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Best 3D Printer for Cosplay: 5 High-Tech Money-Saving Picks

Cosplaying your favorite characters can be one of the best feelings in the world.

It’s also a lot more popular than you might think with huge cosplaying communities across different social media platforms, plenty of cosplaying events worldwide, and a huge amount of cosplaying culture that you can become a part of.

Whether you buy your cosplay outfit or make it yourself, it’s all about bringing the image of the character to life in your own individual way.

Some characters can be a lot harder than others with extravagant props and weapons that might be hard to find in the market or too expensive for your budget.

If you’re serious about cosplaying and your characters tend to have weapons or props, you might want to invest in a 3D printer that can bring them to fruition without you having to search for them online at a high price.

With a 3D printer, you can create various different parts for your cosplay outfit as well as props and weapons so that you can truly embody the character of your choice!

It also means that you’ll be able to craft those pieces by yourself, from home, so that you have many more possibilities for creating the cosplays you have in mind.

There are plenty of 3D printers available in today’s market as they are becoming more and more popular for home use.

However, for your cosplaying, you will need a high-quality 3D printer that is able to create your designs with precision and care so that all of your props are perfect.

I’ve compiled a list with my top five picks for the overall best 3D printers for cosplay, so why not take a look through them!

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In a hurry?

If you want to complete your cosplay outfit with all the right props and weapons so that you 100% embody the character of your choice, you’re going to need a high-quality 3D printer that can do the job to a high standard.

If you’re in a hurry, we recommend you check out our number one top choice: the Monoprice 15365 Select Mini 3D Printer.

The Monoprice 15365 Select Mini 3D Printer is my top choice for many reasons.

It also seems to be a top choice among customers as it has an overwhelming amount of positive reviews and ratings to back its quality and efficiency.

It is able to support all filament types, meaning you can craft your cosplay props and weapons from whichever material you want.

This 3D printer arrives fully assembled and is super easy to use with an easy-to-read LCD color display screen.

As it has a compact desktop design, it’s small enough to fit on your desk with ease, and it can easily be stored away when not in use.

It also arrives with a sample PLA filament and a MicroSD card with some pre-installed models so that you can start printing to test it out as soon as it arrives!

Here are the main features:

  • It supports all filament types.
  • Compact desktop design – small and convenient.
  • Max extruder temperature of 485 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Arrives fully assembled with some sample PLA filament and a MicroSD card.
  • Easy-to-read LCD color display screen – very easy to use, manual included.
  • Compatible with all setups and with different software.

Review of The Best 3D Printers for Cosplay

#1 3D Printer For Cosplay: Monoprice 15365 Select Mini 3D Printer

Monoprice 121711 Select Mini 3D Printer V2 - Black With Heated (120 x 120 x 120 mm) Build Plate, Fully Assembled + Free Sample PLA Filament And MicroSD Card Preloaded With Printable 3D Models
  • The heated build plate and wide range of extruder temperatures allow this printer to work with...
  • Compact Desktop Design: Featuring a small footprint and basic, open frame design, this 3D...

The Monoprice 15365 Select Mini 3D Printer is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a top-quality 3D printer for all your cosplaying needs.

It has plenty of positive reviews and ratings from all the satisfied customers, and it has made it to the top of my list thanks to its many features and efficiency.

It features a heated build plate and a wide range of extruder temperatures, meaning it can support all filament types, allowing you to craft your props and weapons with different materials.

With its compact desktop design, it can easily fit on your desk as well as being easy to store away when not in use.

It also arrives fully assembled, meaning it’s ready to use as soon as you receive it.

It also includes some sample PLA filament and a MicroSD card with some pre-installed models, so that you can test it out immediately!

The sample filament diameter is 1.75 milimeters with a size of about 10 feet in a clear, natural color.

With Micro USB and MicroSD card connectivity, and with it being compatible with both PC and Mac, it is ideal for any setup you are able to have.

It is also compatible with many software systems, including Cura and Repetier.

The maximum Extruder temperature is 485 degrees Fahrenheit.

The easy-to-read color LCD screen makes it very easy to use, and the product also comes with a full manual to ensure you know exactly what you’re doing.

Overall, it’s an excellent product that delivers excellent results, and it will upgrade your cosplaying to make it perfect!

Likes:

  • It supports all filament types.
  • Compact desktop design – small and convenient.
  • Max extruder temperature of 485 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Arrives fully assembled with some sample PLA filament and a MicroSD card.
  • Easy to read LCD color display screen – very easy to use, manual included.
  • Compatible with all setups and with different software.

Dislikes:

  • Not easy to disassemble if needed.

