To get the best results from your 3D printer, you need to work with the right tools.
From removing support material to improving print bed adhesion, here's a list of essential tools, all designed to make your 3D printing process easier.
Essential Toolkit for Basic 3D Printer Users
Most 3D printer users own certain tools. These important devices ensure your printed objects function smoothly and achieve optimal results. You don't necessarily
need to buy them all at once; but over time, you'll likely add them all to your toolkit.
Glue Stick
Establishing platform adhesion is key to creating excellent 3D printed objects.
A glue stick is very handy when you're trying to get your print to stick – you simply cover your print bed with a soluble glue, and adhesion will improve immediately.
Some people prefer hairspray, but we recommend glue because you can apply it more precisely, and there's less risk of accidentally spraying the gate or moving parts.
You can learn how to use a glue stick here.
Small Spatula or Palette Knife
Sometimes, you might find that your 3D print adheres too strongly. When this happens, a scraper or palette knife can solve the problem.
All you need to do is gently loosen it under the printed object and carefully lift it.
Over time, you might end up with a collection of different palette knives. To start, we recommend a stiff palette knife and a flexible one.
Titan's stainless steel scraper with a tapered tip works particularly well, we've found.
Deburring Tool/Knife and Cutting Mat
A deburring tool is great for cleaning up model holes and removing small bits of plastic from printed parts (especially edges).
You'll also need a knife to trim your prints, as they allow for perfect removal.
Gently use a knife to remove unsightly plastic dots or excess filament strands, making the final result look smoother and neater. We recommend investing in a knife with
replaceable blades (like an X-Acto knife) and a cutting mat.
Pliers
Pliers have multiple uses, from maintaining print nozzles to repairing 3D printers. Look for good quality pliers with rubberized grips for good non-slip hold. You might
need more than one type – we recommend needle-nose pliers and wire cutters (which are particularly effective for trimming support material or cutting long filament strands).
Blue Tape
Tape is one of the most basic tools you can own and one of the most widely used. Adding masking tape to the print bed is a simple and effective way to help your 3D printed objects
stick to the print bed. This also makes it easier to finish prints and protects your print bed from scratches.
Make sure to choose masking tape with a minimum width of 50mm. When the tape is wide, it means you need fewer strips to cover your print bed – you'll be grateful for this if you
need to re-level your print bed regularly!
Magnalube and Unilube
Sometimes, you need to lubricate the X and Y axes to ensure they operate smoothly. Use the best lubricant, Unilube, just one drop can solve any dryness issues.
For the Z-axis, you can use Magnalube.
Most importantly, do not use WD40, as this can affect the axle coating and potentially damage the printer. Read more here.
Calipers
Calipers have many applications in 3D printing. They are very useful for checking the accuracy of printed parts, and you can also use them to determine the dimensions of parts
replicated in CAD software.
Calipers are also handy for checking and measuring filament – as filament doesn't always come with precise measurements.
Just measure it in a few different places, average the readings, and then adjust the filament diameter in your slicing software as needed.
Analog calipers can also measure, but they don't offer the same precision.
Tweezers
Tweezers are very useful whenever you print. Before starting a print, they are great for pulling oozing filament from the extruder nozzle (which means no burnt fingers).
Afterward, they are also handy for cleaning up your printed objects. We recommend purchasing a set of tweezers in different shapes and sizes to ensure you
can handle all possibilities.
Sandpaper
It's a good idea to choose sandpaper with a variety of grits. These are useful for post-processing 3D prints.
Our recommendation? Choose from coarse (220 grit) to fine (1000 grit), and invest in reputable brands like 3M, as they may last longer than inferior types.
Screwdrivers/Hex Screwdrivers
Most people already own a good selection of screwdrivers and hex wrenches. If you don't, it's worth having, as you'll need to regularly re-tighten the gantry screws and stepper motors
of your 3D printer. Hex nuts and bolts are widely used in 3D printer assembly, so owning a set of hex screwdrivers and wrenches is a wise choice.
Adhesion Sheets
Adhesion sheets are compatible with most materials and enhance adhesion to the print bed. They are a great alternative to glue sticks, as they are easy to remove
and can be used multiple times. Another advantage is that they are specially developed to withstand high temperatures, unlike tape. However, it's important to ensure the sheets are applied correctly,
as air bubbles can lead to an uneven printing surface. You can find out how to use adhesion sheets here.
Desiccant and Resealable Bags
3D printer filament absorbs moisture over time. This can lead to flaking and ultimately make the printing process more complex. To avoid moisture absorption, simply store the filament
in a sealed container or plastic bag and add some desiccant to ensure all moisture is removed from the environment. Silicone will be more suitable. Here are more
storage tips that can help you.
A reminder that due to Taiwan's humid climate, we recommend using a dry box to better maintain filament dryness.
Permanent Markers
Permanent markers (such as Sharpies) can be used to mark 3D prints, especially when running multiple prints of the same model but with different slicer settings.
Simply note the print order and settings on each finished object, and then you can distinguish them later.
Advanced 3D Printing Toolkit
The advanced 3D printing accessories for the Ultimaker 2+ include two 0.4mm nozzles, two TFM couplers, 25 adhesion sheets, and a front enclosure. These
will make your 3D printer run more smoothly. Nozzles and TFM couplers are handy replacements, adhesion sheets are excellent for keeping the model in place, and the front enclosure
keeps the printer warm, preventing some materials from warping and delaminating. The advanced accessories for the Ultimaker 3 include a glass plate, 25 adhesion sheets, one scraper for the sheets, and one front enclosure. You can learn more here.
Other Useful Tools
The tools below may not be as essential as those listed above, but they are certainly useful. Obviously, this depends on how you use your 3D printer,
as some are more suitable for specific tasks than others.
• Flashlight. If your 3D printer already has built-in lighting, you won't need this. Otherwise, even in well-lit areas, this can be a useful tool.
The interior of enclosed 3D printers can be dark, which makes a difference in judging print quality in detail. A small LED light works perfectly.
• Paper towels. Paper towels are always effective for cleaning and drying your print bed, and most importantly, they are also cheap!
• Pencil and paper. It's a good idea to have paper and a pencil when you need to jot down dimensions and sketches while printing.
• Wire cutters. Wire cutters are great for removing supports and creating a cleaner, neater surface.
• Dremel rotary tool. A Dremel is a handheld high-speed rotary grinding tool with a range of attachments. These attachments allow you to perform various applications,
including cutting, sanding, and engraving. When 3D printing, it can be used to remove support material, smooth rough edges, or sand 3D printed objects made with metal-filled filament.
• Extra filament. Having an extra spool is very useful. A spool lasts for a while, but it won't last forever! Also, there are many types to choose from depending on your requirements.
• Extra glass plate. If you print 24/7, a spare glass plate can speed up your workflow. It allows you to quickly swap out the glass plate when starting a new print,
instead of waiting for the print bed to cool down before removing the printed object.
• Dissolving kit (bucket and pump). After printing, you'll need to remove water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and a bucket of water does a great job!
A pump ensures that PVA support dissolves faster.
Using the right tools significantly increases the chances of creating perfect 3D prints.
A 3D printer and a computer do most of the work, and the subsequent tools are for polishing and perfecting the model!
Original link: https://ultimaker.com/en/blog/38572-essential-tools-for-every-3d-printing-professional