15 Best 3D Printer Accessories: Improve Your 3D Printers
The technology of 3D printing is constantly evolving and has a vast range of applications, from hobbyists to professionals. With 3D printers, you can create anything from custom toys to complex prototypes. To improve 3D printers and get better 3D printed items, the proper 3D printer accessories are important. They can enhance the quality of your prints, reduce the likelihood of errors, and make your 3D printer easier to use.
In this article, we will take a look at the 15 best 3D printer accessories available on the market, which are designed to help you get high-quality prints.
Top 15 Must Have 3D Printer Accessories
Which accessories for 3D printer you need will depend on your goals and budget. However, the 15 best 3D printed tools listed in the following are a good starting point for any 3D printer user.
Build Plate Scraper
A build plate scraper is an important part of the 3D printer tool kit, removing 3D prints from the build plate of a 3D printer. It is typically made of a thin, flexible material, such as metal or plastic, and has a sharp edge that can slide under the print and scrape it off of the build plate.
When using a build plate scraper, you’d better gently slide the scraper under the print at a 45-degree angle in order to avoid scratches to the build plate. Once the print is loose, you can remove it with your hands. Also, the scraper should be cleaned regularly to remove any residue.
Air Filtration System
3D printers will produce various harmful substances during their working process, which can pose a threat to human health. The air filtration system, one of the must-have 3D printer accessories, can remove pollutants and harmful gases generated during 3D printing, including ultrafine particles (UFPs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust, and other particles.
With it, not only will you be exposed to less harmful substances produced during the printing process, but you will also get higher-quality 3D printing. Therefore, when choosing a 3D printer, please pay attention to the air filtration system equipped according to your own needs.
Adjustment Tools
Adjustment tools for 3D printing are used to adjust various parameters and settings of 3D printers. These 3D printing tools can help users obtain higher-quality printing results, mainly including the following categories:
- Level gauge:Check if the build plate is level
- Magnifier:Check the details of printed documents
- Thermometer:Measure the temperature of the printer.
- Fan:Help cool printed materials
- Lubricant:Lubricate the moving parts of the printer.
Adhesive Solutions
Adhesive solutions for 3D printing are used to bond two or more 3D printed pieces together to form a complete object. As one useful component of the 3D printing toolkit, it is to provide strength and sealing so objects can stay connected.
Different adhesives are suitable for different materials and applications, so please choose the right one. Also, please use the adhesive correctly according to the instructions to ensure the best results. In addition, some adhesives may contain harmful substances, so safety precautions should be taken when using them.
Nozzle Maintenance Kit
The nozzle is one of the best 3D printer accessories, responsible for extruding molten plastic into shape. If the nozzles are clogged or damaged, print quality may deteriorate or even fail. Therefore, this 3D print toolbox is necessary to clean and maintain the nozzle of the 3D printer.
Here are some tips for cleaning nozzles:
- Be sure to turn off the 3D printer and let it cool before cleaning the nozzle.
- When using a wire brush, please brush gently to avoid damaging the nozzle.
- When using the needle, be careful not to puncture the nozzle.
- Make sure the nozzle is properly clean and dry before reinstalling it.
Besides, if you want to get better 3D prints, a 3D printer with a good nozzle is a must. Here, we’d like to introduce two reliable 3D printers to you: AnkerMake M5 3D Printer and AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer.
They both use 0.4mm diameter nozzles, which are suitable for processing common FDM printing materials such as PLA, ABS, and PETG. The main difference between the nozzles of the two printers is the temperature:
- The AnkerMake M5 supports a nozzle temperature range of 180-260°C. Its standard brass nozzle with a maximum temperature of 260°C, making it suitable for printing a wide variety of materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU.
- The AnkerMake M5C supports a nozzle temperature range of 180-280°C, featuring its hardened steel nozzle with a maximum temperature of 300°C, making it suitable for printing PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, as well as high-temperature materials, such as polycarbonate (PC) and nylon.
Precision Measuring Device
Precision measuring devices of 3D printers are used to measure the size, shape, and surface quality of 3D printed parts. These useful 3D printed tools can help users ensure that 3D prints meet design requirements and detect defects that occur during the printing process.
