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Last updated: November 16, 2020
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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.
"This printer has a large printing area, combined with the compatibility with ten filament materials and a fair price.High print speed and resolution.Filament run-out sensor.Resume printing."
"This 3D printer sports the largest build volume on our list, allowing you to create your perfect costume.Easy-to-use interface.Works well with several filaments.Quick assembly."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
This seems like the right place to kick off this review. The Creality CR-10S 3D Printer is a popular choice amongst Cosplay enthusiasts because of its attractive price point and its convenient large build capacity.
Coming in at 15.7″ x 11.8″ x 11.8″ making props and other cosplay accessories will never be easier. Even more, the printer comes preassembled with a filament run-out sensor that will automatically pause your print any time your filament runs out.
Plus, the printer utilizes the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology that uses continuous filament via a spool. With it, you can forget the pain that comes with losing power during a print session, especially when doing the large prints. Its resume function will allow you to pick up from where you left.
The only downside to this printer is that it will give you great quality prints but will not capture the fine details. Its build plate can also get a little uneven, forcing you to put in a bit more work in leveling the bed.
What are its best features? The printer’s filament run-out sensor and resume functionality are a huge plus. It is also fairly priced for its large build size not to mention its compatibility with 10 different printing materials.
What could be improved? You will have a hard time leveling the printer’s bed as its build plate gets uneven at times.
3D printers with a huge build volume are notorious for hefty price tags. You have to dig deep into your pockets for the privilege of owning one. Luckily there are a few savior models like the ANYCUBIC Chiron Semi-auto Leveling 3D Printer that defy that norm. You will spend less than 500 bucks and still get a wide range of features found on other high-end models.
The most distinguishing feature of this printer is its enormous build volume. With 15.75” x 15.75” x 17.72” you can easily work on large scale models. Plus, its printing platform is compatible with so many filaments.
Even more, the printer features a full-color touch display with an intuitive user interface on which you can control your printer’s settings and easily operate it.
Also featured is a filament sensor that alerts you whenever you run out of filament or if it breaks amid printing. You will also get to enjoy high print accuracy between 0.002 and 0.012 inches thanks to the printer’s short distance extruder that allows you to easily pry melted filaments off the cold platform.
What we like: This is a fantastic chance to print large models easily and at a low cost. Its high level of accuracy and easy-to-use interface make it a prime option for anyone who just picked up cosplay as a hobby. Its compatibility with a wide assortment of filaments is also a huge plus.
What could be improved? The only thing that might turn you off on this printer is its need for assembly before use and the tedious bed leveling. Its fans are also pretty loud and that can be annoying.
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 are our favorite features? 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.
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 makes it special? 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 cons did we find? Loading the filament can be a tad frustrating because of a tiny opening that doesn’t have a guiding chamber.
Looking to invest in your maiden printer? The Dremel Digilab 3D 20 is a solid bet. Its petite build and great online support are a good place to start for a newbie.
The printer comes preassembled, all you have to do is level the bed and load the filament then you’re good to get started. Its small build platform offers a good 9″ x 5.9″ x 5.5″ build volume which is perfect for any 3D printing beginner.
The printer features a colored touchscreen that helps you configure your printing needs hassle-free with so much excitement.
With a layer resolution of 100 microns and an impressive speed of 100m/s, you will be getting top-quality small model prints at a fairly first rate. Though you will get better results if slow things down a notch.
The only downside to this printer is that it only supports Dremel’s PLA filament. Adventurous hobbyists will be highly disappointed with this limitation.
What makes it stand out? The Dremel 3D 20 has lots of exciting features that make it a prime option for beginners. It offers reliable quality control, and a super-easy to use interface with an LCD touch screen. Its durable build and many other first-rate functional features explain its not-so-cheap price point.
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind? The printer has a closed system that limits your options for modifying it. It also gets very noisy and is only compatible with one filament.
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 do we love it for? 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 were we disappointed with? The build volume of this 3D printer is not the largest out there. Also, it’s quite noisy as compared to some other models.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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. Our top recommendation is the Creality CR-10S 3D Printer. Its compatibility with multiple kinds of filaments, quiet operation, and large build volume went unmatched.
Our second best recommendation is the ANYCUBIC Chiron Semi-auto Leveling 3D Printer. Its high-power heated bed, easy user-interface, and a full year’s warranty set it apart from the rest. It is also compatible with a couple of standard filaments like ABS, HIPS, PLA, and WOOD.
Our third choice, the Creality Ender 5 Pro 3D Printer is the best 3D printer you can get for the money. It boasts a good-looking durable build and improved filament tubing. Its silent mainboard guarantees you quiet printing, positioning it high among the best 3D printers for Cosplay in the industry.
