your day-to-day life.