Commonly used 3D printer precision measuring devices like calipers, vernier calipers, micrometers, micrometers, etc. can help you get satisfactory 3D prints.
Finishing Tool
3D print finishing tools are tools used for post-processing 3D printed parts, including sandpaper, polishing agents, cutting tools, drilling tools, welding tools, and painting tools. These tools can help users improve the surface quality, dimensional accuracy, and functionality of 3D printing.
Cutting Blade
Cutting blades, one of the must-have 3D printing accessories, are used to cut 3D-printed parts. They can also be used to adjust the size or shape, which can help users improve the overall quality of 3D printing and meet the needs of different applications.
Here are some commonly used 3D printer cutting blades:
- Straight Blade
- Oblique Blade
- Serrated Blade
- Hot melt Blade
Gripping Tools
Gripping Tools are used to grab and move 3D printed parts, usually including tweezers, clamps, vacuum suction cups, and electric clamps. These 3D printer tools help users remove 3D prints from the build plate and move them to other locations.
Electrical Repair Tool
Electrical repair tools for 3D printing are a set of tools that can be used to repair or troubleshoot electrical problems with 3D printers. These tools can be used to test voltage, measure resistance, and diagnose electrical faults, commonly including
- Multimeter
- Soldering iron
- Desoldering pump
- Wire strippers
- Crimping tool
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies, consisting of cleaners, cleaning tools, and disinfectants, are a set of 3D printing tools and materials used to clean 3D printers and 3D printouts. Simply using alcohol, IPA, hot water, brushes, sponges, and rags can help users maintain the cleanliness and good condition of 3D printers, improving the quality and lifespan of 3D prints.
Filament Keeper
A filament keeper for 3D printers is a device that can prevent filaments from unraveling from the spool and reduce the risk of tangles and knots. It is typically attached to the end of the spool and clips onto the filament. Filament keepers can be made from a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, or silicone.
If you are serious about 3D printing, it is a good idea to invest in a filament keeper. It is a relatively inexpensive 3D printer tool kit that can help to improve the print quality of your prints and extend the life of your filament.
Extra Print Nozzles
Extra printing nozzles for 3D printers are additional tools used to improve the quality or functionality of 3D printing, helping users print finer details, more complex shapes, or more durable materials. Mainly including:
- 4 mm nozzle is the most commonly used nozzle for 3D printers.
- 2mm nozzle for printing finer details.
- 6mm Nozzle for printing out faster.
- Rectangular nozzle for rectangular lines.
- Triangular nozzle for triangular stitches.
Additional Build Surfaces
Additional build surfaces for 3D printers are surfaces that can be attached to the build plate of a 3D printer to improve the adhesion of prints and make them easier to remove. There are a variety of different additional build surfaces available, including:
- Glass
- BuildTak
- PEI
- Spring steel
Cable Organizers
Cable organizers are important tools or devices for organizing 3D printer cables. They can help users improve the safety and aesthetics of 3D printers. Here are some commonly used 3D printer cable organizers: cable ties, cable ducts, and cable brackets.
Conclusion
3D printer accessories are essential for improving print quality and expanding your printer's capabilities. When selecting these tools, consider your budget, needs, and the type of 3D printer you have. Beginners should focus on essential accessories like a build plate scraper, air filtration system, adjustment tools, and adhesive solutions, while Professionals can explore high-precision measuring devices, advanced maintenance tools, finishing equipment, extra nozzles, and build surfaces for more advanced projects. Ultimately, regardless of your expertise level, the key is to judiciously match accessories to both your needs and financial plan, ensuring an optimized and fruitful 3D printing venture.
FAQ
What can't be 3D printed?
While 3D printing is a versatile technology, there are still some things that can not be 3D printed. Here are a few examples:
- Materials that cannot be melted or sintered like wood, cloth, and paper.
- Materials that are too flammable like certain plastics and chemicals.
- Materials that are too hard or brittle like metals, such as gold and silver.
- Objects that are too large or complex.
- Completely finished products.
How does nozzle affect 3D printing?
The nozzle diameter and type affect the quality, speed, and strength of 3D prints. Larger nozzles produce faster prints but may lead to lower precision, while smaller nozzles perform the opposite.
