October Release: Modular Dragonscale Mail (Patreon)

We're continuing our series of 3D printable cosplay accessories with something we've wanted to tackle for a while. We've always wanted to print our own Dragonscale Mail, but the limitation of only being able to print one build plate of connected scales was a serious issue to us...

Introducing our Modular Dragonscale Mail system!

These individually printed dragon scales connect together to create flexible sheets of overlapping scales. Whether you're making a dragon costume, shoulder armour, a fantasy outfit, or adding some extra texture to an existing cosplay, you can build up the scales to suit your project.

We developed two different connection systems: QuickLink and FlexLink. Each has its own advantages, but the best part is that they're fully compatible with each other!

You can mix and match both systems within the same sheet of scale mail, using the faster QuickLink connections for large sections and switching to FlexLink wherever you need more flexibility or customization.

This gives you the best of both worlds without limiting you to a single assembly method!

This release includes two interchangeable connection systems:

QuickLink Dragonscale Mail

Our faster and easier assembly option!

QuickLink scales have their connecting clips built directly into each scale. This means fewer individual pieces to print, no separate connectors to keep track of, and much faster assembly when building larger sheets of scale mail.

The trade-off is that the integrated clips can only be assembled easily in one direction, making QuickLink best suited for straightforward rows and larger sections of armour.

We've included five different QuickLink versions, optimized for different materials and connection tolerances:

1.7 mm: PETG, tighter fit

1.8 mm: PETG, standard fit

1.9 mm: PLA, tighter fit

2.0 mm: PLA, standard fit

2.1 mm: Matte PLA

Each version includes Bambu Studio and generic .3MF project files.

These different tolerances are important because PLA, PETG, and matte filaments can behave quite differently when snapping pieces together.

We recommend testing a few scales before committing to an entire build plate!

FlexLink Dragonscale Mail

Our more versatile and customizable assembly option!

FlexLink uses individual dragon scales and separately printed connecting clips.

This allows you to assemble your scales in more directions, making it much easier to build in any direction and work around the curves of your costume.

Another major advantage is durability. Because the clips are printed separately, they can be oriented on their sides for greater strength along the connection points.

The trade-off is assembly time. You'll have more individual pieces to print and connect compared with QuickLink.

We've included five different connector sizes so you can find the best fit for your printer and filament.

And remember, FlexLink connectors can also be used with QuickLink scales!

You can build large sections quickly with integrated clips, then switch to separate FlexLink clips when you need additional flexibility.

What is included

You receive both complete Dragonscale Mail systems.

QuickLink files

Dragonscale Core with integrated snap connectors

Dragonscale with connector holes

Flat connector-hole piece for edges and custom layouts

Five versions with different snap-fit tolerances for PLA, PETG, and Matte PLA

Bambu Studio project files for all five versions

Generic .3MF project files for all five versions

FlexLink files

Dragonscale Core

Dragonscale Connector-Hole piece

Flat Connector-Hole piece

Five separately printable connector clips with different connection tolerances

Both systems are fully interoperable and can be mixed together in the same project.

Google Drive link for this month's release:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fzMxn2MnGdrfzDAUdvJvinaEDJ88mY7E?usp=sharing

Printing notes

Printer type: FDM

Material: PLA or PETG

Nozzle size: 0.4 mm

Layer height: around 0.2 mm

Walls: 2 to 3

Top layers: 4

Bottom layers: 3

Infill: 15 to 25 percent gyroid, or your preferred pattern

Supports: None required in the provided orientations

QuickLink printing recommendations

We strongly recommend starting with the provided .3MF project files for your chosen material.

The fit of the integrated clips is particularly important, and different materials behave differently when flexed.

Start by printing a few test scales using the recommended version for your filament.

If the connections feel too loose, try the tighter-fit version. If the clips require excessive force to connect, try a version with a larger clearance.

Once you've found the version that works best for your printer, you can start printing full build plates of scales.

FlexLink printing recommendations

FlexLink scales and connectors are printed separately.

The clips are designed to print on their sides, improving their durability compared with vertically printed integrated connectors.

As with QuickLink, we recommend printing a small number of test pieces before committing to a larger print.

Try the different clip sizes until you find a fit that connects securely without requiring excessive force.

Because the connectors are separate, you can also experiment with different materials for the scales and clips depending on your project's requirements.

Tier access and usage

Drake tier: Receives the Modular Dragonscale Mail files for personal use as part of this month's pack.

Ancient Dragon tier: Receives the same files plus the right to sell physical 3D prints under the merchant license terms in our Patreon introduction post.

STL resale or sharing is not permitted. Credit to Curations By Kira is required when selling physical prints, and merchants must have an active Ancient Dragon subscription.

We're really excited to see what everyone creates with these! Between our Horn Hair Accessories, Articulating Devil Tail, and now Modular Dragonscale Mail, we're slowly building an entire collection of fantasy cosplay accessories.

Would you use these for a full dragon-inspired costume, or start with something smaller like shoulder armour, bracers, or a scale-covered bag?

Let us know what you're planning in the comments. We'd love to see your builds!