Batman/Generic Superhero Armor fabric build using 3d printed parts

[bane2585]

Been wanting to try this ever since the Arkham knight pics surfaced, showing the articulated segments of the batsuit. Leaning towards many small 3d printed pieces that closely fit together to form an armor that will be mounted on a 4 way stretch fabric suit. I have a basic design for the armor and will adapt it to a batsuit, but it can be used for any hero (or villain), I suppose. I want to make everything from ABS because it mounts nicely and is light weight, I also have a flexible filament called ninja filament, that I might try. Looking to coat everything in plastidip and plastidip metalizer and finally add battle damage. So far I have a general design and have printed these parts, I will add some of the printed pics later on.... would love some feed back on the way to make this a fun project.

 

[silvermask]

I have been making a few small pieces for my SWTOR costume and have looked at making some armor pieces for the chest and stomach area. What printer do you use?

 

[bane2585]

I have some progress pics to share. I have the main pieces of the chest armor printed. I am currently printing smaller detailed filler pieces. When those pieces are finished I will have some more pic updates. Once the general layout is put together, I will start designing the finishing work and hopefully by then this project will start to come together a little better.



As for the breast plates, I wanted a more wrapped around 3d look, so I segmented the print and glued it for some dimension. It fits perfectly around the chest. I am also going to wrap the ribs on the sides using the same method.

I have been making a few small pieces for my SWTOR costume and have looked at making some armor pieces for the chest and stomach area. What printer do you use?

I have a solidoodle 4 printer, so that's what I use.

 

[bane2585]

Ok so I have a progress pic. This is still a very rough model but I want to see the looks and functionality of the armor mounted, before I move on with the build. The armor is printed in low resolution so you can see the striations in the ABS. I am waiting on a 3d printer pen and an acetone pen in the mail. These coupled with the higher resolution of the print should make for a nice outcome.

As for this trial print, the armor has been printed in low resolution and generally cleaned up. It was sprayed with gunmetal plastidip and then sprayed with plastidip metalizer and then a bat symbol was painted on along with silver for the chest bolts. So far I think it looks good, but I am up for suggestions. Once I get it mounted to a shirt and check the functionality, I will continue printing the rest of the uppers armor and mount it. Once I have a fully functional upper, I will reprint everything in better resolution and clean it up much better.

 

[SimonW]

I like the concept a lot but the design seems a bit off to me. The pectoral armor I really like, but it doesn't look like it will allow for much arm movement. The way it extends out sideways so much isn't going to allow you to move your arms forward. Maybe I'm just picturing it wrong, but it looks like that will be an issue. Also, the design of those upper plates have a cool industrial armor type look, but the abs don't match that styling. To me, the ab plates resemble the way Rob Liefeld draws abs, and that is a BAD thing in my book. I think if you carried over the harder edge look of the upper plates into the abs, it would look more cohesive, or take it the other direction and make the pectoral armor match the rounded abs.

 

[bane2585]

I like the concept a lot but the design seems a bit off to me. The pectoral armor I really like, but it doesn't look like it will allow for much arm movement. The way it extends out sideways so much isn't going to allow you to move your arms forward. Maybe I'm just picturing it wrong, but it looks like that will be an issue. Also, the design of those upper plates have a cool industrial armor type look, but the abs don't match that styling. To me, the ab plates resemble the way Rob Liefeld draws abs, and that is a BAD thing in my book. I think if you carried over the harder edge look of the upper plates into the abs, it would look more cohesive, or take it the other direction and make the pectoral armor match the rounded abs.

Thanks for the input. I think the pics may be a bit deceiving because the pectoral armor fits like a glove. Without the contour it wouldnt fit my chest properly, guess its just my body build. I do agree the abs need some work. I like the straight edge effect of the rib armor, and i think i will carry that on to the abs, but i wanted to print it for funcionality first and then play with the desgin a bit. In reality, i dont have a master plan, just a general idea, and i wanted to see where it went from there. Thanks, and I would love to hear further suggestions.

 

[bane2585]

So I updated the ab armor, and I feel much better about it now. It should be printed in the next few days. I started working on the shoulder armor and that will take some trial and error to get it to mold and fit right to my shoulders but its a WIP. I also added my design for a utility belt. I have the pouch and buckle designed now. I am going to design some canisters and links next. Its a remake of the arkham asylum/city belt.



Let me know what you think and further recommendations. The last one really turned things around in a good way. Thanks simonW

 

[SimonW]

So dope! Disliked the first design, LOVE the update!! Those abs look sick, design is totally cohesive. I'm still skeptical about how the chest plate will rest XD but I do trust you it fits. Do you have any clearer design pics for the shoulders? love to
better see the direction your taking them. The belt is also looking great.

- - - Updated - - -

Oh, also, what is your planned color scheme for the costume? Grey armor? That's my preference.

 

[bane2585]

Here are some updated pics. I have the armor sitting on a dri-fit shirt to simulate the effect im going for. Now that I have a 3d printer pen, I have found a few little tricks to adding texture to fabric using abs and/or flexible abs. I will trial and error a few things and have a textured base shirt for the armor to mount on. I also printed, molded and casted the belt. its a beast but that's the look i'm going for .... its going to be hella weathered with some battle damage. I also found the pants I want to use with the suit.... any suggestions or comments?

 

[weaponx82]

I'm liking what you're doing here. Any new updates?

 

[Rickhemingway]

It's looking great so far!

 

[justy]

very cool:cool