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Best 3D Printer For Cosplay Armor | 6 Great 3d Printers (2023)

Are you a cosplayer that wants to make impressive models, like very detailed armor? With the best 3D printer for cosplay armor, we listed out in our articles, you will not be stuck anymore.

Just a few years ago, 3D printers were just unimaginable, expensive technology.

They were likely specified for laboratories and factories.

Many of them were unknown beyond the small experts that developed and used them.

Even so, it is affordable you can get to bring the imagination to reality.

They come in various types and can be remanufactured for a specific purpose.

Thus, knowing the differences between many 3D printers is important for you to select the correct model.

We have tested and reviewed some of the best printers for cosplayers below.

They are covering a wide variety of prices, specifications, and printing methods.

The Top-Rated 3d Printer For Cosplay Armor (Recommendations)

#1. QIDI TECH X-MAX – TOP PICK

#2. BIBO 3D PRINTER DUAL EXTRUDER – LASER ENGRAVING 

#3. 3DWOX 1 3D PRINTER – AUTO LOADING CARTRIDGE

#4. DREMEL DIGILAB 3D20 3D PRINTER– BEST FOR BEGINNERS

#5. CREALITY CR-10S FDM UPGRADED DUAL Z SCREWS – BEST FILAMENT VERSATILITY

#6. SOVOL SV01


Related:

Why Do You Need A 3D Printer?

Best 3d Printer For Cosplay Helmets

Why 3D printer is the best for cosplay figures?

Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of 3D printing, compared to traditional manufacturing methods.

Advantages:

  • Flexible:

You can produce more complex and detailed models than traditional processes.

  • Fast:

You can get your result within hours.

The support of the computer software in modeling and prototyping speeds up the whole process.

  • Waste reduction:

The manufacturing of 3D components requires only the material necessary for the element itself. 

It is beneficial to alternative methods which are cut from large pieces of non-recyclable materials. 

  • Cost-effective:

Buying a 3D printer system may seem expensive, in general.

However, the cost of all the things you are going to print will be less than using different manufacturing ways.

Disadvantages:

Are Best 3d Printer For Cosplay Reddit

  • Limited materials:

3D printers can only work with certain materials such as plastic, metals, etc.

  • Limited capability:

Currently, 3D printers have small printing capability which limits the size of parts.

Anything larger must be printed in separate parts and combined later.

  • Cleaning and retouching:

Retouching the model after printing is a step that requires skills and experience.

Moreover, you also need to clean up the machine after use.

  • Copyright:

Best 3d Printer For Cosplay 3d Printer

Cre: quora

As it becomes more popular and easier, people can make fake products that are hard to identify.

Subsequently, this has apparent copyright and quality management concerns.

Identifying the purpose you buy the printer is the first step.

Thus, knowing the size of your designs, the time required, quality, and usage of the print makes it easy to determine.

Especially, cosplay involves a great amount of fabrication and most of the pieces are designed to be worn.

It is doubtful that your best 3D printer for cosplay armor can handle big prints.

 But it can be useful when printing fine details.

If a big item is printing on a small machine, you may need more welding.

However, adding welds is a weak point.

To have the best 3D armor, there are some things you may need:

  • A computer
  • A 3D printer
  • Filament
  • Assorted tools
  • 3D models
  • Slicer

How To Work With Printers?

Best 3d Printer For Cosplay Extensions

To begin, firstly, you need to create a model of an entity.

You can create a model with computer software for 3D modeling like Blender, etc. a 3D scan of an actual object.

Or you can use a model that you can get from the internet.

Secondly, the printer program then takes this model and cuts it into a sequence of thin layers that can be printed one at a time by the 3D printer.

Therefore, such 3D printed objects look like having a step by step layers.

Best 3d Printer For Cosplay

The majority of commercial models are filament printers.

They use a thin string of plastic melted in the extruder.

This is where the molten plastic lands on the surface of the building area.

On the other hand, more professional and expensive devices use wax. 

Cheaper versions use melted or liquefied powder to bind the layer below it.

Best Printers For Cosplay Armor Shortlist

Product imagesProduct namesEditor's ratingPrice
QIDI TECH X-MAX4.8Check
Price
BIBO 3D PRINTER DUAL EXTRUDER4.2Check
Price
3DWOX 1 3D PRINTER4.2Check
Price
DREMEL DIGILAB 3D20 3D PRINTER4.5Check
Price
CREALITY CR-10S FDM UPGRADED DUAL Z SCREWS4.3Check
Price
SOVOL SV014.4Check
Price

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change, let’s check price amazon

The Best 3d Printers For Cosplay Armor

Can Best 3d Printer For Cosplay Armor

#1. QIDI TECH X-MAX – TOP PICK

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– Connect type:  USB,  Wifi – WLAN, LAN

– Single extruder

– Weight: 61.7 pounds

– Speed: >100 mm/s

Although being a new face in the market, QIDI TECH X-Max 3D Printer hit a home run in the best 3D printer for cosplay armor race.

