From ghosts and ghouls to vampires and demons, Halloween is a time for spooks, scares, and having loads of fun with the people you care about. Costumes and decorations are a major element of this popular holiday, and you can use your 3D printer and creative mind to raise bigger goosebumps than ever before.
So, how can you find the very best 3D printing projects for Halloween? Let’s take a look at some of the best free projects we’ve been able to find across the web to give you inspiration and get you started with your project.
1. 3D Printed Masks
Masks are often the main feature of the best Halloween costumes that you see during this part of the year. Wearing a mask will transform your look, and can form the base of a great costume. We’ve found a few masks that we really like, but you can explore the web to find the specific mask you’re looking for.
This Dark Mask by BQEducacion on Thingiverse is a great example of a super spooky mask project for your Halloween costume. With a hinged jaw, this mask can move with your mouth for an eerie effect.
Maybe you would prefer to venture into a Galaxy Far Far Away with this realistic Kylo Ren mask by Gcrocker. Or, if you would rather, you can even go back in time to the dark ages with options like this stylized Plague Doctor mask by Thelastreturn.
3D printing masks can be challenging. You need to use supports to ensure that the mask is printed properly, while also choosing a material that won’t warp during the printing process. PLA can be ideal for this, though some people choose PETG for the extra strength and water resistance.
2. 3D Printable Costume Accessories
Costume accessories can also be a good use of your 3D printer. It can be very hard to find specific costume parts online, but your 3D printer can make just about anything you like. We’ve found a couple of good examples of costume accessories, though you will need to do some hunting if you already have a specific costume in mind.
The first 3D printed costume accessory we’re looking at is a Collapsable Pirate Sword by 3DPrintingWorld. This project can be printed as a single piece, making it possible to print with just about every printer on the market.
If the Grim Reaper is more your style, you could look at this Scythe Head project by Peacedog7. You will need a stick to attach the head to, but this is a great way to create a scythe that will be safe to carry with you on your Halloween adventures. This project comes in separate pieces to make it nice and easy to print.
It’s always worth considering materials when you are making items like this. Flexible filaments like TPU can be great for items that you will wear, while options like PETG can be perfect for prints that will be used outside. Most importantly, you need to ensure that your prints are strong enough to last the whole night.
3. 3D Printed Halloween Decorations
Much like during the Christmas season, people often decorate their homes over Halloween. Owning a 3D printer can make this much easier, giving you the chance to make custom decorations for your home. There are loads of free projects available for those who want to make their home as scary as can be, and we’ve found a few that will send shivers down your spine.
Let’s start with something really creepy. Mountable with thumbtacks, these Reaching Wall Hands by F0R63 are sure to leave all of your guests running for the door. They are easy to print, put up, and take down, making them a great start when it comes to making your home terrifying.
What’s scarier than a spider? A pumpkin that looks like a spider! This Transforming Pumpkin Spider by Megawillbot is a fun project that is great for kids and adults alike, giving you the chance to explore the world of basic engineering.
For the last decoration on our list, it’s time to look at a classic. Skulls have been used as symbols of horror for a very long time, and this makes this 3D Printable Skull by Trailogy a great choice for those who want to make their home feel ready for Halloween.
Decorations don’t need to be made from strong materials. PLA can be ideal for items like this, as it is easy to sand, prime, and paint, giving you the chance to go beyond the filament colors that you have available to you.
4. 3D Printed Pumpkin Carving Tools
Pumpkins are an important element of any Halloween decoration project, and carving pumpkins can be a fun way to get the kids involved. Having the right tools will make your pumpkin carving project far easier.
Designed to make carving pumpkins a breeze, this Pumpkin Carving Tool Kit by Hyperplanemike is a great place to start when you’re looking for ways to make your carving easier. Coming with everything you need, this kit is easy to print and use, but you may want to use a material like PETG or ABS to ensure that the tools are strong enough.
If you would prefer to keep things simple, this Jigsaw Blade Handle by Re3DPrinting will give you the chance to make a precise cutting tool that is ideal for pumpkin carving. This is a very easy project to print, though you will need to source a jigsaw blade for yourself.
As mentioned above, you need to make sure that your carving tools are made from a strong material. Most printers can’t work with it, but nylon can be ideal for this, providing a very strong material that will easily manage year after year of pumpkin carving.
Using Your 3D Printer This Halloween
3D printing can be a great way to make festivals like Halloween more fun. You can get the kids involved with projects like this, giving the whole family something to do when October rolls around each year. Of course, you may need to perform a digital exorcism if your 3D printer starts exhibiting strange behaviors thanks to these supernatural prints; you have been warned!