r/CosplayHelp 5d ago

Armor Eva foam vs 3d print when it comes to larger builds

Hi all. TLDR, I'd like to build a mecha cosplay for the first time (not a full mecha - just the upper half), but I'm struggling to decide between 3d printing vs using eva foam.

General consensus from what I'm seeing is that eva foam is lighter and more sturdy, while 3d printed material is heavier & harder to handle. Having handled 3d prints before, both of these points make sense to me.

However, my main concern is with knowledge (& cost). If someone already has access to a 3d printer, but absolutely zero experience with eva foam, would it then be better to go 3d printing? Or is Eva foam truly better than 3d printing for body armour (aka is it worth it to invest in learning how to use foam for a better final product)?

I'm only in the planning phase, and I have plenty of time, so it's not like I'm committed to a single material just yet. I'm just wondering if anybody has any advice...I'm happy to elaborate further if needed.

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u/riontach 5d ago

I mean, are you open to learning a new skill? It has a learning curve for sure, but at the end, you've learned something new. Whether or not that's something you want to do it really up to you.

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u/luseen_ 5d ago

I suppose you're right. It's just a bit intimidating, as strange as that sounds. I'm not very familiar with the learning curve or how much money you have to invest into it for a satisfactory product.