The QIDI TECH company obviously invested a lot of time into innovation and development to challenge the market and press for innovations.

The building capacity is immense and its resolution is very decent, which is good news for cosplay fans.

The price is a little bit high since being considered as a professional home 3D printer. However, considering all its features, it is worth it.

We were impressed with its super sleek modern design.

The X-Max has a cool 5-inch touchscreen that supports the process easier.

Besides the traditional USB connection, it also allows the Wi-Fi or LAN connection.

So, if you have Wi-Fi access, you can start printing from everywhere.

For most printers, this is not a standard feature, but it is one of the best add-ons features for lazy people.

This printer was the first we know to deliver an interchangeable extruder and a dual-zone print bed.

A single extruder and a half of the bed are built for low and flexible filaments.

The other is designed for abrasive and high-temperature filaments.

It is amazing for cosplay fans to creating armors with different filaments.

As a combination of traditional professional features and innovative ones, this printer is the best so far.

Pros:

  • Big print size
  • Dual Z-Axis on either side
  • Easy touchscreen
  • Wifi connection allowed
  • Quiet operation
  • Two interchangeable extruders
  • Removable plate

Cons:

  • Not really fast printing
  • The internal light can not be turned off
  • Final results can be sub-par

For a full review: QIDI-TECH X-Max 3D printer review – Fully enclosed 3D printer

 

#2. BIBO 3D PRINTER DUAL EXTRUDER – LASER ENGRAVING 

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– Connect type: SD card, USB, Wifi connection

– Material: 405nm photosensitive resin

– Weight: 40.1 pounds

– Speed: 350 mm/s

 The BIBO 3D Printer Dual Extruder is well known for printing cosplay armors and details.

This printer is pretty easy to use.

It features a robust metal exterior and a color touchscreen for your best experience.

The laser engraving module is the best feature of this printer.

This module allows you to engrave on different materials such as plastic, cut paper, wood, cardboard, etc.

You can tailor the model to your preferences.

Likewise, you can print two copies of one object at a time by the copying printing function.

Two armors can be printed at once. This will allow you plenty of time to prepare for the next creation.

This is a dual extruder printer in which 2 colored objects can be printed on one go without filament changing.

The Wi-Fi connection allows for a smooth printing experience.

You can use your smartphones and tablets to print costumes.

When the power is cut, the resume printing will be activated. Above all, these features make it outstanding amongst the other counterparts.

Pros:

  • Laser engraver
  • Copy printing and resume printing features
  • Filament detection automatically pauses when there is an error
  • Wifi connection

Cons:

  • Takes a long time for initial assembly
  • The manual feature is not really comprehensive

For a full review: BIBO 3D Printer Setup & Review 

#3. SINDOH 3DWOX 1 3D PRINTER – AUTO LOADING CARTRIDGE

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– Connect type: SD card, USB, Wifi, Ethernet

– Weight: 43.45 pounds

 Another good candidate for the best 3D cosplay printer is the Sindoh 3dwox 1 3d Printer.

With fully automatic loading, the adjustments of filaments are fast and easy to use.

You just have to mount the cartridge and it is good to roll.

You will not get wonky prints with this 3D printer thanks to its assisted bed leveling.

Bed lifting is really simple, with specific instructions that help you set the perfect position.

Thanks to the integrated camera and LED lighting, it also has remote monitoring capabilities.

Via the 3DWOX app on your computer, you can exactly see what is happening in your printing process every time.

Pros:

  • Assisted bed leveling and fully automated loading features
  • Good customer service
  • Wide range of connection options

Cons:

  • Proprietary filaments
  • The computer app crashes sometimes

For a full review: Sindoh 3dWOX 3d Printer Review – Honest Review

#4. DREMEL DIGILAB 3D20 3D PRINTER– BEST FOR BEGINNERS

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– Connect type: SD Card

– Form factor: Print only

– Weight: 15.43 pounds

– Speed: 100 mm/s

Dremel Digilab 3D20 is a perfect starting point for people who want to step into the 3D printing field.

It is available at a fair price and very easy to use.

The print kit includes a manual, a guide book, 2 cables: power and USB, SD card, build tap, leveling pads, equipment, and a filament spool.

This filament spool is important because only the patented Dremel filaments can be used for this printer.

This machine is a perfect option for beginners. You can start printing within a time of 5 minutes after unpackaging since it is pre-built.

