A lightsaber is one of the few weapons that can be recognized right away. Following the 1977 release of the first Star Wars, many families have grown up dreaming of having their own laser blade, sun blade, or one of the several different variations on the theme. As a result, one of the world’s biggest fan bases exists today for Star Wars.
In Star Wars, force users don’t always use lightsabers, but they do! Its main features include a projecting plasma blade that is targeted through a kyber crystal. This exquisite weapon is suitable for a more civilized age and requires skill and training.
Originally, the characteristic lighting for these movie objects was created using highly reflecting materials and skilled film mechanics. The lightsaber hilt was then constructed using kitbashed tools like sink knobs, pieces from other weaponry, and whatever else they could find. Although these areas aren’t as easily accessible as they once were, all is not lost. Making your own lightsabers from materials like plumbing fittings and PVC pieces has become popular, but your results may differ.
Thankfully, 3D printing is now a possibility. You may create practically any version of a lightsaber (along with your own ideas!) using a 3D-printed model with high levels of accuracy and minimal material expenditure. Below, we’ve highlighted a variety of characters’ lightsabers, but several of these artists have also produced entire libraries of designs, so be sure to explore what else is available.
Best 3D Printed Lightsabers
1. Anakin Skywalker
Our opening submission is primarily from the warm side of the force. This showpiece, which slides open to expose the crystal chamber inside, is undoubtedly a conversation starter.
This lightsaber’s opening mechanism uses magnets to keep it closed, but if you don’t want the hassle of incorporating a crystal, there is an alternative solid file. Additionally, the base is rather long, according to the designer, thus there is a splitting file if you need to create it in two parts.
A fantastic video of the manufacturing and assembly was posted online by another maker. Glue is used to assemble the numerous tiny pieces but take care not to bond anything that needs to move!
2. Rey
According to legend, yellow lightsabers, which could be used for both combat and diplomacy, were the official uniform of the Jedi Sentinel. Even though Rey only used this weapon for a brief period of time, it rapidly became well-known as the first yellow real – time blade.
The new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge experience at several Disney Parks includes Savi’s Workshop as a venue. In this class, participants can make unique hilts that match a typical lightsaber blade. The designer of this model altered a BrightSuns base design that could hold this common lightsaber blade in order to produce a hilt based on Rey’s particular lightsaber style. The model will require several supports; therefore, Brighton gives some post-processing, assembling, and configuration recommendations. If you’d prefer something more similar to Rey’s iconic switch-saber, there is also a magnificent replica of the Dark Rey lightsaber.
Revan
It’s uncommon for someone to change to a different saber, much less for it to be important enough to be part of this bundle. Revan, the main character from the first season of Knights of the Old Republic, is unlike other individuals, though, and he has established himself as someone you don’t want to mess with. Choosing one lightsaber model from dozens developed by Brad Harris (also called as CaseStudyno8) was really challenging, but we ultimately decided on Revan as an unexpected character with a significant set of lightsabers. However, Brad’s library has some absolutely amazing works, so make sure to look there.
It is advised to print the components in the STL files’ original orientation. The emitter guard should be the only item that needs support, however automatically created supports ought to work just fine.
Leia
It took 40 years after the release of Episode 6 for Leia’s lightsaber to make an appearance on screen. The first time it was mentioned that Leia is a force user was in Episode 6: Return of the Jedi. But the first onscreen appearance of Leia wielding a lightsaber was in Episode 9:
The Rise of Skywalker.
Although a dual-extrusion process was used to make this model, a single-extrusion alternative is also available. There is no requirement for support and manufacturing the blade components in vase mode is recommended. In order to make the blades two shells thick, they also strongly advise using a 0.4-mm tip with a 0.43-mm line thickness. This variant only requires bolting on the covers and installing the blades for assembly.
Darth Vader
The initial. The worst. The color is red. Even while lightsabers are famous in and of themselves, Darth Vader’s is among the best.
This particular variant is based on a different UnimatrixRed type that was depicted in The Empire Strikes Back. They’ve made a lot of lightsabers themselves, similar to Brad Harris, and their other work is well worth looking at. For a superior finish, the designer advises utilizing supports for the bottom knob and clamp portions and enabling pressing on the release bar. Be careful that some upright grip models call for the deletion of a support disc before assembly.
