There are a few types of equipment that virtually all 3D printer users have. These vital pieces of equipment ensure that your prints run smoothly and that you get the best results possible. You don’t have to buy them all at once, but you’ll likely end up adding them all to your 3d printing tools collection over time.
Glue stick
The adhesion between the build platform and the model significantly impacts 3D print quality. Glue sticks are handy for keeping your print in place when you’re not satisfied with how it’s coming out. Soak the print bed with resolvable glue. The sticking power will be immediately enhanced. Hair spray is popular, but we’d recommend glue instead since you may be more accurate on the application. Applying the gantry by spraying or moving components is therefore much less likely. This article will help you understand material-specific adhesion standards.
Palette knife/ Spatula
The 3D print may have adhered too well to the build plate on rare occasions. A knife or spatula is usually used to fix it if this happens. Lift the roller shade over the print and gently lower it beneath it.
Palette knives are one of those things that seem easy enough at first, but you’ll most likely purchase a variety over time. To begin with, we recommend obtaining a stiff palette knife and a flexible palette knife. The teeth on the stainless-steel scrapers are tapered, and we feel they perform exceptionally well.
Cutting Mat/Deburring tool/knife
A deburring tool can help remove tiny slices of plastic out of your printed components, particularly the brim. To clean your prints, you’ll require knives to clean up any imperfections. A skilled knife movement can eliminate unsightly plastic pellets or filament strings, resulting in a cleaner and smoother appearance. A cutting mat and a knife with exchangeable blades are highly recommended.
Pliers
Pliers can be used for various things, including maintaining your print core and repairing the 3D printer. Find a pair of pliers with a slip-resistant grip of good quality and rubberised. You’ll probably need a variety of pliers, as wire-cutting and needle-nose pliers are often insufficient. (An assortment of tools and equipment are available. They’re ideal for trimming filament, which is particularly beneficial in the case of 3D printing.).
Blue tape
Masking tape is a popular and inexpensive piece of hardware that everyone should own. It’s among the essential tools you’ll ever use, and it’s also the most frequently utilised. The best way to make sure your 3D printed item sticks to the printing bed is to use masking tape on the surface. The plus side is that it’s less messy than using a chemical, and it shields your print bed from roughening.
It’s also a good idea to go for masking tape that has a thickness of 50mm. When the video is vast, it implies that you will only find a few strips to protect the print bed. – If you want to rematerialise the print bed regularly, this is something you’ll be grateful for! It should be part of your 3D printing tools.
Magnalube and Unilube
Occasionally, lubrication is required, especially when the Y and X axes need it. The most excellent lubricant to apply often is Unilube; a single drop will usually cure dryness issues. Use Magnalube for the Z-trapezoidal-leadscrew.
It’s vital not to utilise WD40 on the axle coating because this might damage your printer and cause harm.
Digital calliper
Many uses for the digital calliper in 3D printing have been discovered. It’s a great way to check the accuracy of your prints, and it may also be used to measure things for CAD modelling. Callipers help verify filament dimensions since they aren’t always precise. Take a few readings at various angles, calculate the average, and modify the filament diameter in your cutting program if necessary.
Old callipers can be used, but they aren’t as precise.
Tweezers
When you’re printing, having tweezers on hand is a plus. These are used in plucking oozing filaments from the extruder outlet before it begins to print (This means you won’t get burned anymore.). The objective is to smooth the water flowing into your pool. In addition, they help tidy up any spilt ink after you’re done printing. We recommend investing in various tweezers to ensure that you’re prepared for anything.
Sandpaper
The best idea is to possess a range of sandpaper in various grits on hand. Our advice? Please have a few of each spirit to choose from (220 to 1000), and invest in the best brands like 3M since they’re more likely to endure than less-expensive, lower-quality options.
Screwdrivers/hex key screwdrivers
Most individuals own a decent range of hex screws and screwdrivers. There are three sizes of screws and gantry clamps available: M5, M8, and 1/2 inches (1.27, 2.38, and 6.35cm). If you don’t have any of them on hand, pick some up because you’ll have to re-tighten the screws and stepper motors. Bolts and hex nuts are pretty standard in 3D printer construction, so it’s also a good idea to have a set of screwdrivers, hex keys, and wrenches in the list of your 3d printing tools.
Adhesion sheets
Adhesive sheets work with various materials and improve build plate adhesion. They may be used repeatedly, and they’re simple to remove. They’re a fantastic substitute for a glue stick since they can be removed and utilised multiple times. Another benefit is that they’re designed to withstand heat, unlike masking tape. However, it’s critical to double-check that the paper was installed adequately because air bubbles indicate a non-flat printing surface.
Desiccant and re-sealable bags
In the long run, ABS plastic filament absorbs moisture. Excessively tight tolerances can cause fractures and other problems in the printing process. To prevent water absorption, keep the filament in an airtight container or a zip-top plastic bag, then put some desiccant into the mix to ensure that all moisture gets eliminated from the surroundings. Silica gel is also effective.
Permanent marker
These are useful in identifying 3D prints, especially if you’re printing many copies of the same design with various slicer settings. You may keep track of the order and locations for each image on the completed objects, allowing you to distinguish them later. Even well-known architects do this: Killa Design’s team incorporates their studies into the design to highlight where it may be improved.
Manufacturers create solutions and fixtures to address specific production problems. That’s why you’ll need 3D printing tools.
