How to Get the Most Realistic Cosplay Armor with 3D Printing

How to Get the Most Realistic Cosplay Armor with 3D Printing

Have you been on the hunt for armor to complete your costume for this year's comic con? Perhaps you have a party pretty soon, but that handmade armor didn't turn out the way you wanted? Moreover, it can be pretty difficult to find the exact type of armor that you want at a costume store. So, what now? It's too late to pick another character and start from scratch. Luckily, a fantastic invention can save your look and get you the armor you desperately need. Here is everything you need to know to get the most realistic cosplay armor.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing dates as far back as 1984, when it was used to create 3D models of digital data. By the early 2000s, a much more efficient kind of 3D printer was invented, and a few companies had access to it. Over time, it became more common, and many people began using it.

By 2010, fashion brands started experimenting with 3D printed and attempted to make clothes and accessories with it. Soon, many popular designers came out with collections that featured 3D printing, and multiple clothes and accessories stood out and remain popular today. After big brands saw it, cosplay fans did too. They started tapping into their creativity and identified all of the different ways 3D printing could be used to enhance their cosplay designs. Whether it was armor or an accessory, nothing did it better than 3D printers.

How can you make armor with 3D printing?

It is actually much easier than you think to design and create armor with a 3D printer. Here is a step-by-step process to make things easier:

1. Grab a pencil and paper and begin drawing ideas. If drawing isn’t a strong skill, look up some inspiration and get a good idea of what you want.

2. Visit a place that has a 3D printer and specializes in 3D printed cosplay, and let them know what you're looking for.

3. Sit down with a graphics expert and design your armor together on any application. You can always give them a file if you have already designed it on a graphics application beforehand. Make sure you have accurate measurements of your body so that the armor fits well.

4. Provide your measurements and the preferred material you would like your armor in.

5. Let the printer do the rest. Within a few days, you will be able to come back and retrieve the perfect armor made with a 3D printer. If you need it immediately, you can put in a request and receive it within a few hours.

How to ensure that it will fit?

Just like clothes, you are going to need to measure yourself. For armor, you will need to measure the following parts:

• The length from your shoulder to waist. You can extend this if you want longer armor

• The width from one shoulder to another

• Your chest

• Your waist

• Your hips

• Arm length if necessary

• The dimensions of your head if you’re getting a helmet to match

• The length of your legs if you’ll be getting something for them too

If any additional measurements are needed, you can always request a tape measure. Most stores will have one handy in case you are unsure about the measurements.

Once you have provided accurate measurements, the experts will work their magic and adjust the image as needed. After this, the printer will do its magic to produce armor that will fit you perfectly.

Why is this better than other cosplay armor?

Although you could find other kinds of cosplay armor if you look really hard, 3D printed cosplay armor is still better in many ways. Here are some of the many benefits that come with 3D printed cosplay armor:

It is customizable:

The armor you're looking for may need small details or symbols that make it different from other kinds of armor. Most costumes do not include these details as they can be tricky to create. However, when you are creating the design that you want, you can customize it in any way you like. You could get armor made from any character in a particular episode, or even just the general one. No matter what kind of customization you like, a 3D printer can get it done.

You can add any details you like:

If you would add something specific to your armor to make it stand out, you can do that with 3D printing. Whether it is to resemble a character or to help make the costume your own, it is possible. You could add a logo, a signature, or any kind of detail you like. All you have to do is let the design expert know, and it'll take him a few minutes, at most, to make those changes. This way, you can really make the armor your own.

It will fit perfectly:

The armor you buy at costume stores normally has fixed sizes. This may not fit you, but a 3D printed one will. As long as you provide the correct measurements, the armor will fit you exactly the way you want. You could get it fitted or have something loose and bulky. The choice is yours, so let your creativity shine.

How do you get started?

If you want to get a 3D printed armor for your next cosplay venture, we can help you out. All you need to do is find a store like this one that offers these services. Make a phone call if you like and visit them. They will guide you through the entire process, and you will end up with a phenomenal piece of armor in no time.

Conclusion:

Getting a realistic looking cosplay armor can be pretty difficult if you're limiting yourself to DIY projects and costume stores. If you want a reliable option that will deliver amazing results in a short time, opt for 3D printing. This will make sure that you end up with a realistic piece that fits like a glove. So, what are you waiting for? Go grab your 3D printed armor now so that your next cosplay adventure will flood you with compliments.