6 Best 3D Printers for Cosplay to Help You Make the Perfect Costume

By
William McCollum
William McCollum
Research Writer
William is a talented journalist who’s been working in the industry for more than 10 years. He writes for our site on a freelance basis, putting all the expert findings to read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Rogelio Coulter
Rogelio Coulter
Expert Consultant
Rogelio is a tech genius. It seems like he knows everything when it comes to “How does it work?”. He is also an incredible IT specialist and a beginning graphic designer read more
Last updated: February 28, 2024
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For the past few decades, Cosplay has increasingly piqued the interest of many hobbyists. Every Cosplay enthusiast knows that the best 3D printer for Cosplay can render them invincible as it opens up a world of seamless creativity and opportunities. In addition to creative freedom and convenient immediacy, a 3D printer will help you save a lot of money as most Cosplay outfits cost an arm and a leg. With so many brands and models flooding the market, choosing the best can be a hell of an experience.

We came up with this guide and a refined product list to help you make the best-informed choice. Some of the critical aspects we considered in our in-depth product reviews include printing speed and size, printer style, safety, and user-friendly features, and the materials you will need to print. They are important considerations because they determine the overall performance of the printer, its efficiency, and convenience.

Quick Summary

  • "Featuring a high print speed and better-than-average resolution, this printer is also incredibly quiet. Perfect for both beginners and enthusiasts. Quiet printing. A wide array of filaments."
  • Best Affordable Creality Printer: Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer
    "One of the most popular Creality 3D printers, this model comes with many great features at an affordable price. Silent motherboard. Resume printing function. Improved hardware."
  • Besy FFF 3D Printer: FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro2
    "This 3D printer only uses biodegradable and renewable PLA filaments and is easy enough to use for beginners. Acrylic build plate. Full-color LCD touch screen. Built-in cooling fan."
  • Most Versatile: Creality Ender 3 Max Neo
    "A versatile FDM 3D printer with a large build area, advanced 16-point auto-leveling, dual Z-axis motors for high-quality prints, and features like power loss recovery and a silent motherboard for an improved and reliable printing experience."
  • Most User-Friendly: Dremel DigiLab 3D40 FLEX
    "A user-friendly 3D printer with a flexible build plate, automated bed leveling, and a clog-resistant extruder, designed for both novices and professionals seeking reliable and hassle-free 3D printing."
  • The Largest Printer: ANYCUBIC Kobra Max
    "It is a large-volume 3D printer with auto-leveling and filament detection, ideal for expansive projects and seamless printing."

Top Six 3D Printers for Cosplay Review 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2905 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.9
Features
  • Print technology: FDM
  • Build volume: 11.8″x 8.7″ x 8.7″
  • Materials: PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG filaments
  • Max. print speed: 200 mm/s (7in/s)
  • Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm (0.2mm and 0.3mm compatible)
  • Resolution:1–0.4mm

Other features: durable frame; improved filament tubing; new V1.15 silent mainboard with TMC2208 drivers

This is a step-up of the Ender 5 and the most noticeable change is its box-shape design. It still shares a lot in common with its predecessor including; hackability, upgradability, modularity, and affordability. It also has a lot more extras and functionalities that set it apart as one of the best 3D printers for Cosplay.

Just like its predecessor, Ender 5 the Pro 5 has a pretty large build volume of 11.8″ x 8.7″ x 8.7″ that will give you an easy time working on large models. It is super easy to assemble, in less than an hour you’ll be good to go.

Another unique aspect of the Ender Pro 5 is its whisper-quiet printing. Its improved filament tubing also sets it apart as the best easy-to-use printer as it slides straight in and reduces any room for wiggling.

You will also achieve flawless prints thanks to the printer’s double Y-axis control system that reduces any possible vibrations associated with causing flaws in prints. The printer can produce objects with an incredible print resolution of up to 100micron.

What we liked: The printer has been priced to please and with its limitless upgradability, is perfect for both 3D printing novices and seasoned enthusiasts. You will enjoy prints with outstanding quality as the printer is quite the 3D printing workhorse with the right modulation.

What could be better: Unlike many other printers within its range, the Eder Pro 5 doesn’t feature a filament runout sensor, plus, leveling its bed can be a bit challenging for a beginner.

Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8409 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
2
Best Affordable Creality Printer

Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer

Features
  • Print technology: FDM
  • Build volume: 9.8″x 8.7″ x 8.7″
  • Materials: PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG filaments
  • Max. print speed: 180mm/s (7in/s)
  • Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm (0.2mm and 0.3mm compatible)
  • Resolution: 0.1–0.4mm

Other features: tempered carborundum glass bed; 3.4-inch HD color screen; Resume Printing Function; UL certified MeanWell power supply; silent motherboard

The Ender 3 V2 has been the slickest looking and most affordable Ender for the longest time. At a highly pleasing price point, the printer offers excellent features like a decent print volume, easy assembly, top-quality prints, and upgradability.

The printer boasts a sleeker and more streamlined 9.8″ x 8.7″ x 8.7″ build volume. It even features a drawer for storing your essentials like SD cards, flush-cutters, or cookies. Also featured is a detachable screen and belt tensioners that make it incredibly easy to use.

Thanks to improved hardware like the new stepper motor drivers, the printer produces excellent quality prints. Its motherboard is also remarkably quiet which means zero headaches after extended printing sessions.

Another noteworthy improvement is the Carborundum coated glass filament bed that improves overall adhesion of material making the surface flatter to allow you to remove prints easily.

The printer also has the resume printing function that allows you to pick up from where you left in case of a power outage.

What we liked: All considered, the Ender 3 V2 is hands down Creality’s best budget 3D printing offer. Its features won’t blow your socks off like the other high-grade models but it has a few good aspects resume printing function, storage drawer, and silent motherboard that set it apart as one of the best 3D printers for making Cosplay

What could be better: Loading the filament can be a tad frustrating because of a tiny opening that doesn’t have a guiding chamber.

Also Product Ranking:
See more...
Read full review: ender 3 v2 review
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3197 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.7
3
Features
  • Print technology: FFF
  • Build volume: 8.9″ x 5.8″ x 5.9″
  • Materials: PLA, ABS, PVA, PETG, HIPS
  • Max. print speed: 100mm/s
  • Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
  • Resolution: 100–500 microns

Other features: heating aluminum build plate; patented nozzle design; dual-color print; LCD panel; 3-month warranty

This is one of the must-have 3D printers in the industry. It has bleeding-edge features including the dual extruder, and a heated build plate that allows you to print virtually any type of material. In fact, the dual extruder allows you to print more complicated designs than printers with a single extruder.

The printer has a super-sturdy steel chassis that is not an eyesore like many other 3D printers. The steel construction plays a huge role in increasing the precision of your prints as it reduces vibrations.

Better yet, the printer features a thick 6.3mm build plate made with aerospace-grade aluminum. It does a good job of reducing the possibilities of any deformities on your prints after rigorous heating and cooling cycles. It can retain heat longer and withstand high temperatures needed to print exotic or blended filaments.

With a resolution of 100 to 500 microns, you are guaranteed high-quality and fine detailed print models.

 

    What stands out?
  • The dual extruder on this printer is the real deal. It allows you to print more filaments with different designs. Plus, you can count on it for precise prints over an extended period thanks to its super durable steel build.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The build volume of this 3D printer is not the largest out there. Also, it’s quite noisy as compared to some other models.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2021 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.6
4
Most Versatile

Creality Ender 3 Max Neo

Features
  • Print technology: FDM
  • Build volume: 15.7″x 11.8″ x 11.8″
  • Materials: PLA/ABS/PETG/Wood
  • Max. print speed: 120mm/s
  • Nozzle diameter: 0.2/0.3/0.4mm
  • Resolution:0.1–0.4mm

Other features: CR Touch, high-precision dual Z-axis, power loss recovery and filament sensor

The Creality Ender-3 Max Neo is an FDM 3D printer that boasts a substantial build volume of 11.811 x 11.811 x 12.598 inches, allowing for the printing of large 3D models or multiple smaller models simultaneously. It comes equipped with CR Touch for 16-point automatic leveling, ensuring quick and efficient bed leveling with height compensation. The printer features a dual Z-axis design with two motors, which operates smoothly and in sync to reduce the likelihood of lines and ridges on the sides of prints, thereby enhancing print quality.

Additionally, the Ender-3 Max Neo includes power loss recovery and filament sensor capabilities, which help to avoid filament waste and save time by resuming printing after power restoration or filament issues. The upgraded red metal extruder and the 32-bit silent motherboard contribute to a smoother feed and quieter operation, enhancing the overall printing experience.

