To elevate your 3D prints from good to great and make the entire process smoother, you need the right set of tools. This guide will walk you through the top 10 essential accessories that will enhance your 3D printing, turning potential frustrations into flawless creations.
Why Accessories Are Important
While your printer can function right out of the box, attempting to get by without a good selection of accessories is a recipe for headaches. It’s most noticeable in post-processing. Without proper tools, you’ll struggle with removing supports cleanly, smoothing surfaces, and so forth.
Additionally, you need tools for machine maintenance. Without them, your machine could fail to produce quality prints or even break unexpectedly.
The Must-Have Accessories
Here is a list of the top 10 essential accessories that will enhance your 3D printing.
Digital Calipers
Digital calipers help you verify your prints’ dimensions, calibrate your printer’s steps/mm, and measure filament diameter to get your flow rate just right.
Print Removal Tool
A thin, flexible steel spatula is perfect for safely prying your prints from the build plate without damaging the part or the print surface.
Deburring Tool
This tool is fantastic for cleaning up the edges of your prints, chamfering sharp corners, and removing any leftover elephant’s foot for a clean look.
Flush Cutters
These are essential for neatly snipping away filament, trimming support structures close to the model, and cleaning up any stringing or blobs.
Nozzle Cleaning Kit
Clogged nozzles are an inevitable part of 3D printing. A kit containing acupuncture needles and small brushes will help you clear blockages and keep your extruder flowing smoothly.
Print Bed Adhesives
Glue sticks, blue painter’s tape, hairspray, or specialized adhesives like Magigoo help your first layer stick securely to the bed, preventing warping and print failures.
Filament Storage Solution
PLA, ABS, PETG, and other materials are hygroscopic (tending to absorb ambient moisture). A filament dryer or an airtight container with desiccant packs will keep your materials in prime condition.
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
Keeping your build plate clean is vital for good adhesion, and you can easily remove grime with IPA before each print.
Spare Nozzles
Nozzles are consumable parts that wear out over time. Having spares on hand means you can quickly swap one out and get back to printing.
3D Printer Enclosure
An enclosure helps maintain a stable ambient temperature around your print, contain fumes, and reduce noise.
Where To Source Your Gear
Now that you know what you need, the next question is where to find it. While you can source these items from various places, a specialized retailer offers the best selection and expertise.
3D Printers Depot is the premier destination for all your 3D printing needs. In addition to our carbon-fiber 3D printers, we provide a comprehensive catalog of high-quality accessories, from basic toolkits to advanced post-processing equipment and filament management systems. Upgrade your workshop today by exploring our massive selection!