While it may be fun and exciting to create your own cosplay costumes and props with friends using wood, paper, and other materials, there are faster ways to get it done with the help of additive manufacturing.
Additive manufacturing which is also known as 3d printing is simply recreating a three-dimensional printed object using a 3d printer and a Computer-Aided Design of the object’s model. 3d printing has found applications in various industries such as pottery, 3d print prosthetics, prototyping of jet engines, with cosplay not being an exception.
3d printing is used to make cosplay costumes at a faster rate, with greater smoothness and less human effort required. Factors such as layer resolution, build volume, and variety when it comes to filaments have been taken into place when compiling this list.
After hours of market research and online searches, we have compiled a list of printers that can be used for this singular purpose.
Keep reading to see which printers make the list along with their specifications, pros and cons. This should guide you in your buying decision for your dedicated cosplay 3d printer.
Contents
3D Printers For Cosplay Review
There are several 3d printers in the market today capable of being used as 3d printers for cosplay. All the 3d printers listed are relatively easy to use, offer excellent print results and high-end technical features.
After several hours of online searches and market research, the best ten 3d printers capable of producing quality costumes, props, and accessories for cosplay have been compiled.
Factors such as types of filaments, print volume, ease of use and resolution, have been taken into consideration to make sure you get the best selections to print cosplay. Keep reading to find out which 3d printers in no particular order, serve as great choices for 3d printing cosplay costumes.
1. Creality CR-10s 3D Printer
Creality always seems to have a printer at hand when it comes to the DIY 3d printing niche, including cosplay. The 10S is a budget 3d printer sporting a large build volume, with more wear resistance and lesser noise.
However, note that you would be sacrificing resolution for build volume on this machine. Definitely does not make it the best 3d printer for large companies.
If you are looking to 3d print a large 3d model while also willing to forfeit some level of smoothness, then you should add the Creality CR 10s 3d printer to your list.
Specifications
- Build Volume: 300×300 x 400 mm
- Layer resolution: 400 microns
- Print speed:80 to 200mm/s
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm/0.3mm
- Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) using a single extruder
- Printer Weight: 10.3kg
- Affordable and budget friendly for DIY fans.
- Large build volume (300 x 400 mm).
- Quick printing capabilities
- Ships with a comprehensive assembly manual.
- Produces consistent prints.
- Has options to use Sli3er or Cura.
- Glass print bed is removable.
- Printing bed takes a little time to heat up.
- Prints might struggle to stick to the printing bed at times.
2. Dremel Digilab 3D20 3D Printer
Despite being a low-cost printer, the Dremel Digilab 3D20 3d printer may be affordable, but it does not match up to other printers on this list. Suited for beginners and hobbyists, it is still a great 3d printer for cosplay with a small and compact design more like that of a microwave.
This product by Dremel is also enclosed and can be used in unventilated rooms, as it filters air out so you don’t have to inhale fumes. It’s single extruder also means it can handle temperatures as high as 230 degrees centigrade. Definitely a great 3d printer for cosplay.
Specifications
- Build Volume: 250x 150x 140 mm
- Layer Resolution: 100-300 microns
- Filament diameter: 1.75 mm
- Extruder: 1
- Print Speed: 120mm/s
- Supported Materials: PLA and ABS filament
- Connectivity: USB and SD Card
- Product weight: 8.85kg
- Touch screen in the form of LCD.
- Incredibly user friendly.
- Carbon filters to serve as exhausts for air exchange.
- Produces prints of high quality, and requires minimal troubleshooting.
- Comes with an integrated camera.
- Absence of heated bed means more safety when in use
- It does not come with an auto-calibration system, so the bed-leveling has to be done manually.
- It supports only Dremel’s PLA filament.
- Loud when in use.
3. Anycubic Mega Zero 3d Printer
This is one of the best 3d printers for cosplay that manages to strike a balance between features, and costs. Chances are that you might not find a better 3d printer for cosplay that is this easy to use with above-average features at a better price.
With a bigger build volume than other printers in its price bracket, you will not have to restart your cosplay print in the case of a power outage. There is a dedicated button to pick up things where you left them in the event of a blackout. 3d printing has never been better on a budget.
Specifications
- Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modelling
- Build Volume: 220x 220x 250mm
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
- Print Speed: 100mm/s
- Printer Weight: 6.4kg
- Layer Resolution: 50-300 microns
- Printer weight: 6.4kg
- Filament material: Dremel PLA only
- Connectivity: USB and SD Card
- Requires basic programming to operate.
- Complete encasement to minimize exhaust.
- Dual Y-axis improves stability and promotes ease of use.
- New double gear extruder with strong torque allows for smoother extrusion.
- Build volume is a great bargain compared to the price.
- A scrolling dial is used, as the digital interface lacks a touchscreen.
- Better suited to apprentices and hobbyists.
4. Qidi Tech X-Maker 3d Printer
Although not the best 3d printer option on this list in terms of build volume, the Qidi Tech X-Maker compensates for this with features such as a touch screen, Wi-Fi printing, and minimal power consumption. It is also functional with TPU filament, which has a higher temperature threshold than PLA.