    What are its best features?
  • What we liked about the Creality Ender-3 Max Neo is its large build volume and the convenience of the CR Touch automatic leveling, which can save a significant amount of time and hassle.
    What could be improved?
  • However, what we didn't appreciate as much is that despite these advanced features, there might still be a learning curve for beginners, and the open chamber design could pose difficulties in maintaining a consistent temperature for some types of prints.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6246 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
5
Most User-Friendly

Dremel DigiLab 3D40 FLEX

Features
  • Print technology: FDM
  • Build volume: 9″x 5.9″ x 5.5″
  • Materials: 75mm Dremel PLA filaments (biodegradable/ renewable)
  • Max. print speed: 100 mm/s
  • Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
  • Resolution: 100 microns

Other features: PLA-only printing; full-color LCD touch screen; acrylic build plate; UL safety certification; 1-year warranty

The Dremel DigiLab 3D40-FLX-01 stands out in the 3D printing market with its blend of user-friendly features and professional-grade capabilities. It is designed to streamline the printing process with a flexible build plate for easy removal of objects, a direct drive, all-metal extruder that resists clogging, and an automated 9-point leveling sensor for precise prints.

The printer also boasts a 3.5” color touchscreen for straightforward operation and a magnetic snap-on mechanism for the build plate, enhancing overall convenience. Encased in a sturdy plastic enclosure, this printer aims to deliver consistent results safely and efficiently. Dremel’s commitment to quality is evident in their customer service and a one-year warranty, reassuring users of support throughout their 3D printing endeavors.

    Why did it make our list?
  • We appreciate the Dremel DigiLab 3D40-FLX's focus on a seamless user experience, especially the flexible build plate that significantly eases the removal of finished prints, a common pain point in 3D printing. The automated bed leveling is another highlight, reducing manual calibration efforts.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • On the downside, the extruder's temperature limit may not accommodate some specialty filaments, which could be a limitation for users looking to experiment with a wide variety of materials.
Also Product Ranking:
6
The Largest Printer

ANYCUBIC Kobra Max

Features
  • Print technology: FDM
  • Build volume: 17.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 in
  • Materials: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG
  • Max. print speed: 180 mm/s
  • Nozzle diameter: 1.75mm
  • Resolution: 0.1 mm

Other features: high-power heated bed; LCD touch screen; modular design with quick assembly; 1-year limited warranty

The Anycubic Kobra Max 3D Printer is a device that promises to unlock the creativity of its users with a large build volume of 17.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 inches. This size is more than adequate for everyday and home use, offering a larger printing space and more creative options. It features the Anycubic LeviQ self-developed auto-leveling function, which provides an enhanced automatic leveling with a smart and precise 25-point calibration. This feature can automatically compensate for any irregularities in the hotbed, allowing for leveling and printing to be completed with just one button, simplifying the operation and enhancing the user experience.

The printer is also designed with a stronger build and higher precision, equipped with a dual screw Z-axis mobile construction that minimizes shaking, avoids step loss, and restores more model details. Additionally, it includes a filament exhaustion detection sensor, which intelligently monitors the filament supply. If the printer runs out of filament, it will automatically stop without losing the printing progress.

    Why did it make our list?
  • What we like about the Anycubic Kobra Max 3D Printer is its large build volume and the convenience of the auto-leveling feature, which can be a significant time-saver.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • However, what we don't appreciate as much is that for beginners, the setup and operation might still present a learning curve, despite the improvements in user experience.
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

To get a 3D printer that will bring out the best Cosplay props, you need to be well-informed. This section has all the pointers you would ever need to choose the best 3D printer for cosplay including what you can actually do with it and all the crucial features to consider before choosing one.

What a cosplayer can do with a 3D printer

With a 3D printer, your work as a Cosplay designer is a tad easier. There are multiple options of 3D printers on the market that can print high-quality props and costumes in record time. You don’t have to be an expert to print great cosplay models. You can always start with whatever is on the internet then build up gradually to become a creative pro.

You can make a couple of cool things with a 3D printer like armors and props. You can even print superhero costumes like superman, spiderman, and the avengers. As for props you can go as far as printing a working gun or even a shakuhachi flute.

6 Best 3D Printers for Cosplay to Help You Make the Perfect Costume

Features to consider before you buy a 3D printer for architects

These are the features any 3D printer should have to bring out the best Cosplay props and costumes.

Printer style

There are overall nine printing styles and the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is the most common style. Nearly all the printers on our product list utilize his printing style. It creates objects by heating filament which is made from various materials. When heated, the filament forms a paste that is then deposited on a line to create a layer and then many more, until a product is formed.

Materials you’ll need to print

This is a very crucial aspect to consider. For diversity, go for a printer that can print objects with different types of filaments. It should be able to work with the standard filament types like PLA, ABS, and other decorative ones like ceramics wood and metal.