Its printing speed is at 100mm/s and 100 microns of layer resolution.

The digital screen provided helps you to monitor and manage all the main features as well as the printing process.

This is a single extruder printer that can extrude filaments at a temperature of 230 degrees.

It weighs 15.3 pounds and owns a build capacity of 230 x 150 x 140mm.

Besides, it brings a drawback that you have to print smaller pieces and get them together later.

It would lead to the lack of durability of your final results.

The other downside is that the printer does not have a “remove filament” function.

Thus, you have to manually level the print bed or remove unused filaments.  

Pros:

  • Easy and safe to use
  • Fast speed and high resolution
  • Simple installation
  • Designed to protect from heat and fumes

Cons:

  • Only uses its own filaments
  • Small build capacity
  • Need a lot of manual intervention

For a full review: Dremel Idea Builder 3D Printer: Unboxing, Review & How to Setup | Handmade Props 

#5. CREALITY CR-10S FDM UPGRADED DUAL Z SCREWS or Creality Ender– BEST FILAMENT VERSATILITY

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– Connect type: SD card, USB

– Supports more than 10 kinds of materials

– Weight: 14 pounds

– Speed: 80 to 200 mm/s

 The Creality CR-10S FDM Upgraded Dual Z Screws allow you to print or cut a single item or add as many pieces as you want.

There is also a resume option which will resume printing from the layer when power is lost.

It saves you a great deal of time and mitigates the loss of filament, especially when you print a comprehensive model.

It also comes with upgraded dual Z axis leading screws which provide high positioning precision, ensures smooth movement and fast printing.

One big benefit is that it can work well with more than 10 kinds of materials.

They are Nylon, ABS, PLA, Bamboofill, ASA, T-Glase, Laywood, Ninjaflex, and more. Comes at an affordable price, this is a good choice for both beginners and experts.

Pros:

  • Big build capacity
  • Easy to install
  • Simple and mechanical design
  • Can resume printings
  • Improved Dual Z-axis

Cons:

  • Filament tubes are not stable
  • Needs preparation
  • Takes some time to get started
  • Does not ideally operate with ABS as constant heat is needed

For a full review: Creality CR-10 Full Review – BEST 3D PRINTER!!!

#6. SOVOL SV01

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– Connect type: SD card

– Direct drive extruder

– Weight: 29.3 pounds

– Speed: 80 to 200 mm/s

Many people may not know about this Chinese brand.

Yet this Sovol SV01 printer provides inexpensive printing solutions suitable for budget consumers.

Most Sovol 3D printers have a smaller construction area, but the SV01 provides a print surface area of 280 x 240 x 300 mm.

That accommodates most users’ needs.

Although it will come to you in separate parts, assembly is really easy.

You can set it up in about 10 to 15 minutes and start to print.

The SV01 allows different types of filaments such as PLA, ABS, TPU, etc.

It has a built-in Meanwell power supply feature that protects the printer from accidental power surges.

The flat glass plate, which is removable, is built on a regularly heated bed.

It allows you to remove prints quickly after completion.

Even when you print the small or big ones, the SV01 ensures that flawless layer lines at all times.

In addition, this printer also features thermal protection that prevents it from running too hot or causing a burn.

Pros:

  • Dual drive extruder and dual Z lead screw increase the stability and quality
  • Meanwell power supply ensures stable and sufficient power
  • Resume printing and thermal runaway protection
  • Fast heating glass bed

Cons:

  • Do not have a Wifi connection
  • Do not have automatically bed leveling

For a full review: The Sovol SV01 3D Printer Review: Is it any good? – YouTube

How To Get Your Best 3D Printer For Printing Cosplay Props? 

Best 3d Printer For Cosplay Masks

There are lots of 3D printers have a wide range of features. 

But the factors to remember when choosing yours are here as follows:

  • Materials:

In most situations, you choose to print the various details of your cosplay with different filament colors and styles.

You want to make the prints long lasting and more realistic, which ensures that you should print on excellent materials.

Moreover, you should prepare your post-process as well.

For example, the SciFi style requires the use of more unusual materials such as ceramics, metal, and wood, rather than materials such as PLA and ABS.

You may want to take stuff like PCT and PCL into account for the shields and swords.

Metallic filaments are ideally matched to metallic or glowing finishes.

  • Object size:

Best 3d Printer For Cosplay 4d

Cre: lootcrate

Build volume is a platform’s ability or scale where the object is printed.

Since you will make a lot of wearable pieces of stuff, this is one of the most critical features for a cosplay 3D printer.

Therefore, much of the costumes or props require reasonably large printing space.

The aim is always to obtain a volume that matches your printer.

