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Props & Replicas

Custom Props & Replicas

Screen-accurate props, museum-quality replicas, cosplay builds, and art installations — fabricated with professional-grade 3D printing and finishing in Houston, Texas. If you can imagine it, we can build it.

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1000mm+

Max Single-Part Build Volume

0.1mm

Layer Resolution (SLA)

Full

Paint & Finish Services

Professional Prop Fabrication

Film and television productions need props that hold up on camera, survive on set, and ship on deadline. Export Commodity has the technology and finishing expertise to deliver. We build screen-accurate props from reference materials, existing prop scans, or original creative briefs — and we finish them to whatever level your production requires, from bare print to full screen-ready paint, weathering, and texturing.

Our large-format printing capability means we can produce full-size weapons, helmets, armor, vehicles, and set pieces without the scale limitations that hobbyist printers impose. For oversized builds, we use our split-and-bond technique — printing in precisely aligned sections and joining them with structural adhesives and internal reinforcement — producing seamless final pieces that show no evidence of the seams.

Cosplay builders, museum curators, theme parks, and special effects studios all have different requirements. We adapt to your spec, your deadline, and your budget. Rush production is available.


Materials for Props & Replicas

Material Best For Finish Quality Weight
PLA+ Display props, cosplay, models Excellent (sands smooth) Light
ABS Functional props, heat-resistant pieces Good (acetone smoothable) Light
PETG Clear panels, durable props Good Light-medium
Standard Resin (SLA) Ultra-detailed models, miniatures Exceptional Medium
Tough Resin (SLA) Functional prop parts, wearables Excellent Medium
Castable Resin Jewelry masters, small props for casting Exceptional Medium
Flexible TPU Soft armor, grips, seals, flexible parts Good Medium
Carbon Fiber PETG Lightweight structural prop parts Good (matte) Very light
ASA Outdoor props, UV-resistant pieces Good Light

Finishing & Post-Processing Options

Sanding & Surface Prep

Layer lines removed through progressive sanding from 120 to 2000 grit. Filler primer applied to seal pores and create a paint-ready surface. Final surface is smooth to the touch with no visible print artifacts.

Primer & Paint

Rattle-can, spray gun, and airbrush painting for base coats, color matching, and detail work. We use automotive-grade primers and paints for durability. Color matching from reference images, Pantone, or RAL codes.

Weathering & Aging

Dry brushing, washes, chipping, rust, and grime effects for screen-realistic worn props. We study production reference photos and match the exact aging style required for continuity with existing prop sets.

Metalizing & Chrome

Spray chrome, Alclad metallic paints, and Rub ‘n Buff for realistic metal appearances. We can simulate polished steel, brushed aluminum, aged brass, rusted iron, and other metal finishes without machining.

Clear Coating

Matte, satin, or gloss clear coats protect the finished paint job and provide the correct sheen level for the material being simulated. UV-resistant formulas available for outdoor display pieces.

Assembly & Armature

Multi-part props are assembled with appropriate adhesives, fasteners, and internal armatures for structural integrity. We install magnets, hinges, snap closures, LED lighting, and electronic components on request.


What We Build

Film & TV Props

Hero props, background pieces, breakaway items, and set dressing. We work from script breakdowns, art department briefs, and reference images to deliver on production schedules. Multiple identical copies for hero and stunt versions available.

Cosplay & Wearables

Full armor suits, helmets, weapons, accessories, and wearable pieces. We design for comfort and wearability — integrating padding, velcro attachment systems, and flexible sections at joints for full range of motion.

Museum Replicas

Historically accurate artifact replicas, fossil casts, geological specimens, and educational display models. We work from photographs, technical drawings, and 3D scans to produce replicas accurate to within fractions of a millimeter.

Architectural Models

Scale models of buildings, developments, and interior spaces for client presentations, planning submissions, and sales suites. Colored, lit, and landscaped to the level of detail you require.

Game & Theme Park

Interactive prop pieces, way-finding elements, story objects, and environmental set dressing for escape rooms, theme parks, and immersive entertainment venues. High-durability materials for heavy public interaction.

Art Installations

Large-scale sculptural pieces, gallery installations, and public art commissions. We collaborate with artists from design concept through physical realization, bringing complex 3D digital art into the physical world.


Capabilities at a Glance

Maximum Single-Part Size (FDM)
400 x 400 x 500mm
Maximum Build Size (Split & Bond)
Unlimited (any scale)
Finest Detail Resolution (SLA)
0.025mm layer height
Painting
Rattle can, airbrush, spray gun
Rush Turnaround
24–48 hours (surcharge applies)
Shipping
Houston local delivery + nationwide shipping
Reference Materials Accepted
Images, STL/OBJ files, physical samples, drawings


Frequently Asked Questions

Can you build a full-size prop larger than your printer bed?

Yes. We regularly produce props larger than any single printer can accommodate using our split-and-bond technique. We plan the split lines to occur at natural seam locations where they won’t be visible in the finished piece. Seams are reinforced internally with fiberglass matting, steel pins, or embedded threaded rods depending on structural requirements.

Do you work from reference images, or do I need a CAD file?

Reference images are our most common starting point. We can model from concept art, screenshots, photographs, or even rough sketches. CAD files (STL, OBJ, STEP) are welcome if you have them and speed up the process. For high-accuracy replicas of existing objects, we can work from physical samples with measurements or 3D scan data.

How durable are 3D printed props?

It depends on material and application. PLA props are great for display and light handling. ABS and PETG offer better impact resistance. For props that need to survive heavy action sequences or outdoor use, we recommend ASA, carbon-fiber-filled materials, or SLS Nylon. We’ll recommend the right material for your specific use case when you quote.

Can you match an exact color or patina?

Yes. Send us a physical sample, Pantone code, RAL number, or reference photograph and we’ll match it. For production props that need multiple identical copies, we document our paint mix ratios and process so every copy is consistent.

Do you ship finished props?

Yes. We custom-build protective packaging for fragile or large pieces and ship nationwide via FedEx and UPS. For local Houston clients, we offer studio pickup and delivery. International shipping is available on request.

Ready to Build Your Prop?

Share your reference images, concept art, or description. We’ll review your project and send a detailed quote within one business day.

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