7th Sister Inquisitor
How may the design of the dual-bladed lightsaber be improved? Make dodging even more difficult. The Sith Inquisitor lightsaber from Star Wars Rebels as depicted by the 7th Sister is just an incredible work of art, with features that nearly make it appear as if it belongs in The Lord of the Rings rather than Star Wars. (However, The Lord of the Rings with lightsabers would be a very different experience!)
The designer also produced a comprehensive video tutorial on how to construct and put together this amazing work of art. They advise applying paint to the inlaid runes and cleaning away extra paint before finishing this item. As a result, the distinction between the two surfaces is clearly visible.
Obi Wan Kenobi Inspired
In contrast to the other designs on the list, this one offer two separate degrees of difficulty. Despite having a straightforward design, the construction requires more than 14 pieces. The fashion is known simply as “Star Wars Lightsaber.” The design that it most closely resembles, though, is that of Obi-Wan Kenobi, perhaps with a dash of Luke Skywalker. On YouTube, Jacky (also known as Valcrow) has created a thorough tutorial on assembling and painting. Because some users felt the pinwheel STL was a bit on the small side, they had to scale it up to 105 percent. This may be too much, therefore we recommend 102 percent as a happy medium. Additionally changed for easier writing and less cleanup are the pin and switch.
The Darksaber
It is really heavy. How come it’s so heavy? This weapon, which a Mandalorian Jedi forged, is as much a symbol of pride as it is a powerful weapon. Cults user Yeetkus was able to modify those approaches for the Darksaber after being inspired by 3dprintingworld’s collapsing lightsaber designs. The modeler described some of their struggles building this item, going through 22 distinct design iterations before settling on one.
Except for the “detail rectangle” piece, all of the other files should be in their preparation for orientation. Printing the Darksaber will need supports on the top and end of the hilt. Additionally, Michaelvel designed a belt buckle for this version, which could be useful while cosplaying with this item.
Ahsoka Tano
Ahsoka’s lightsabers are a reflection of her profound philosophical beliefs. She has her own Disney+ series and is beloved by the audience. One of the very few people with white blades that is neither a Jedi nor a Sith is Ahsoka. Once again, Brad Harris has created some breathtaking designs that are amazing. There are versions from Star Wars Rebels as well as the Clone Wars design.
The outcomes may vary based on the printer even though it is indicated that all files must be in the proper orientation for printing. The Melon Felon also separated and remixed the handles to allow printing in several colors.
Best Software for Creating Lightbers
There are a lot of 3D modeling software available that you can use to create lightbers and one of them is SelfCAD. SelfCAD is an easy to use 3D modeling and design software that provides a user-friendly platform for creating a wide range of 3D objects and designs. Here are key features of the software.
- 3D Modeling: SelfCAD allows users to create 3D models from scratch using a variety of modeling techniques, including parametric design, freeform modeling, and sculpting.
- Sculpting Tools: With powerful sculpting tools, SelfCAD enables users to create organic and complex shapes, making it an excellent choice for artistic and character modeling.
- Sketching: Users can sketch and draw directly within the software, which is useful for creating 2D sketches and converting them into 3D objects.
- Parametric Design: SelfCAD supports parametric design, allowing users to create designs with precise measurements and the ability to easily modify parameters for design adjustments.
- 3D Printing Integration: The software includes built-in slicing and 3D printing preparation tools, simplifying the process of preparing 3D models for 3D printing.
- Mesh Repair: SelfCAD offers tools for repairing and optimizing 3D meshes, ensuring that models are printable and ready for various applications.
- Real-Time Collaboration: SelfCAD features real-time collaboration capabilities, facilitating teamwork and education by allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
- Library of Models: SelfCAD provides a library of pre-designed 3D shapes and models that users can use as a starting point for their projects, saving time on design.
Conclusion
Lightsabers, like every other beloved merchandise from the American Television and Movies, are always thought to be a cool art installment. If you’re not one to recreate a replica, you can very easily design your own. Easily, depending on how fluent you are in 3D modeling software.
If you are fairly new and you think you want to take on this adventure then SelfCAD is one of the software you can hop onto. SelfCAD is a 3D printing software that helps you not only create 3D models but also prepare them for your 3D printer without the need for an additional software.
