Grim Dark Inspired LED/Motorized Helmet Stand

A brutalist, tech-industrial helmet stand built for warriors of the grim dark, far future. Whether you’re displaying a battle-worn helm or a freshly printed relic, this stand provides the presence and stability it deserves.

 

With spinning fans, RGB lighting, swappable insignias, and your choice of purity seals, it’s ready to serve in any display shelf, cosplay rig, or devotional alcove.

Features:

💡 Lighting & Power

• D1 Mini running WLED
• RGB LED strip shines through side, rear, and top diffusers

• Two 3mm LED mounts on sides (orange + blue flicker)—USB powered 

  Note: LEDs are bright at 5V—consider using a higher-value resistor to reduce intensity.

• Toggle switch hidden behind the support post controls fan motor power
• All electronics run off USB 

🌀 Moving Fans (Optional)

• Dual N20 motors drive front fans
• Slowed with 110Ω 0.5W resistors for a subtle turbine effect
• Or glue them in place if motors aren’t your thing

🛡 Customization & Details

• Swappable front insignias: Imperialis or Aquila-inspired panels
• Three included purity seals:
  1. Classic grimdark skull
  2. X1 Carbon print head
  3. X1/P1 nozzle-style head
• I used the nozzle variant and printed out a techno-prayer, gave it a quick wash, and glued it on for dramatic flair (you can mount it anywhere)

Printing & Assembly Notes:

• ~450g total filament
• Base prints clean without supports (minor stringing can be weathered in)
• Motor mounts may require slight cleanup
• Top needs supports—matte PLA or tuned Z-offsets recommended for easier removal
• Top section connects via five 5mm pins—secure without glue but easily accessible for internal electronics

My 3D Printed Inspired Purity Seal Prayer:

O Omnissiah, wielder of code,
bless this rite of layering.
Let thermal coils awaken true,
and g-code chant without corruption.
Grant unto this buildplate sanctity,
and unto filament, purpose divine.
Drive away the daemon spaghetti,
banish the heresy of lift.
May slicer hymns be unbroken,
and Z-offsets remain in harmony.
Through sacred extrusions and axis motion,
let this helm take form eternal.

A perfect display base for full-size cosplay helmets or as a shrine-like centerpiece on your shelf. Big. Bold. Full of LEDs. Just the way the far future intended.

 

Bill of Materials (BOM) – Grimdark Helmet Stand

Item	Quantity	Notes	Link
D1 Mini (ESP8266)	1	Runs WLED for RGB control	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006235653025.html
WS2812B LED Strip – 60 LEDs/m	~1.2m (72 LEDs)	Used for base outer edge and center shaft lighting	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006766819624.html
3mm Orange Prewired LEDs	2	Mounted in side LED spots	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008419418454.html
3mm Blue Flickering Prewired LEDs	2	Mounted in side LED spots	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1929925349.html
N20 Motors – 150RPM (3V - 50RPM)	2	Powers the front fan turbines	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005699205905.html
120Ω Resistors (0.5W or greater)	2	Slows down the N20 motors when running from USB	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007133383644.html
26AWG Silicone Wire (Red, Yellow, Black)	As needed	For all connections (power, LEDs, motors, etc.)	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001283806251.html
Toggle Switch – Rocker	1	to control motor power	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001252480288.html
USB Cable (5V Power Supply)	1	Powers the D1 Mini and motors	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008045179029.html
Hot Glue	As needed	For assembling fans, seals, LEDs, and scroll	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008055271799.html?
CA Glue/Super Glue	As needed	For assembling fans, seals, LEDs, and scroll	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003643576389.html?
VHB Tape	As needed	Mounting D1 Mini	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008305877251.html

Boost MeIf this brought glory to your shelf, grant it a Boost so the Emperor's algorithm may bless it.