Worbla

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Worbla is a brand of thermoplastic modelling materials, popular among cosplayers for creating costumes, armor and props. [1] [2]

Contents

The name of the material is that of Worbla AG, a former synthetics manufacturer in Worblaufen, Switzerland, now part of the Gurit group. [3] The material is marketed by the German company Cast4Art Vertriebsgesellschaft. [4]

Use

In order to be shaped, Worbla is warmed up, usually with a hot air gun, until it becomes formable at 90 °C (194 °F). It is then draped over formers or hand-moulded (wearing gloves) to shape. The inbuilt adhesive allows multiple layers to be laminated easily, for either strength or to add bas relief detail. A common technique for wearable props such as armour is to laminate it to thin EVA foam sheet, giving a light and slightly flexible carapace.

Worbla can also be moulded, when warmed, as a putty and used to sculpt solid pieces. Unusually, offcuts of sheet can be recycled in this way. The material can be cut with scissors, knives or by laser. When cold it can be cut, carved or sanded with woodworking hand tools. The surface is slightly rough, similar to some grades of leather, which allows textured paint effects. For a smooth surface it can be either sanded or filled with a primer paint.

Cosplayers and prop makers have widely adopted Worbla for its light weight, and easy working with minimal tools. [5]

Varieties and properties

Worbla is made in several varieties:

Similar materials

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References

  1. Dyer, Jessica (3 August 2015). "New shop specializes in helping customers get into character". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  2. Russon, Mary-Ann (31 July 2014). "European Cosplay Gathering UK Preliminaries 2014 at Hyper Japan". International Business Times. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  3. Worblaufen in German , French and Italian in the online Historical Dictionary of Switzerland .
  4. "Cast4Art" . Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  5. Quindt, Svetlana (23 September 2019). The Book of Cosplay Armor Making. Kamui Cosplay.
  6. "Worbla's Flame Red Art". 22 July 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  7. "FAQ". worbla.com. June 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  8. 1 2 "Introducing Worbla's Black Art!". Worbla. 16 September 2015.
  9. "Cosplayers Review Worbla's New Black Worbla". Adafruit . 16 September 2015.
  10. "Worbla's Kobracast Art". 8 January 2018.
  11. "Products Archive".
  12. "Alternative to Worbla - Cosplayflex". Cosplayflex.