Back in 2017, with the release of the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, we saw a couple of 3D prints pop up for the Aku Aku mask. The problem with both of those is that neither could by worn as an actual mask, so that changes today with a new print.

Maker Kalle-Iivari Mononen has not only made a print that is close to 1:1 scale, but has also made it wearable thanks to perforated eyes, a headband and some foam cushioning.

Starting, as always, in a CAD programme, the model here took between 10 and 12 hours to complete with the eyes proving to be a challenge to make printable while easy to see through.

Not including tests, printing took 20 hours to complete. While you may not be able to tell from the pictures on this page, that’s because the mask is rather large at 38 X 28 centimetres when assembled.

For finishing the expected sanding was followed by the application of alcohol-based wood dye to get that wood grain effect. This is not a process we’ve used before, but apparently it will slightly dissolve the surface of the plastic allowing the creation of texture with the bristles of a brush. We’ll have to remember that the next time we need to print something that’s supposed to be wood.

To add to the natural look of the feathers some bending was needed and that was accomplished with a heat gun.

“Always been a fan of the Crash Bandicoot series, and so the reference material is from the original games. Just thought this would be a fun little project, not much more to it! I’ve had a few requests to do Aku Aku’s brother, Uka Uka next, so maybe I’ll take what I learned here, and apply it to that project, who knows,” Mononen concludes.

For those looking to make their own Aku Aku mask, the files are available to download for free from MyMiniFactory.

The print is sliced by colour so you can avoid breaking out the paints if you have the appropriate filament on hand. Once printed this version was joined together with both cyanoacrylate and epoxy glue.