3D Printing & Cosplay

I love to create fun costumes for cosplay using what I've learned from my engineering background. One of which cosplays comes from a game called Pokémon where I created the tail of legendary Pokémon called "Zeraora".

The Design Process

Creating a 3D printed cosplay prop involves several steps, from concept to final product. Here's my process for creating the Zeraora tail:

Research & Reference Gathering

  1. Collect reference images from multiple angles
  2. Study the character's movement and physics
  3. Determine scale and proportions

3D Modeling

  1. Create base geometry in CAD software
  2. Add details and textures
  3. Ensure printability with proper wall thickness

Slicing & Printing

  1. Segment model into printable parts
  2. Configure print settings for strength and detail
  3. Print each segment (often takes several days)

Assembly & Finishing

  1. Remove support structures carefully
  2. Join segments with adhesives or mechanical fasteners
  3. Test fit and make adjustments
  4. Create mounting system for wearability

Materials & Tools

3D Printing Materials

For the Zeraora tail, I primarily used PLA filament due to its ease of printing and rigidity. The bright yellow color was perfect for this Pokémon character, and the material holds detail well.

Design Software

I used SOLIDWORKS for the initial design, leveraging my engineering background to create a structurally sound model that could be worn comfortably while maintaining the character's aesthetic.

Printing Equipment

The tail was printed on a smaller printer with a build volume of 16.14 x 16.14 x 18.31 inches. I had to design the tail to have multiple parts that could be glued together to create the complete tail.

Finishing Supplies

After printing, I focused on carefully removing the tree supports from the tail, which was an interesting challenge. The natural finish of the PLA filament provided the vibrant yellow color needed for the character.

Gallery

Zeraora Tail Side View

Side view of the 3D printed Zeraora tail

Zeraora Tail Rear View

Rear view showing the attachment mechanism

3D Printing Tutorial

This tutorial covers the basics of 3D printing for cosplay props, including material selection, printer settings, and post-processing techniques for achieving professional-looking results.

Data Visualization

While not directly related to 3D printing, here's an interactive visualization of Oregon's Respiratory Virus Data:

This visualization shows trends in respiratory viruses in Oregon, demonstrating how data can be presented interactively.

Try My Snake Game

I've created a simple Snake game using JavaScript. Give it a try!

Play Snake Game
Back to Professional PortfolioBack to Top
↑