3D Printing Accessories – The 3D printing process has seen an exponential increase in production since its inception.
The versions available today have become more lightweight, smaller, and more efficient, from the bulky and costly 3D printers of the past decades.
But getting good results from your 3D printer comes from more than just the printer’s own hardware.
Aside from some skill level on your end, you’ll also need some accessories for your 3D printer as well.
You can extend your 3D printer capability with the right tools, so you will be more confident that your 3D printing jobs can turn out as expected.
We think it’s more than just the 3D printer that’s delivering fantastic results. The accessories also play a significant role in deciding the price of a commodity that is printed in 3D.
In this article, we list what we believe to be the 25 best accessories you can purchase for your 3D printer.
Top 25 3D Printing Accessories
1. Raspberry Pi
In combination with a wide range of 3D printer types, the Raspberry Pi Motherboard can be used to allow for greater versatility and functionality with its advanced applications.
The Raspberry Pi applications, such as Repetier and OctoPrint, will give you additional capabilities to tweak and play about when working on your 3D print project.
One of the Raspberry Pi motherboard’s nicer features is the ability to remotely access and track your internet-based 3D print project.
You can show a live stream of the printing process by adding a camera to your Pi which you can use to make a fun little time-lapse video.
You can also upload files to the server remotely, monitor the status of the prints, and, if necessary, send an emergency stop order.
One of the most commonly used and recommended devices you can find for your 3D printer is a Raspberry Pi.
2. Carrier Case
This product does not directly affect the 3D printer performance but will help keep all your utensils in one place.
Instead of getting all your valuable things splayed all over the spot, a good carrier case helps you to remain smooth and avoid losing those items.
The little cleaning drill bits, for example, are vulnerable to being misplaced but that cannot happen if they are carefully tucked away in a pocket of your purse.
In addition, when travelling around, a bag can also be great.
3. 3D Scanner
Using a 3D scanner would help bring your 3D printing capability to the next level, as it helps you to build simple and precise 3D models from physical objects themselves.
In the last couple of years, 3D scanner technology has grown tremendously, making them even more affordable. Somewhat inexpensive and compact 3D scanners, such as the one that Care and Shape sell, are now available on the market.
4. Nozzle Cleaning Kit
Often people fail to keep the nozzle clean which can lead to long-term problems.
Essentially, nozzle cleaning kits remove any extra material that may be trapped inside the nozzle and keep it safe for the next printing.
As long as you have this plug, you’ll help to keep your system safe and balanced.
5. PrintDry Filament Dryer
PrintDry provides a Filament Dryer to hold the filament dry over a range of drying temperatures (35 to 70 ° C) depending on the filament content, for your more sophisticated filament drying needs.
The drying chamber can accommodate up to 2 kg of filament and can fit either 1.75 mm filaments or 3 mm filaments.
It also has a feeder spool allowing you to dry the filament right before it is fed to the 3D printer.
This is a genuinely useful tool, as it can also be used to recycle your desiccant pouches so that they can be used for storage again.
The PrintDry Filament Dryer is a complete and effective solution for all of your filament drying needs.
6. ABS Printing Smoothing Pen
If you’re aiming for a cleaner finish on the finished product that can be done using a ‘smoothing brush’ and would be a better way to use acetone.
If the solvent is added onto the rough surface, it starts to work and the exterior is smooth.
There is a spring-activated tip for safety reasons so that the acetone needs depression to fully release.
With most models having a translucent body, you can also tell how much you have left before it needs to be filled.
7. Desiccant Pouches
Printing filaments have very fine strands that appear to absorb excess moisture when inappropriately handled, making them unfit for 3D printing.
So, holding the filaments in moisture-free containers and preserving them with desiccant pouches is important. The most common desiccant material is silica gel, which can be purchased in small desiccant bags that are ready to use.
8. Laser Thermometer
This is a nice addition to have if you are using the 3D printer with people.
Using that to make them test the temperatures and know and that they are not allowed to reach the risks.
Not only that but if there is a flaw within the printer itself, you will compare the temperature with the monitor and find the cause of any problem.
9. PrintDry Filament Storage Container
PrintDry’s Filament Storage Unit does more than have, space where you can securely store your extra 3D filaments for printing.
PrintDry understands the importance of keeping the filaments dry during transport and provides containers with a silicone seal and 4 solid locking clamps that keep moisture out easily and effectively.
The containers are translucent, meaning that the filament you choose to use can be quickly found and selected, and are built to stack with each other to keep your office clean and ordered.
Inside these bags, we suggest storing the filaments with a desiccant bag, which can be regenerated in the PrintDry filament dryer.
Every PrintDry Filament Storage Container kit comes complete with 6 containers.
10. BuildTak
We also have the BuildTak, a square sheet of plastic that will stick to your print pad.
Many people consider this the best of all choices while printing alongside the glass that we saw earlier.
Since the sheets are so durable, they can be used time and time again while making the task of cleaning simpler than ever.
11. ABS Juice
An ABS Juice can be used for more stubborn ABS prints to match the bed adhesion needs.
ABS Juice is simply an ABS and Acetone blend. This drug can be used in conjunction with Kapton Tape and is a good alternative to hairspray as it provides better adhesion for ABS prints and decreased warping.
Prepared ABS juice items are available on the market but you can also make your own by dissolving ABS 3D print filament from 6 to 7 inches to 2-3 oz of acetone. In fact, it is possible to achieve stronger adhesion by dissolving more ABS plastic into the solution.
12. Dremel
This could not be as much of a “must-have” as a “would come in handy.
” The Dremel itself can come with a range of tools like a rotary tool, depending on how you aim for sand, scrape, cut or carve.
Much as with the X-ACTO knife, you may want to remove extra content, paint the finished result, or sand away any remaining rough edges.
