What Happens When You Mix 3D Printing and Samurai Helmets?

If you've seen my gallery, then you know what I think happens when you mix modern technology and Japanese Samurai helmets also known as kabuto.

Well, the recent Kabuto Design Challenge sponsored by Modelab and i.materialise Japan asked Japanese designers to create what they thought.  Check out the entries here.

There are some pretty amazing entries, and I had the honor of being one of the judges to select the best of the best. 

I was really amazed at the creativity.  Some were dramatic in their design while others were deeply symbolic.  For some, the explanations really brought the concepts to life.

If you can't read Japanese, try Google Translate.  Good enough most of the time.  If you don't want to read, just look at the pictures.

I can't say too much about the entries since the winners haven't been announced yet.  Look for the results coming up next month.

I'd like to know what you think.  Please post your thoughts on the entries in the comments section.  And, if you've ever designed or re-imagined armor - Japanese, European, Spanish etc. I would love to see and hear about your designs.