3D Printer Tools: Essential Accessories for 3D Printing Projects

If you own a 3D printer and want to make the printing process as smooth as possible and improve your 3D printing experience, the right 3D printer tools are worth equipping. This guide will recommend you common tools related to 3D printers, and you can choose according to your actual needs.

1. Print bed tools

Print bed tools are important auxiliary tools for 3D printing. The following tools can reduce print failures caused by poor adhesion or damage to the bed surface.

Glue sticks: Commonly used in FDM printing, they help to fix the prints and are easy to apply and clean. For example, The Bambu Lab Liquid Glue for build plate can improve bed adhesion and reduce warping, allowing prints to stick better and stay in place.

Tape: Some users will cover the print bed with a layer of blue tape or other types of adhesive film, which also helps prevent warping. In addition, such a film can protect the print bed and make it easier to clean. When the film becomes dirty or has been used for a period of time, it needs to be replaced.

Bed scraper: used to easily peel off the printed model and clean the bed surface at the same time. Using a plastic bed scraper can prevent damage to the print bed.

2. Cleaning tools

Cleaning tools are key to ensuring print quality and extending the life of the printer, and can effectively avoid blockages or failures. Common cleaning tools include:

Cleaning the needle of the nozzle: remove filament residue or blockages in the extruder nozzle.

Alcohol and lint-free cloth: clean the residue or oil on the bed surface. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is commonly used, which can effectively remove residual adhesion. Lint-free cloth avoids leaving lint.

Small vacuum cleaner: can be used to remove dust, resin deposits and filament fragments that are difficult to clean inside the 3D printer.

3. Filament tools

Filament tools help store materials, smooth feeding and precise operation, thereby improving 3D printing effects and quality.

Storage tools: vacuum bags or drying boxes help keep filaments dry, thereby maintaining filament quality.

Filament clips: filament clips can be used to fix the ends of filaments to avoid tangling during storage.

Filament spool holder: Keeps filament spools organized and allows them to be fed smoothly into the extruder.

Pliers: Mainly used to remove support materials, trim printed objects, cut excess materials or thread ends, among which needle-nose pliers are suitable for operations on delicate parts.

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4. Calibration tools

The calibration tool will help you fine-tune the printer settings while ensuring printing accuracy.

Digital caliper: Used to measure prints to ensure accurate size and alignment.

Bed leveling tool: Ensures that the print bed is completely level, prevents uneven printing and improves adhesion.

5. Post-processing tools

After printing, post-processing tools are required to complete the surface treatment, which is often used for models with intricate details or rough edges.

Deburring Tool: An essential tool for safely and efficiently cleaning the edges of prints, which reduces the risk of injury compared to using a knife.

Sandpaper: Suitable for grinding rough spots on the surface of printed parts.

Needle file: Ideal for processing smaller and finer features.

Heat gun: Can be used to smooth certain types of filaments to remove layer lines or defects.

6. Protective tools

Toxic gases are produced during 3D printing, and some materials cannot be directly touched, especially when handling heated parts, toxic filaments, or high temperatures.

Mask: Avoid inhaling toxic gases produced during printing.

Safety glasses: Prevent splashing into the eyes when using tools such as heat guns or working around heated nozzles.

Gloves: Avoid direct skin contact with resin materials, and can be used to handle hot parts.

Having the right 3D printer tools can improve print quality, work efficiency, and extend the life of the equipment. The above accessories can increase the success rate of your 3D printing projects and get a smoother and more precise 3D printing experience. If you are looking for services related to 3D printing, be sure to check out JLC3DP's rich guides and material libraries to meet your diverse 3D printing needs.