In the vast and limitless world of science fiction, one of the most popular styles of cosplay and mechanically-driven fashion is steampunk. The long-standing trend is based on a genre of sci-fi that has a historical context, typically featuring 19th century industrial steam-powered machinery.
Think movies like Mad Max and Wild Wild West, metal gears churning away, mechanical mods and wearables. 3D printing technology has become an ideal tool for the production of steampunk props. Whether you’re looking for slick googles or a gear-driven pocket watch, steampunk props are easier than ever to make thanks to desktop 3D printers.
It’s important to note that most steampunk props usually have a metallic look to them, so you should also make sure find the right filament or post-processing technique to truly invoke this steam-powered style.
To help you properly curate your steampunk aesthetic, we’ve curated a list of the most innovative and creative steampunk props that you can DIY with your 3D printer. Some of these are partially printed projects that will take some maker savvy skills to complete, others just need to be printed.
Anthromod Mk1 Hand
What is it? This robotic hand makes for the perfect weekend project, and offers a nice brass aesthetic found in traditional steampunk props. Mostly comprised of 3D printed parts, you’ll have to assemble this hand piece by piece. The instructions can be found on the Thingiverse page linked below.
Where can I find this? You can find the Anthromod Mk1 Hand on Thingiverse. It was designed by Anthromod.
Steampunk Digital Clock
What is it? This unique 3D printable steampunk clock is a kitsch item with full microprocessor power inside. Another perfect project for the weekend, you’ll need your circuitry and coding skills to get this mechanical masterpiece to work. However, the final product is mesmerizing, featuring a functional steampunk clock screen that displays temperature and plays different steam engine sounds every 15 minutes.
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Digital Clock on Thingiverse. It was designed by hobbyman.
Steampunk Cane
What is it? Whether you’re looking to upgrade your grandfather’s cane or simply strut around with some steampunk swag, this can handle will have you looking ready to rule over an industrial revolution. Using 3D printing, a hardwood dowel, and rubber cap, this steampunk cane can be your coolest walking accessory.
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Cane on Thingiverse. It was designed by mastercaster.
Steampunk Cube Gears
What is it? Nothing showcases the steampunk aesthetic quite like rustic gears, and this cube is the epitome of this 19th century-inspired style. This metallic object will allow you to live in your mechanical sci-fi fantasy while also displaying the functionality of desktop 3D printing. So what are you waiting for? Go on and give these gears a grind!
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Cube Gears on Thingiverse. It was designed by joefe.
Steampunk Goggles With 52mm Photographic Filters
What is it? One of the staples of the steampunk style, every cosplayer needs a slick pair of goggles to protect themselves from flying sparks. This pair of 3D printable eye protectors are meant to be used with 52mm photographic filters as lenses. The project takes a bit more finesse than just hitting the print button, but will cost you under $20 to complete.
Where can I find this? You can find these Steampunk Goggles on Thingiverse. They were designed by guyc.
Steampunk Gears
What is it? Once again, we’ve got various style of 3D printable gears, but no costume is complete without these essential steampunk props. Complete your look with these gold and silver varnish-finished mechanisms, attach them to a belt and head on into the Wild, Wild West.
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Gears on Thingiverse. It was designed by skriver.
Steampunk 3D Printed Goggles
What is it? A bit less challenging than the previously listed pair of googles, these fully 3D printed shades can be a fun family project. However, if you want to add lenses, you’ll need some Plexiglass and a laser cutter. Go on and rule the metal underworld with these neat steampunk props.
Where can I find this? You can find these Steampunk 3D Printed Goggles on Thingiverse. They were designed by jasonwelsh.
Ideal Harmonic Transformer
What is it? This functional project is an “Analog Sine/Cosine Calculating Machine” that has a complex steampunk style. Doubling as a fashionable accessory and functional tool, the Ideal Harmonic Transformer will help you look cool and learn trigonometry at the same time.
Where can I find this? You can find the Ideal Harmonic Transformer on Thingiverse. It was designed by lalbritton.
Gatling Gun
What is it? No steampunk cosplay is complete without a mechanical weapon, and this Gatling Gun provides all that and more. Alongside some screws, bolts, and bearings, this 3D printable prop is seriously stunning. However, the designer is currently working on a model that fires caps, and warns that the gears must be properly glued in order to render this gun functional.
