Model Overview & Print Notes
This Arrow Costume Prop is intended to be removable for storage and repair/replacement. This is a delicate prop and can be damaged easily.
I designed this for a mad scientist zombie costume featuring glowing neon looking arrows. I was going for the crossbow bolt look. Using "arrow" as a descriptor is more widely accepted.
Make the arrows glow by printing Clear PLA and using small sections of EL wire. all arrows are wired back to inverters. I chose a green EL wire.
Using single LEDs or micro led strings will give a different look as will another translucent filament color.
For mounting and removing, the arrow base has a recessed pocket for a thin neodymium magnet approximately 10mm in diameter and a tiny wire slot for providing other mounting options like permanent attachment to material. I used a larger stronger magnet backed with thermal plastic discs, fused inside the shirt to support the arrow. The washer and magnet have holes in the center to allow the routing of the EL wire from under the shirt or costume. The arrows slide on over the EL wire and magnetically attach to the costume. EL wire comes in a wide variety of sizes, I used an off the shelf 2.3mm diameter to keep the arrows a small diameter.
To assemble, I used plastic archery fletchings and the small magnet, both attached with model glue.
Things to improve:
The EL is delicate and does not wear well. Find a better solution that gives the same effect as EL wire or improve the design to compensate for the fragility.
Design a better sew in attachment base that allows removal of the arrow and allows the costume to be washed. The thermal plastic is a bit bulky but very effective. I used plastic discs from milk jugs for the prototype to this build.
Print Settings
Printer Brand:
Prusa
Printer:
I3 MK3S
Rafts:
No
Supports:
Yes
Resolution:
.15mm Quality or better
Infill:
15%
Filament: any brand PLA clear
Notes:
This arrow is intended to have EL wire inside to give a glow effect.
This is a very delicate print because of the height and narrow base.
A large brim is recommended for stability and supports on the build plate to support the magnet pocket.
Printing on fabric, I recommend adding small strong magnets or other methods of holding the fabric as flat as possible especially near the end of the print when the extruder nozzle is pressing on the arrow shaft causing the arrow to rock. A brim and then add thin strong magnets after the nozzle height will clear.
Fine tuning: I found reducing the speed and nozzle temp helped with stringing between arrows. Supervising this print is recommended
Post-Printing
EL wire glow arrows 3D printed
Magnet pocket with wire channel
arrow nock view
How I Designed This ===================magnet with hole for EL wire
magnet glued in pocket. polarity is important to connect with the mounting magnet in the costume. I had to use a strong magnet to get through the clothes.
assembled and ready to install
holes where the EL wire comes out
Carefully slide the EL wire into the arrow
Mounted.
Thermal plastic for cosplay will stick to cloth like glue and mold around the magnet. Downside it is bulky.
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