However, some of the guards had complained of burns from the steel helmets heating up in the sun. So it was time for a change, and the Swiss Guard recently announced that it would be replacing the metal helmets with plastic ones, 3D printed from an impact-resistant, weather-resistant PVC plastic. The material will keep the guards’ heads cool on sunny days, not only because of the lighter, less heat-attractive material but because ventilation channels have been integrated inside the helmets’ shells. Swiss Guard spokesman Sgt. Urs Breitenmoser noted that the ceremonial helmets, which serve no defensive purpose, are intended to be worn for papal masses and state visits.

Christoph Graf, commander of the Swiss Guards, during the presentation of the new helmet. [Image: Independent Photo Agency]
The manufacture of the 3D printed helmets was initiated by construction engineer Peter Portmann. The first 40 of them were sponsored by private donors, while another 60 will be produced using donations from the public.
The Swiss Guard has been considering more modern touches to its uniforms, such as more breathable and waterproof fabric for clothing.
“We have to keep up with the times,” said Guards Commander Christoph Graf. “(But) we would not make a halberd out of plastic.”

Commander of the Swiss Guard Christoph Graf (R) and the originator of the project Peter Portmann present the prototype of the new PVC 3D printed helmet for the Vatican’s elite Swiss Guard prior to attend the annual new papal Swiss guards swearing-in ceremony in Vatican City, on May 6, 2018. [Image: AFP Photo / Filippo Monteforte]

The new 3D printed helmet was introduced at a press conference Sunday, May 6 [Image: Swiss Guard via Facebook]
This is not the first time 3D printing has been introduced to the Vatican; this past Christmas, the Pope received a gift of a nanoscale 3D printed nativity scene from the government of Lithuania. Pope Francis has made clear his appreciation for modern technology, and formally blessed a series of 3D printed prosthetics and a 3D printer a couple of years ago. He’s also been 3D printed himself. It’s little surprise, then, that this papacy should be the first to use technology to upgrade a uniform that has been in use for hundreds of years.
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[Sources: AP, The Telegraph, Die Presse, The Local]
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