Other Great 3D Printers For Cosplay

Runner-Up: Flashforge 3D Printer Creator Pro

FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro, Metal Frame Structure, Acrylic Covers, Optimized Build Platform, Dual Extruder W/2 Spools, Works with ABS and PLA
  • Full manufacturer's warranty fulfilled by Flashforge, and free email support provided by expert...
  • A sturdy metal frame that is substantially more stable than the Creator's original wood...

The Flashforge 3D Printer Creator Pro is a close second on my list of top picks.

It’s an absolute favorite among cosplayers thanks to how easy it is to use and how efficiently it creates whatever props or add-ons you need to complete your outfit.

It has a sturdy metal frame that allows it to be highly durable and very stable while in use, meaning it is able to withstand regular use with no problems whatsoever.

It also has a build volume of 8.9 x 5.8 x 5.9 inches, which gives you enough space for the most common cosplay props.

An aviation-level aluminum plate that has a thickness of 6.3 millimeters helps guarantee that the surface remains flat, resisting any warping during the heating process.

It can support all of the major filament types, meaning you can craft your props from different materials as desired.

It also features an enclosed chamber that insulates and protects the ABS prints.

It has LED lights for illuminating the printing area so that you can monitor and watch the progress, and an easy-to-read LCD display screen makes it really easy to use and set up.

It is compatible with any setup, with both PC and Mac, as well as being compatible with different software options so that you’re not limited in any way!

The Flashforge 3D printer also comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty and free email support so that any problems or issues can be resolved.

Likes:

  • Amazon top-choice product.
  • Sturdy metal frame and big build volume – highly durable and long-lasting.
  • Surface protected by an aviation level aluminum plate.
  • It supports all major filament types.
  • LED lighting and an LCD display screen.
  • Includes a full manufacturer’s warranty and free email support.

Dislikes:

  • Very noisy when in use.

Dremel Digilab 3D20 3D Printer

Dremel Digilab 3D20 3D Printer, Idea Builder for Hobbyists and Tinkerers - 3D20-01
  • Countless hours of high quality printing with the most reliable low-cost 3D printer
  • Quickly and easily make your 1st print out of the box with completely pre-assembled printer,

If you’re looking for an efficient and high-quality 3D printer for cosplay, another amazing option is the Dremel Digilab 3D20 3D Printer as it is pretty popular among customers and has plenty of handy features.

It is one of the most reliable low-cost 3D printers, and it can provide countless hours of 3D printing to satisfy all of your cosplay needs and projects.

It arrives completely pre-assembled and it includes a 0.5 kilogram spool of filament and some setup instructions so that you can get printing as fast as possible.

It features a fully enclosed design with a non-heated build plate for enhanced safety when in use.

It is for PLA-only printing, and it has a third party UL safety approval, meaning it’s more than safe for use even if you’re a beginner.

It also means you can leave it printing overnight without having to worry about any possible problems, allowing the bigger projects to be finished while you sleep!

It is compatible with the brand new Dremel Digilab Slicer, which is based on the Cura software (the most popular software for 3D printing) as well as gcode files that allow you to use your favorite slicer.

It is incredibly easy to use, with a full-color LCD touch screen display for setting up the printer.

The Dremel Digilab 3D printer comes with a one-year warranty, and it offers customer service support that is known to be one of the best and most helpful.

Overall, it’s an accessible product that will get your cosplay props done to a high standard of quality, struggle free.

Likes:

  • Highly reliable low-cost 3D printer – ideal for heavy-duty use.
  • It arrived pre-assembled with a spool of filament and setup instructions.
  • Fully enclosed design with a non-heated build plate.
  • UL safety approved.
  • Easy to use with a full-color LCD touch screen.
  • One-year warranty and excellent customer service support included.

Dislikes:

  • PLA-only printing.
  • Only compatible with the Dremel Digilab accessories.

Creality CR-10S FDM 3D Printer

Creality CR-10S 3D Printer HICTOP Filament Monitor Dual Z axis Screw Rods 300x300x400mm
  • UPGRADE: CR-10S updated with dual Z axies leading screw rod which make printing quality...
  • RESUME PRINTS: CR-10S has the ability to resume prints even after a power outage or lapse...

If you’re looking for a 3D printer that is super easy to use and ideal for beginners and simple cosplaying props, the Creality CR-10S FDM 3D Printer might be the product you’re looking for.

One of the main reasons why this specific product is popular among cosplayers is that it has quite a big printing size, giving you a wider range of possibilities for bigger props.

The max printing size is 11.8 x 11.8 x 15.8 inches with the ability to make it a single print or a split and join.

