Posted Mar 23, 2022

3D printers can create some truly amazing costumes and props. Check out some advice straight from NYCC.

Cosplay costume and props design are about to go far beyond the humble needle and thread thanks to 3D printing.

At a panel at this year's Comic Con, the 3D printing expert team of GeekFabLab gave solid advice on how cosplayers can use 3D-printing technology to create some truly amazing cosplay costumes.

What Type of Printer Should You Get?
The first step is to understand the different types of 3D printers that are available and how they work. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) printers use melted filament (usually plastic) that's stacked layer upon layer. These are the most common 3D printers and range from $300-$5,000. Selective Layer Sintering (SLS) printers are the most expensive, costing upwards of $30,000. With SLS printers, powder gets melted by a laser, and they are used largely for industrial and engineering purposes. Stereolithograpy (SLA) printers offer a very high print quality and print using a laser, mirror, and photoreactive resin.

The GeekFabLab designers demonstrated printing cosplay gear using printers from LulzBot. The company makes two FFF printers—one sells for $1595, the other for $2194.

Make Your Design
The next step is to make a 3D model of your costume or prop. Software to build 3D models includes Blender, Maya, 3DX Max, and AutoCAD. Not experienced at 3D modeling? No worries, there are an abundance of online tutorials. Also, many community colleges are offering beginner 3D modeling courses.

Adding Pizazz
Once you have your model and a print-out, you need to add finishing touches to your design. The GeekFabLab team recommends sandpaper (150 to 1,500 grit) for smoothing surfaces or any seams that may be on the printed item; a power sander; barge glue; and a soldering iron. You will also want to have spackle, filler primer, and of course, paints.

Can't Afford a Printer?
If you aren't in the position to buy a 3D printer, consider using a 3D printer service.

Original post: https://www.pcmag.com/news/how-to-3d-print-your-cosplay-costumesundefined