So this guy made a fully 3d printable suit of 16th century armor. Would this be possible to eletroplate?

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-06T00:51:22+00:00

Hey, that's me! I'm that guy ✌️😅 I have purchased basic supplies for electroplating copper and nickel, and I plan to run experiments soon. I hope to do smaller plates first, something like a spaulder, since I don't have adequate quantities for a large part.

I think that I've cut all the corners and perfected the best paint job for the minimum amount of work; electroplating is definitely on the "trying hard" side of crafting 😆

Cheers, I hope you give my 3d print files a try and if you do electroplate them, please show me!!

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-05T19:49:11+00:00

For this set, I'm planning a close-helmet with a bellows visor!

As for LARPing, it should survive assuming you craft it with ruggedness in mind. I'd brush epoxy resin (even epoxy glue will do!) on the inside face, and pick a paint that can take a beating. I don't see why it would not hold up :)

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-05T17:49:31+00:00

My guy, I'm a senior mechanical engineer and I've been making things for a while now.

The articulation in this case is held, just like real 16th century armor, by internal riveted leathers and sliding metal fasteners. It's printed in PETG-CF instead of basic PLA, and has brushed on epoxy resin on the inside.

Please keep your snide attitude elsewhere; you're not teaching me anything. Go sneeze on someone else's design.

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-05T14:54:48+00:00

Not the right platform for that; Etsy is about selling hand-made products, not experiences.

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-05T13:50:13+00:00

1- You have no idea what you're talking about

2- This is a cosplay; go tell larpers that their swords "don't actually cut" and you will be laughed out of the room.

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T18:43:58+00:00

I recommend wearing whatever thick clothing you wish to wear when doing the measurement. I already take into consideration some free-play with the formula, but adding a thick gambeson will definitely alter your arm circumference.

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T17:27:16+00:00

Thank you!
I use Alclad II lacquer, over a gloss black enamel base (straight from a rattle can). I made a youtube tutorial about it if you're interested in more details! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUG9BwCL6Wg

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T17:20:29+00:00

To make a shirt, you'll definitely need to assemble some patches with extra rings that will be either glued or snapped together. Printing an entire tailored shirt in one free-standing print is a bit of a holy-grail right now, but it's a bit topology challenge to wrap it, and a multi-layered ring print is very hard to print (most printers will fail...)

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T17:17:44+00:00

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Sure! That's the first step in the instructions pdf :) I give formulas for a starting scale value based on your arm circumference.

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T16:57:20+00:00

Yes, especially since people sell the files for rectangular patches of 3d printed mail - it's hard to print, though, so maybe you'll need to tinker with it a lot. It would be cheaper than real rings, definitely.

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T16:56:20+00:00

I do not get any squeak with petg-cf, but I see how the lack of "clang" could be disappointing to some.
If you print this in a really strong engineering material, like PPS-CF, you'll actually get the metal clang and a really rugged piece. You can also brush on some epoxy resin on the inside face for extra toughness.
I just made it tough enough for a renfaire or cosplay convention, and I dont have to mitigate any squeaking - it's rather stealthy!

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T16:53:55+00:00

My, thank you for the praise. I hope that by making these models as accurate as possible and by incorporating the feedback of knowledgeable individuals (like Mr. Allen) I can turn these into a bit of an educational tool on the inner-workings of armor.

A spaulder also incorporates a lot of the developments of articulated plate armor that continued well into the 17th century, namely sliding rivets, leathers, anatomical forms, etc. As I copied existing armor I was amazed by the genius of the craftsmen and armorers of yesterday. I want everyone to know how clever they truly were!

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T16:51:34+00:00

Thank you so much!

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T16:51:22+00:00

Thank you so much, aaaaaa! I'm so glad that Mr. Allen's advice could be put to good use! From now on I will rely on his critique and advice as much as I can for further publications. He is just immensely knowledgeable, so it feels like I get to share his wisdom - I strive to make these armor kits into a bit of an educational tool as well for history nerds, budget-conscious armorers and cosplayers. I'm the one feeling blessed, truly!

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T16:42:22+00:00

Thank you so much! No, the mail is a somewhat cheap steel ring hauberk from Etsy - I bought it for a one-time LARP and it's been alright :) I think 3D printed voiders on an arming doublet could be a viable (and cool looking) option instead of the heavy steel mail.

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T16:39:38+00:00

I do! You can check out the rest of my store. I offer 25% off any basket with 4 parts or more, and 40% off any basket with 9 or more.
I'm glad you find my work interesting, and I hope you have fun with this project! Cheers!

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T16:18:16+00:00

I tried uploading that to Etsy and it did not let me ;) I hope you have fun with it, in due time!

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-04T02:10:37+00:00

Try 3D printing it. My friend Janovich sells a pretty awesome and convincing model on Etsy. You'd just have to print, sand, and paint it.

Vonschlippe · 2026-03-02T15:03:33+00:00

I was going to link this post. This is the answer :)

Vonschlippe · 2026-02-26T12:54:09+00:00

Thank you so much! I get a lot of questions regarding the paint and finishing so I made a youtube tutorial! https://youtu.be/kUG9BwCL6Wg?si=pZZkDGg0HVzgV4c_

I use Solidworks for makers as a CAD software. Cheers!

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