Another great feature that the Creality 3D printer has is that if the power is lost or you have to suddenly stop the printing, you don’t need to worry.

It has a resume-printing function so that the project will be resumed from the last layer it was on before it was stopped, saving you time and filament!

It also has upgraded dual Z-Axis leading screws for higher precision and smoother movement, allowing the printer to work a lot faster while providing the same high-quality result.

It is ideal for beginners, but it is also used by professionals, as it is simple, yet highly efficient, with some of the best printing results.

It can support more than 10 types of filament, so you can rest assured that you can craft with different materials as desired with no issue whatsoever.

Creality is so sure of its product that it offers a 45-day refund, no questions asked, as well as providing a satisfaction service to ensure you’re happy with the product.

Likes:

  • Ideal for beginners and used by professionals.
  • Big printing size – more prop possibilities.
  • Resume-printing function so that printing continues where it was left off if the power goes out or it was stopped abruptly.
  • Fast printing with a high precision.
  • Supports over 10 filament types.
  • 45-day no-questions refund and a satisfaction service.

Dislikes:

  • Very loud when in use.

LulzBot TAZ 6 3D Printer

LulzBot TAZ 6 3D Printer
  • Self-leveling, self-cleaning, tetherless printing, and an integrated power supply make powerful...
  • A large build volume of 280 mm x 280 mm x 250 mm (11.02 in x 11.02 in x 9.8 in) enables large...

Last, but not least, on our list is another amazing option for easy 3D printing that will instantly upgrade your cosplaying possibilities: the LulzBot TAZ 6 3D Printer.

It features a large building volume of 11.02 x 11.02 x 9.8 inches, allowing you to print larger props and objects as needed.

With maximum temperatures of 572 degrees Fahrenheit, it can support a wide range of filament types and materials so that you can craft your prints from what you prefer.

The modular tool-head-carriage design allows for easy plug-and-play, making this 3D printer very easy to use.

It also features an integrated power supply for more powerful and continuous printing, meaning you can get big printing projects completed faster.

The LulzBot 3D printer is also self-leveling, self-cleaning, and provides tetherless printing, making it highly advanced for its accessible low-cost price!

It has been factory tested and proven, and it is highly reliable and efficient, ideal for beginners and for heavy-duty 3D printing projects and regular use.

It comes with free software, with no limit on installations, and it is highly compatible so that it works with whatever setup you have.

It is a simple, yet incredibly efficient, 3D printer ideal for getting your cosplays to the next level!

Likes:

  • Large building volume – ideal for bigger printing projects.
  • It supports a wide range of filament types and materials.
  • Modular tool-head-carriage design.
  • Self-leveling, self-cleaning, and provides tetherless printing.
  • Highly compatible and comes with free software, no limit on installations.

Dislikes:

  • Not as high-quality as the other 3D printing options.

Buyer’s Guide

In the cosplaying world, finding good props for your character or finding accurate duplicates of the extravagant weapons that some characters use can be quite the challenge.

If you cosplay regularly, it’s worth investing in a 3D-printing machine so that you can simply create your own, following your own choice of design so that you get the perfect cosplay prop to complete your character.

To choose the best possible 3D printer for cosplaying, I recommend you take into consideration a few basic factors and compare different products so that you make sure you’re getting the features that you want.

The Scale of Your Project

Most 3D printers that are low-cost and designed for home use tend to have smaller building capacity, as they are made for small objects and props.

However, if your cosplay requires bigger props or weapons to be printed out, you will need a larger building volume for your 3D printer.

Always check the product description for the building volume capacity.

Filament and Material Options

Different projects and props might require different materials, and therefore, you will need to print them using different filament types.

Some 3D printers can only support one or very few filament types, while others can support a lot more types.

Think about how versatile you want your 3D printer to be and what filaments you’re planning on using.

Ease of Use

Whether you’re a beginner or have some form of experience with 3D printing, it is always extremely useful for the printer to be easy to use and simple.

Look out for easy-to-read LCD display screens or intuitive operating buttons.

You should also check the compatibility with different setups and software so that you know what you can use with your 3D printer.

Is Owning a 3D Printer Worth It?

This depends on the amount of use you are planning on giving it.

If you’re just going to print the occasional prop for your cosplay, it might not be worth the investment as you could simply ask someone with a printer to help you out or look for the prop online.

However, if you regularly make a lot of different cosplay outfits and require many props for cosplay weapons that you would rather make yourself than buy elsewhere, then a 3D printer will be a lot more convenient and cheaper over time.

Still have questions about 3D printing and what your options are? Click here to find much more info, product recommendations, and helpful guides.

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