There will come a time when your costumes will need a glowing feature or metallic elements on their finish and you will have to pick a filament that can print them out, hence the need for a versatile printer that can work with multiple filaments.

The Creality CR-10S 3D Printer is a prime option if you want great versatility in your work. It can work with plenty of different filaments that will add great variety to your creations.

Printing size

You have to take note of the scale of printing you will be doing so you can choose an appropriate build volume when buying a 3D printer. If you intend to print bigger props and costumes, then you have to get a printer with a large build space or volume like the Creality Ender 5 Pro 3D Printer.

If on the other hand, you will be printing small weapons like hammers, arrows, and swords then you can go for a small build volume then multiple pieces and weld them together later. Though if you can afford a printer with a large build volume you can save on time and energy.

Printing speed

The printing speed of the printer determines how much time you will be spending on making your models. For a very fast printing experience, you can go for a printer with a 200m/s speed or more. However, it is claimed that a fast speed doesn’t print fine detailed models. The best average printing speed is 100m/s and it guarantees high-quality prints. The ANYCUBIC Chiron Semi-auto Leveling 3D Printer is a prime example of a printer with a great printing speed.

Software

There are multiple 3D printing software tools out there with varying price tags and user interfaces. Most easy-to-use models are aimed at beginners and they are usually free. Just be sure to get a software that uses solid modeling so you can achieve manifold or watertight models which are 3D printable.

Most software, whether meant for professionals or amateurs usually have a free trial period and they come with free video tutorials to help you wrap your head around their functionality.

User-friendly features

3D printing is a pretty complex process that requires some skills. Getting an easy-to-use printer will save you some hassle especially if you are a beginner. There is an initial learning curve that you have to experience before you get down to business. For instance, you have to learn how the printing software works and how to get the printer’s settings like adjusting print speed and temperature right.

Another thing you should consider is how easy it is to assemble the printer as well as install the printing software. You can opt for a preassembled model like the ANYCUBIC Chiron Semi-auto Leveling 3D Printer. It would only require you to feed the filaments and level the bed then you’re good to get started.

Warranty

Just like any other machine, your 3D printer can encounter problems in its functionality and a warranty would come in handy. Go for a printer that is backed by a generous warranty so that you can easily return it to the manufacturer in case of an issue saving you on repair costs. It is also a good indicator of great product quality.

Price

6 Best 3D Printers for Cosplay to Help You Make the Perfect Costume

3D printers have varying prices depending on their build quality, brand, and the kind of features they have. The average 3D printer costs around 700 dollars while a low-budget one fit for a beginner goes for about 200 dollars. If you are looking for a more professional 3D printer, you will have to dig deeper into your pockets as you can possibly part with several thousand dollars.

As a hobbyist, any printer under 1000 dollars fits the bill.

FAQ

Can I print armor with a 3D printer?

Yes. You actually do not have to visit the town’s blacksmith for an armor anymore. With the right filament, a few files, and a good amount of creativity you can print an armor with 3D printing.

How long does it take to print an object?

This depends on your printer’s printing speed and the amount of filament used. Small objects like key chains will take about 10 to 20 minutes while objects that have a maximum size of the printer’s bed will take more than 5 hours.

What are the benefits of a heated bed?

Every Cosplayer who has used a heated bed can attest that once you try it you can never go back. The first few layers of a filament are the most crucial foundation of your final object and a heated bed does a good job of ensuring these layers are perfectly formed, solid, and stuck in place. All you have to do is find the ideal temperature for every filament.

Our verdict

As a Cosplayer, you need the best 3D printer for seamless creativity so you can create all the unimaginable props and armors out there. Getting the best 3D printer for cosplay will be such a breeze with all the tips in this guide. Better yet, you can choose any of the 6 top-rated models we have reviewed in detail.

References

1.
This flexible 3D printing material is a cosplayer's dream - CNET
Use flexible filament in your 3D printer for props that bend and flex.
2.
Resin 3D Printing in Professional Costume Making - Zortrax
Lightning Cosplay is using the Zortrax Inkspire UV LCD 3D printer for creating costumes and props for game publishers like Bethesda, or CD Projekt.
3.
Lighting Up 3D Printed Cosplay | MatterHackers
Our April 2018 Hacker of the Month, Alina Granville, uses ABS, programmable LEDs and perseverance to create amazing props and cosplay!
9,9
Total Score
Creality Ender 5 Plus 3D Printer - Editor's Choice
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