#✅ - Modeling and Printing Full Armor Set from Scratch

7 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

eternal wasp
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Hi,

I’m starting a pretty ambitious project: a nearly fully 3D printed set of Shardplate armor from the Stormlight Archive. Since there aren’t really models for it yet, I’m planning to model it entirely in Blender.
I’ve been using Blender for a few years, and I’m confident I can make the model — it’s more the workflow I need help with. I don’t want to just start making parts without a plan and end up wasting time.
I made a scale-accurate 3D model of myself using Blender and MetaHuman Creator. I’m 15, and I have a pretty small waist, so I think I can pull off decent proportions. I also have access to Fusion 360 and the Adobe Suite through school, just in case that’s useful.
I’ve made four Halloween costumes before (foam + some 3D printed parts), but this is the first one I’m committing more than 3 months to. I’m using a MK3S+, which might be a bit outdated, and I’ve been bingeing Frankly Built’s videos for guidance — the latest one inspired me to reach out and get help before diving in.
Here are a few of the things I need help with:
Where do I even begin? Sketches, blockouts, joint planning first?

How do you choose where to split parts (for printing, flexibility, paint, etc.)?

How do I keep it light and strong? Where do I reinforce or reduce?

How do I align and scale all parts to my body accurately?

Any tips for wearability, flexibility, or interior comfort?

There are a couple canon sketches of the armor, but it's mostly inconsistent fanart. I want to create my own version that’s more grounded in canon.
Honestly, the most useful thing would be a walkthrough of how an experienced modeler tackles something like this — from planning to final model. That would likely answer most of my current questions, and probably a bunch I haven’t thought of yet. As I begin modeling, I’m sure more will come up. I attached the references I could find, and I’m happy to provide any more info if needed.
Thanks in advance for any help!

Armor_references.png
unreal cairnBOT
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Hey @eternal wasp, thank you for contributing to this forum.
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fringe lintel
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The alignment and scaling, particularly since you plan on modeling in blender yourself. I would definately measure and model yourself in blender first and fit the armor to that.

For functional armor like that, split it along actual plates and overlap them like you would with real steel.

The actual modeling part, I suck at blender so cant help there. Nikko industries has quite a few guides that could be helpful but most of them are behind a pay wall.

eternal wasp
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Ok thanks. I already have the 3d model of myself, and it is dimensionally accurate. I appreciate the tip

eternal wasp
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I just finished checking out Nikko industries and it seems more aligned with teaching basic to intermediate blender skills more than explaining workflows.

tame path
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Hello

unreal cairnBOT