Where can I find this? You can find the Gatling Gun on Thingiverse. It was designed by Snorri.
Steampunk Pocket Watch
What is it? Complete your steampunk costume with a mechanical pocket watch. This easy little project is inspired by an Alice in Wonderland-themed Tea Party, but will fit with almost any industrialized look. If you want to make this prop look more realistic, you can attach a gold chain to it.
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Pocket Watch on Thingiverse. It was designed by simonaruiz.
Steampunk Bow Tie
What is it? Heading to a fancy affair but want to keep the gears spinning? This 3D printable steampunk bowtie will give you a metallic shine, making you the bell of the industrialized ball.
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Bow Tie on MyMiniFactory. It was designed by Kevin Tran.
Steampunk Grenade
What is it? Fire in the hole! This steampunk-styled grenade is the ultimate prop to complete your cosplay. You can even use a 12v car lightbulb to give it a bright look. The example above is finished with a cast iron effect, giving it the ultimate Victorian look.
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Grenade on MyMiniFactory. It was designed by Reg Taylor.
Steampunk Gear Fidget Spinner
What is it? Want to mix the hottest trend of 2017 with this classic 19th century style. This fidget spinner is disguised as a steampunk-styled gear. This particular model is designed to fit a 608-ZZ Bearing.
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Gear Fidget Spinner on MyMiniFactory. It was designed by Scotty G.
Steampunk Gun
What is it? Looking for some steampunk props that offer a classy, Victorian era look? This Steampunk Gun is the perfect project to help spark off the industrial revolution. From the same designer as the grenade listed above, this 3D printable prop will make you the most feared person in the post-apocalyptic steampunk fantasy.
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Gun on MyMiniFactory. It was designed by Reg Taylor.
Steampunk Dice
What is it? Who needs numbers when you’ve got gears? This wonderful little steampunk dice design will let you play games with a mechanical twist, substituting digits for diabolical gears. It’s a pretty comprehensive project, but the creator will take you step-by-step in the Instructable page linked below.
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Dice on Instructables. It was designed by s3tw0l4.
Steampunk Multi-Voltage Battery Jar
What is it? If you need a functional item that will keep the electricity running and the gears spinning, this steampunk-style battery jar is what you’ve been waiting for. This prop is designed to hold and combination of AA and D cell batteries, and can be wired for multiple output voltages or used to contain control circuitry for a larger steampunk-inspired project.
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Multi-Voltage Battery Jar on Adafruit. It was designed by Skimbal.
Olde Timey Spur Gear for Printrbot Extruder
What is it? Hey, if you’re going to use your 3D printer to create steampunk props, you might as well transform it into a steampunk-era machine. This extruder pictured above is made for Printrbot 3D printers, professionally printed in “Antique Bronze” by Shapeways. However, if you don’t want to shell out the big bucks for this magnificent metal finish, the designer suggests trying this project out with nylon material.
Where can I find this? You can find the Olde Timey Spur Gear for Printrbot Extruder on Thingiverse. It was designed by ei8htohms.
Steampunk Valve Knob
What is it? Need to get that steam engine running? You better come prepared with a 3D printed steampunk valve knob, allowing you to keep your imaginative factory operating at full speed. This valve could just be the cherry on top of all your steampunk props.
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Valve Knob on Adafruit. It was designed by Anthonyseo.
3D Printed Wimhurst Machine
What is it? Back in the 1800’s, James Wimshurst invented a machine that uses two counter-rotating disks to generate an electrostatic charge stored in Leyden jars. One innovative maker turned the historic Wimshurst machine into a cool 3D printable project. You’ll need a bit more than a printer to make a functional model (find the instructions linked below), but this extraordinary device is definitely worth adding to your collection of steampunk props.
Where can I find this? You can find the 3D Printed Wimhurst Machine on Hackaday. It was designed by Rick Osgood.
Steampunk Smartphone Case
What is it? Although that smartphone in your hand may be a marvel from the 21st century, that doesn’t mean you can’t add some steampunk flair to it. The Rotary Mechanical Smartphone transform your mobile computer into a classic telephone with a set of interchangeable rotary dials on the back.
Where can I find this? You can find the Steampunk Smartphone Case on Hackaday. It was designed by Nick Schulze.
License: The text of "Sci-Fi Fashion: 20 Best Steampunk Props to DIY" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.