You can print the details of armor in smaller parts for a large number.

However, the more separating parts you print, the weaker your final object will be.

  • Resolution:

Best 3d Printer For Cosplay Instagram

In compliance with the instructions coded in the designed object, the printer extrudes a succession of thin layers of molded plastic.

The layer height for 3D printing is the same resolution.

You can calculate resolution in microns with 0.001mm of a micron, and the higher the resolution, the lower the number.

Therefore, you can get the finest detailed object if you have the thinnest layers.

But bear in mind that a high resolution does not always give the best print quality. It depends on a lot of factors.

  • Printing speed:

This is the extruder’s speed when it moves to place materials for a filament printer.

Faster scanning means typically faster printing.

Nevertheless, the kinds of material used can also impact the printing speed.

However, the complexity of the print can also reduce it.

Where appropriate, at least 20 mm/s high speed is good enough.

Best 3d Printer For Cosplay Mask Tutorial

  • Technology:

Print resolution and speed are the two significant technical features you have to consider when shopping.

You would also want to suggest an automated printing bed for the overall process to be better and smoother.

Finally, the optimum dust and bed temperature are also vital aspects we think you should think about.

  • Post-process:

Without the post-process steps, it can not be 3D printing.

It will require a lot of post-processing preparation for the best 3D printer for cosplay armor.

This step ensures that you do not overprint separated parts. 

Thus it is connected to the printer’s build volume or capacity.

Smoothing, polishing, painting, etc. involve in this step. In the infographic below,  6 basic steps of post-processing are illustrated.

Best 3d Printer For Cosplay Props

(Credit: FATHOM)

Note: Many printers are fully assembled and ready for printing when being shipped to your door, but others are sold as kits.

Generally, the prebuilt versions are simpler for beginners, the kits give a deeper view into how these machines work and help you to modify and adjust them as they run.

Many parts are available, but most kits need simple mechanical knowledge as simple as putting an Ikea bookshelf together.

Frequent Asked Questions About The Best 3D Printer For Printing Cosplay Models

What Is The Best 3d Printer For Cosplay

1. Which Size Is Appropriate For A Cosplay 3D Printer?

Normally, you can choose a building area of at least 5 x 5 x 5 inches. 

That is large enough for almost all parts.

But you should buy machines with a greater capability if you are going to create armors or bigger parts.

2. Is It Possible To Print Metal?

Best 3d Printer For Cosplay Photos

There is a technology of printing metal materials called EBAM (Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing).

Usually, only small bits of metal can be 3D printed. EBAM uses a method such as welding, in which an electron beam is used in wire form for melting metal.

This allows the welded materials, from titanium to Inconel to stainless steel, to be manufactured.

3. What Is 3D Printer’s Filament For Cosplay Material?

The unquestionable king of material is Polycarbonate (PC). We were also shocked by its strength.

With a tensile strength of 9800 psi, polycarbonate is the best alternative for high solid, usable parts in contrast to nylon with 7000 psi.

4. What Kind Of Materials Can Not Be Printed?

Can Best 3d Printer For Cosplay Armor

You can not print materials with very wide overhangs or no flat sections.

Since a nozzle or syringe should be used in printing the pieces, wide-hanging parts can not be printed without the parts falling during printing.

Although being more popular, 3D printers nowadays still come with some performance limitations.

5. How Can I Speed Up My Printing Process? What should I build?

We have summed up 5 ways to increase your speed:

  • Settings of your slicing software may increase the default 3D printing speed
  • Infill wall width and density: You can choose to print solid models with honeycomb structures.
  • Larger nozzle and bigger layer height: The height of a wider layer decreases print time. The height of the sheet is about 75% of the diameter of the nozzle is enough.
  • Same batch production
  • Produce two things with one material: Some machines have independent print heads for you to print multi colors and multi-purposes. However, it increases your time since the printer has to switch between the colors. You can choose to print 2 different things with just one filament material.

Conclusion

A 3D printer is a great way to create fantastic armors and props for cosplay fans.

But it is not an easy task to choose the right one amongst a lot of same products on today market.

The DREMEL DIGILAB 3D20 3D PRINTER is the best decision if you are a newbie who needs an easy machine and safe operation.

Besides, its price is also affordable.

In case you want to make amazing cosplay armors and props by using different materials such as wood, leather, paper, plastic, etc., go for the BIBO 3D PRINTER DUAL EXTRUDER.

This is definitely a high-rated versatile 3D printer.

In conclusion, the final choice on which is the best 3D printer for cosplay armor among those choices is a little bit complicated. Some have a variety of specifications that differentiate them amongst others. It is up to your requirements. 

Further Reading: 

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