This would be great for 3d printing cosplay for both professionals and beginners due to the versions of Sli3er software it comes with. However, issues might occur with cooling resulting in warping when using an ABS filament. Nevertheless, cosplay 3d props still turn out just fine with this printer.
Specifications
- Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modelling
- Printing Extruder: 1
- Material Types: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, HIPS filament
- Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
- Build Volume: 170x 150x 160mm
- Layer Resolution: 50-400 microns
- Connectivity: USB and Wi-Fi
- Product weight: 22 kg
- Quiet when in operation.
- Dual interchangeable extruders.
- There are two editions of Sli3er software namely the educational and professional package.
- Filter for purifying the air.
- Wi-Fi capabilities enable remote printing.
- Sports a user-friendly 3.5-inch touch LCD screen.
- Reliable and great for creating prototypes.
- Printing speeds are slow.
- Build area is quite small when compared to other 3d printers within the same price bracket.
- Could be expensive for some.
5. LulzBot Taz 6 3D Printer
Lulzbot is a reputable brand when it comes to producing some of the best 3d printers capable of handling heavy workloads. The Lulzbot Taz 6 comes with a self-cleaning nozzle, great resolution, and self leveling bed that automatically calibrates to eliminate human error associated with leveling.
The major disadvantage with the Lulzbot Taz 6 when it comes to 3d printing, is the default software. Although the Taz 6 Sli3er software is not one of the best in the industry right now, it is still a great pick as a 3d printer for cosplay props and accessories.
Specifications
- Build Volume: 280 x 280 x250mm
- Printing Speed: 200mm/s
- Filament Diameter: 2.85mm/3.00mm
- Print Surface: Heated glass bed with PEI film
- OS Compatibility: Linux, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
- Layer Resolution: 50-500 microns
- Connectivity: USB and SD Card
- Product weight:14.3kg
- Easy to use
- Sleek and sturdy design.
- Calibration is automatic with a self-cleaning nozzle.
- High quality print bed
- Open source with great operating systems compatibility.
- Offers untethered 3d printing
- Price tag is high.
- Slightly noisy during operation
- Issues with Slicer (Con the printer.
6. Prusa 13 MK3S
This is hands down the best 3d printer for cosplay on this list. 3d printing enthusiasts looking to print cosplay props will find its large print volume, great resolution, and affordability as great selling points. The best part is that this printer in particular is open-source, meaning you can print a missing or damaged part as a replacement.
One thing which newbie printers might not find appealing is having to perform some assembly before you can print your ideal cosplay costume. Other than that, the Prusa 13 MK 3S is your go-to 3d printer for cosplay and other materials.
Specifications
- Build Volume: 250x 200x 210mm
- Layer Resolution: 50 microns
- Print Speed: 100mm/s
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Nozzle size: 0.4mm
- Connectivity: USB or SD Card
- Material types: PLA,HIPS,ABS,PET filament
- Bed is automatically self-leveling.
- LCD screen is easy to read
- Compatible with Slic3r.
- Ships with full assembly book.
- Manual assembly is required.
- Starting up may be plagued by issues resulting in troubleshooting.
7. Monoprice Maker Select PLUS
Monoprice has always made great 3d printers, and the Monoprice Maker Select PLUS is no exception. With excellent print quality, a touchscreen, and the option to use many types of filaments, this might as well be one of the best choices for 3d printing cosplay props.
The build volume is decent and the aluminum heated bed means a variety of filaments can be used. For a printer in the mid-level budget range, it is worth being on your shortlist as a reliable 3d printer for cosplay.
Specifications
- Build Volume: 200x 200x 180mm
- Layer Resolution: 100-400 micron
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Print speed: 70mm/s
- Material types: ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA filament
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
- Connectivity: USB and SD Card
- Product weight: 10kg
- Incredible print quality
- Aluminum heated bed
- Great returns on a budget printer.
- Setup and usability is quite easy
- Parts are becoming increasingly scarce.
- Noisy when in operation.
- Slower than others.
8. FlashForge 3d Printer
If you want to 3d print cosplay props and costumes as a beginner, consider this 3d printer from FlashForge. Made from ABS composite, this entry-level 3d printer is easy to use while being easy to setup. It comes with a touchscreen, a sturdy design, and has various connectivity options all on a budget.
Overall, it is a worthy pick for beginners to use as a cosplay 3d printer. A great option for those who are not so big on print volume, but just want to get their cosplay game and ideas right on a budget.
Specifications
- Printer Type: Fused Deposition Modelling
- Build Volume: 140x 140x 140mm
- Layer Resolution: 100-500 microns
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Flash Drive
- Product Weight: 11kg
- Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
- Supported Filament: PLA
- Features 3.5 inch touchscreen for easy operation.
- Non-heated build plate
- Offers various connectivity options
- Strong build and construction offer reliable and great prints.
- Compatible with various third-party software such as Sli3er and 3D Max.