As long as you buy a Dremel of decent quality, it will last for years to come and you will find a variety of other uses around the house for it too.
13. Kapton Tape
One of the most important steps in planning for your 3D printing job is picking a cloth to cover your print bed to guarantee that the first layer of your print comes out well.
Although masking tape has been commonly used for this purpose and is a cheaper choice, Kapton Tape is much safer in the long run because it handles better high temperatures.
Besides enhancing the adhesion, Kapton Tape also reduces the warping resulting in smoother 3D printing overall. Kapton Tape can be used for better performance in conjunction with other items, such as generic hairspray.
14. Permanent Marker
It’s important to print the same product under different conditions when you first get a 3D printer and run initial testing.
However, keeping track of any commodity can be challenging at times.
This is only one of the situations where a permanent marker can come in handy.
This can be especially helpful for teachers when it comes to writing student names on a finished document.
15. Extra Print Beds
Many with 3D printing expertise realize that having a decent first layer is crucial to an effective 3D print. Obtaining a good first layer, of course, relies heavily on having the right surface for the print bed.
A strong print bed needs to be very flat, sturdy and rigid in the finish.
Most people want to change their stock print beds from higher-end ones on the market.
Glass plated print sheets, like R1 + from Robo3D, withstands heat well and won’t warp the printed pieces as quickly as possible.
A borosilicate glass print bed’s surface tends to give the print a smooth appearance, which reduces the need for hairspray or other flammable materials.
16. X-ACTO Knife
Though 3D printers are improving with every passing year, there are periods when you need to make minor changes.
Luckily, an x-acto knife will do that. You can, for example, be left with filament strings or even plastic blobs which form during the processing phase.
You can take the knife and in a couple of seconds cut those issues.
You will also be able to get exchangeable blades for the knife we have recommended, depending on the job at hand.
17. Acetone
Acetone is an easy-to-find and widely-used device used to create a smooth and polished 3D printed finish.
These chemicals are simple to add in thin layers, allowing you more control over achieving the perfect print feel.
Keep in mind, however, that not all 3D printing components are soluble in acetone, as some might be more resistant than others to solvent.
18. Palette Knives
Palette knives are an extremely powerful method for 3D printing.
When a print is attached to the bed they should be able to support.
In fact, they will also assist with a range of other tasks like sweeping, ensuring the finer items are done smoothly, and more.
You’ll never usually have to go over $10 for a package of five or six different shapes and designs. The low price is certainly worth the effort.
19. Digital Calliper
A digital calliper is a must-have device for the extremely advanced 3D print-maker. It allows you to make extremely reliable and exact measurements of the pieces of a document, which can be very useful when integrating separately printed items.
It also allows you to verify the accuracy of your print measurements versus the dimensions in the CAD model source.
An accurate calliper in the quality control of your 3D printing filaments will also come in handy.
Real filament diameters are usually different from what’s marketed, and a digital calliper calculation would help you to make the appropriate changes (or complaints).
20. 3D Printer Tool Kit
This kit contains them all, without the need to buy several separate items.
You can get up to 25 different devices and gadgets intended to promote and make your experience more enjoyable.
You’ll also get a glue stick, steel knife, print removal tool, print repair tool, clean-up tweezers, and more, as well as needle-nose pliers.
That can definitely be a good place to start if anything at all.
21. Hex Key Wrench Set
True to any machine that has moving parts, after repeated and regular use, the components of a 3D printer will tend to get loose.
A complete set of hex keys of various sizes will ensure that any loose belts can be tightened at any point while you are doing your project.
This package will provide you a tool pack, along with a few simple screwdrivers, which is adequate to fix any minor issues with your 3D printer.
22. Signstek Glass Plate
There aren’t many finer items when it comes to the print bed than the borosilicate bottle.
Because it is tempered it is capable of withstanding exceptionally high temperatures. The finish should be smooth with glass on the print surface.
Not just this but it also prohibits hairspray or all other flammable materials from being used.
What’s more, this style of plates is now compliant with most big-name models and the expense compared to the upgrade it offers is comparatively low.
With this print bed, you’ll find a big change in your finished product.
23. Pliers
A good pair of needle-nose pliers in your 3D printer will help you to get into those tiny nooks and crannies while having a tight, firm grip.
They can be used for eliminating knots in the extruder, adding new filaments, or breaking filaments.
You may also use them to erase 3D prints that are trapped on the testbeds.
24. MakerBot PLA
You may ask why we recommend you spend a little extra money for a MakerBot device but we’ve got three solid explanations.
Second, whatever the length the thickness must be consistent. That is important because 3D printing doesn’t always happen.
Second, it’s not as fragile as the MakerBot filament, meaning it isn’t as likely to get twisted or broken.
Lastly, the stock is now very rarely twisted on the spool. This makes deployment quick, and you won’t have to worry until you start printing.
25. Adhesive
A strong adhesive has endless uses for work in 3D printing. It may be used to patch missing pieces or to fill in holes in the finished items.
Because of its scale, most 3D printers may create only small items, and an adhesive could be used to merge two smaller parts to shape a larger object.
With all its uses you have to bear in mind that different adhesives are ideal for different workers.
It may be easier to fill in holes with thick glue, whereas mixing two different parts with a thinner solution may be more effective.
Plastruct Plastic Weld has been commonly used to tie together PLA plastics. For applications using ABS or PLA plastics, Gorilla Super Glue should be fairly successful.
Final Things:
Choosing the best attachments for 3D printers dramatically increases the likelihood of producing the seamless 3D print.
Such good investments will make the process of 3D printing much smoother and more pleasurable.
Taking into account the cost of the average 3D printer, these can be decent investments that help prolong their lives.
They help in preserving your prints from keeping the nozzle clean. That’s a wrap for now on 3D Printing Accessories!
