10 Must-have Tools for Your 3D Printing Workspace
Over the years, the 3D printing industry has experienced rapid development. The models available today are more compact, affordable, and simple to use than the massive and expensive 3D printers of the past. However, the success of 3D printing is not just dependent on the printer. When it comes to the quality of the end output, there are a variety of 3D printer accessories to consider.
With the correct accessories, you can convert an ordinary 3D printer into a fantastic machine that will produce prints that are exactly what you want.
In this post, we would take a look at the top 10 3D printer tools that can help you get the most out of your 3D printer, from accessories for storage to those for boosting bed plate adhesion. let's go!
The Best 3D Printing Tools for Your Workspace
Listed below are some helpful and necessary tools and equipment that you'll want to keep near your printer!
A print removal blade makes it simple to remove prints from your print bed. When using an adhesive on the bed or a filament that clings effectively, such as PETG, this tool comes in handy. The blade should always be pointed away from you when using these, as they may be extremely sharp!
Print removal blades with a handle that is perpendicular to the blade or parallel to the blade are available. If you don't want to spend money on a specific product, a paint scraper is a great DIY alternative.
Adhesives are another important component of your 3D printer, and they may be used in a variety of ways. Adhesives are mostly used to improve 3D print bed adhesion, but they can also be utilized to attach multiple components together.
Glue, hairspray, and other household adhesives work well for bed adhesion, and you can find them at home or buy them cheaply at most hardware stores or online. Elmer's clear glue sticks and L'Oreal hairspray are two examples of bed adhesives that can improve prints by preventing warping and first-layer failures.
Different 3D printed parts can be bonded together with superglue, hot glue, and other more permanent adhesives. This glue is ideal for large projects that require numerous prints to join together, such as a helmet or sword. These more lasting adhesives are pricier than ordinary adhesives.
A clogged nozzle is one of the most prevalent causes of poor print quality. Debris surrounding the nozzle's exit hole hinders filament from extruding effectively, resulting in poor prints. Nozzle cleaning tools exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can aid in the removal of dirt from the nozzle.
A needle is the most common nozzle cleaning tool. You can use the needle to push away or punch through any debris in the nozzle while it's heated. Because these needles must be very thin to fit within the nozzle hole and are prone to bending and kinking, we recommend having a couple on hand.
A wire brush, which is like a small toothbrush with firm wire bristles that you can use to remove material off the exterior of the nozzle, is another excellent nozzle cleaning equipment to have on hand. While not the same as removing internal debris from the nozzle, undesirable and surplus substances on the outside of the nozzle can also cause extrusion problems.
Pliers and tweezers can be used to pick up small pieces, such as a screw from a V-slot extrusion, and remove hot things, such as a nozzle. Pliers are used when handling larger items, whereas tweezers are used to grip smaller items in tight or difficult-to-reach places. Pliers can be used to cut filament, remove support material from a part, hold hot parts, strip wires, and remove support material from a part.
Pliers and tweezers are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. They will last longer and be more robust if they are built of tougher materials. Choose between large gripping pliers, needle-nose pliers, cutters, and more types, or acquire a set of pliers.
A soldering iron is a versatile item to have in your toolbox. Of course, you may use a soldering iron and solder to connect wires, which is useful in 3D printing projects involving electronic components.
Bonding and smoothing 3D printed models, such as those produced in PLA or PETG, is another application.
A soldering iron's heat can be used to iron a model's surface for a smooth finish. You can also use heat to mildly melt the material of two 3D printed parts, then adhere them together and let the melted material solidify to form a connection.
A utility knife is a sharp blade that may be used for a variety of activities, like opening new boxes of filament and cutting a sharp edge on it to make loading it easier. Utility knives can be used to slice a PTFE tube uniformly (no high spots), remove supports, and more.
Individual or multi-pack sets of utility blades are available, and the blade's and handle's durability is determined by the blade's and handle construction and material. Craftsman's utility knife and Workpro's folding knife set are two examples of utility knife sets.
The right illumination on and around a 3D printer can save your life. Because you can see all of your printer's little components better, it makes dealing with it easier. You can also see how your prints are progressing more clearly. A flashlight is a useful tool to have around, whether your printer has a lighting system or not because you can use it to illuminate and focus on the small and dark sections of your 3D printer or another component.
As you might guess, there are a plethora of flashlights to select from, and you most likely already own one. If you don't have one or don't want to buy one, there are several low-cost strong LED flashlight possibilities.
Towels and wipes are really useful in a variety of situations. If your build plate is covered in glue or another residue, you can clean it with water, acetone, or isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Cleaning your other instruments, hands, or even giving your printer a good shine to make it look more presentable is another purpose for this equipment.
Towels can range from an old shirt to a dishrag or a microfiber cloth; the latter is recommended because it traps dirt and filth. You can use the same towels that are used to wipe laptop screens or even special ones designed for cleaning wind instruments.
A suitable filament storage container is one of the most crucial accessories a 3D printer owner should have.
The majority of 3D printer users are unaware of this, which can result in clogging, poor layer adhesion, breakage, and other issues. As a result, it's critical to preserve your filaments in a moisture-free environment.
A filament box, for example, keeps your filament dry and dust-free while also dispensing it. It includes a temperature and humidity sensor, as well as the ability to print right from the box.
To acquire a perfect finished look, you'll need to do some more work when printing pieces with a lot of little details and supporting material. This set of carving tools is ideal for smoothing out your final model by removing excess filament and perfecting all the small details on 3D prints that demand a little extra attention.
This kit includes 12 carving tools in various shapes and sizes that will cover the majority of your needs.
Sandpaper can be used to blend the distinct layers of a 3D printed component to obscure the layer lines on a print, both in terms of touch and look. Sanding pieces can be used on any 3D print, but they're especially beneficial for cosplay and other on-display sculptures.
Sandpaper is available in a variety of grits, with the lower the grit number, the less smooth the finish. You'll probably need a variety of different grit numbers of sandpaper for 3D printers.
Conclusion
Choosing the proper 3D printer accessories improves your chances of getting a perfect 3D print. These reasonable purchases can make 3D printing a lot easier and more pleasant.
Do you already have any of these 3D printer accessories? Which ones are you going to need? For your safety and the safety of your printer, these accessories are essential for both professionals and enthusiasts. Invest wisely in these tools, and you'll be able to start enjoying your 3D printing experience in no time.
Leave a comment