Best 3D Printer for ST Armor Set

[DaOlDrtyNoNo]

Hi,

 

Can someone provide 3D printers they would recommend for printing all the parts necessary to make an entire Storm Trooper armor set? And please provide a brief explanation as why you prefer the one you recommend over other 3D printers? Thank you in advance! 

Edited January 22, 2025 by DaOlDrtyNoNo

[kman[TK]]

You want to resin print Stormtrooper armor?

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

There is only 1 set of OTTK 3D files I know of LINK, many purchase ABS armor as it is more durable and plenty of makers out there so rare you see a printed version. With any files they must meet 501st base standards for approval so I would also check that.

 

In regards to what to buy, how long is a piece of string!, there are so many out there, you can have issues with any of them, it takes some time to find the sweet spot in regards to printing some pieces. 

 

My last purchase was a FDM Anycubic Kobra 2 max 420 x 420 x 500, I've had no major issues so far, although some pieces I've had to realign due to fine supports letting go, and use a different software package than I used to as this machine just does not like Cura. I started 3D printing with 2 Cocoon machines they were 210 x 210 x 240, had to split a lot of parts but managed to print a full battle droid with them.

 

I was gifted 2 Creality LD-002R resin printers from a fellow member and they have different quirks and issues that FDM's don't, they are small so I only use for detail pieces, one thing I do find though is resin is not as tough as plastic, depending on what part it is and were you use it, all a learning curve. 

 

Other things to keep in mind is price, shipping and support as well as cost between resin and filament.

 

Lots of discussions builds from different make printers on Facebook, I would highly recommend doing some research in those, I've read horror stories with some printers while some have absolutely no issues with the same machine. 

 

Like any Stormtrooper build research is the key  

 

Have a read of this thread for what others use 

 

 

 

[themaninthesuitcase[Admin]]

For an Original Trilogy Stormtrooper I would highly recommend getting a vac formed kit. It will be far less work, more accurate and probably cheaper too.

 

For a First Order Stormtrooper there's a couple of options I believe for files. Again a lot of work to do this. You'll really want something big as its the seams where you join parts that end up being the biggest headache.

 

Glens FDM suggestions above look like solid picks, I have no large printer experience.  You could go resin but start adding 0s in material costs (especially if you pick the more suitable tough resins) and the machines get pricy fast as well once you get past the "Saturn" size class.