- Small print volume
- Limitation when it comes to filament types.
- No support for automatic bed leveling
9. BIBO 3D Printer
Also known as the Bibo Touch 2 Laser, this is one of the 3d printers that stand out from other printers on this list. With a laser-engraving module, full-color touch screen, filament sensors, and other great features, it is a worthy contender for the best 3d printer on this list.
However, all these fancy features do not come cheap, as you have to fork out over 800 dollars for this machine. Except for the glass plate instead of metal, this printer by Bibo is sure to find use among many in the 3d printing business.
Specifications
- Printer Type: Fused Deposition Modelling
- Build Volume: 214x 186x 160mm
- Nozzle Size: 0.4mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Materials: PLA, ABS and PETG filament
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and USB
- Weight: 16kg
- Layer Resolution: 50-300 micron
- Offers support for various filament types
- Offers somewhat large print volume.
- Supports multiple operating systems (Cura, Simplify3D, Repetier-Host)
- Recover print in case of a power outage
- Comes equipped with two extruders and laser engraving on a wide range of materials such as metal and wood filament.
- Glass bed is removable
- Wi-Fi control is also available, which means files can easily be transferred from laptop to printer
- Could be quite expensive for some.
- Printing bed could have been made from metal instead of glass.
- Print volume could have been larger for a 3d printer of this price.
10. Sindoh 3DWOX 1
Sindoh’s 3d WOX 1 3d Printer is unarguably one of the best 3d printers around for those who want to print cosplay armor and other accessories. Released in 2018, 3d printing with this machine is convenient due to features such as LED lighting for visibility in a dull room, remote control, connectivity options, and an enclosed design.
1,500 dollars might be on the high side, but you can be assured that this will be one of the best 3d printers for cosplay which those with deep pockets can get their hands on. Sindoh has other models such as the Sindoh 3dWOX with a 228X 200 X 300 mm build volume, for 3d printing professionals looking for a larger print volume.
Specifications
- Build Volume: 210x 200x 195mm
- Printer Type: Fused Deposition Modelling
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Layer Resolution: 50-400 microns
- Connectivity: Ethernet, USB and Wi-Fi
- Filament Types: PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG
- Weight: 20.6 kilograms
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.40mm
- 5 inch touchscreen display for easier usability and control in priting process.
- Sensor to detect when the filament is about to run out.
- Plug and play setup
- Remote control monitoring capabilities
- Easy to use with great print quality and minimal noise.
- Compatible with different filaments for use in the printing process.
- Noticeable lag between activity on the printer, and what is seen on the application.
- Mobile app has limitations
- Flexible and soft materials cannot be 3d printed.
3D Printers For Cosplay Props & Accessories Printing
Other worthy mentions that could be considered as a reliable 3d printer for cosplay props and accessories printing include the following:
Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D
Specifications
- Printer type: Fused Deposition Modelling
- Build volume: 220 x 220 x 300mm
- Print speed: 60 mm/s
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
- Filament diameter: 1,75mm
- Connectivity: USB and SD Card
- Filament types: PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU
- Layer Resolution: 100 microns
- Solid build
- Excellent print quality
- USB port is reasonably positioned at the front of the machine.
- No sensors to detect when filament runs out
- Print bed is unstable
LONGER LK1 Pre-Assembled 3d printer
Specifications
- Build volume: 300x 300x 400mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
- Filament type: PLA, ABS, HIPS, PETG, Wood
- Print Speed: 20-150 mm/s
- Product weight: 14.2kg
- Connectivity: SD Card, USB Cable
- Layer resolution: 100 microns
- Extra large build volume of 300 x 300 x 400mm
- Printing continues from the last point in the event of a blackout
- Easy to assemble and use with a 2.8-inch touch screen.
- No connectivity via Wi-Fi.
- Large 3d printer
- Dremel Digilab 3D 45 Printer
Dremel Digilab 3D 45 Printer
Specifications
- Build volume: 254x 152x 170mm
- Printer type: FDM & FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication)
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Layer resolution: 50 microns
- Material type: ABS, PLA, Nylon filament
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
- Integrated camera and 5-inch touch screen
- Carbon filters serving as air exhausts.
- Produces high-quality prints
- Weight is on the heavy side
- Bed leveling has to be done manually.
Conclusion
Deciding to get the best printer could be a difficult one for shoppers, not to mention narrowing it down to the best 3d printer for cosplay which has specific technical requirements.
Key factors to be considered include build volume or print bed size, print resolution, slicing software, filament type and ease of use as some users might be newbies to the business of 3d printing.
There is also the question of cost, and purchasing a printer with features commensurate with the cost. There is a printer for entry-level, mid-level, and those willing to even spend above 1000 dollars to get their hands on the best 3d printers for cosplay.
You’ll have to carry out your own research before deciding to finally make a purchase. There are lots of articles on this site which cater specially to all things relating to 3d printing. Also consider safety and ease of use, as you get ready to bring those crazy design ideas like 3D Iron Man suits or Star Wars costumes.
