Boosting your 3D printing experience is all about having the right gear. From maintaining print quality to enhancing your workspace, these seven accessories bring more precision, efficiency, and control to your projects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, these essentials can help you get better results and make the process smoother.
15. Isopropyl Alcohol
Keeping your print bed clean is essential, and isopropyl alcohol is a game-changer here. It quickly removes oils and residues, boosting adhesion for a better first layer. Use shop towels instead of paper towels to minimize debris. Clean the bed every five to six prints, and you’ll see the improvement in print quality.
14. Digital Calipers
Precision matters, and digital calipers help you achieve it by measuring models accurately. Perfect for ensuring your parts fit as intended, they’re also great for salvaging prints by measuring failed heights and adjusting in your slicer. For custom designs, calipers are practically indispensable.
13. OctoPrint
Take control of your printer from anywhere with OctoPrint. Using a Raspberry Pi, this powerful software lets you monitor prints remotely, send files directly, and even create time-lapse videos. It’s a fantastic tool for those wanting more freedom and oversight, making it easier to manage prints when you’re not physically near the machine.
12. Smart LED Lights
Good lighting isn’t just functional—it’s also fun for documenting your projects. Smart LED lights like Daybetter’s light strips let you adjust brightness and color right from your phone, improving visibility for monitoring and adding flair to time-lapse videos. Set these up, and you’ll have a well-lit workspace that makes your prints look amazing.
11. Bed Leveling Tools
Bed leveling is crucial, and using a feeler gauge or an automatic bed-leveling sensor like the BLTouch can save you time and headaches. Proper leveling keeps your prints consistent and helps avoid adhesion issues. It’s a small investment for a big payoff in print reliability.
10. Nozzle Cleaning Kit
Keep your printer’s nozzle in top shape with a cleaning kit that includes wire brushes, needle tools, and more. Regular nozzle maintenance prevents clogs, ensuring smooth filament flow and high-quality prints. This quick routine can keep your machine running at its best, print after print.
9. PEI Sheets
For reliable adhesion and easy removal, PEI (Polyetherimide) sheets are the way to go. They grip when hot, release when cool, and are ideal for prints needing a flat bottom layer. If you want a consistent build surface that enhances quality, a PEI sheet is worth adding to your setup.
These tools bring efficiency and quality to your 3D printing setup, transforming the experience from good to exceptional. Whether you’re perfecting adhesion or ensuring precision, each of these accessories has something valuable to offer for smoother, more reliable prints every time.
8. Kapton or Painters Tape
Kapton tape (for high-temperature resistance) or blue painter’s tape (for easier adhesion) can be used to cover build surfaces. It’s particularly useful on non-heated beds or for PLA prints, providing a removable surface that’s easy to replace when it wears down.
7. Pliers and Snips
Pliers and snips are indispensable for post-processing your prints. Snips are perfect for trimming excess filament and cleaning up prints, while pliers are essential for removing stubborn supports. A good pair of needle-nose pliers can help you reach tight spots, making support removal much easier. Always remember to wear gloves and eye protection when using these tools, as small plastic pieces can fly off during the process.
6. Silica Gel Packs
Humidity can degrade filament quality, leading to stringy prints and jams. Silica gel packs help keep your filament dry when stored in containers, especially in more humid environments. Many 3D printing enthusiasts use these in airtight bins to preserve filament quality.
5. Larger Hot Ends
Upgrading to larger hot ends can significantly increase your printing speed, especially for less detailed models. Larger nozzles allow for more filament to be extruded at once, reducing print time. While using larger nozzles, it’s important to adjust your print settings accordingly, such as increasing the temperature and decreasing the print speed. This accessory is particularly useful for projects that require thicker walls or faster production times.
4. Build Plate Adhesives
Whether you’re using glue sticks, hairspray, or dedicated 3D printer adhesive sheets, these adhesives help prints stick securely to the build plate. They’re especially useful for preventing warping on larger prints and ensuring reliable first layers.
3. Hot Glue Guns
A hot glue gun is a versatile tool that can save prints that are starting to come loose from the bed. If you notice a print lifting, applying a bit of hot glue can help secure it back in place. This quick fix can often save a print that might otherwise be ruined. Glue guns are also handy for various other tasks around the house, making them a practical addition to your 3D printing toolkit.
2. Deburring Tool
This hand tool helps clean up rough edges and excess material on prints, especially useful on support areas and edges. A deburring tool is precise and gives a cleaner finish to models, making post-processing smoother and faster.
1. Filament Dryer
For those printing with moisture-sensitive materials like PETG or nylon, a filament dryer is key. These devices remove moisture from filaments, preventing bubbling and improving print consistency. Some models double as filament storage containers, keeping spools dry between uses.
