Whether you’re new to 3D printing or a seasoned enthusiast, the right accessories can make a huge difference in your workflow, print quality, and overall experience. From tools that help with setup and maintenance to upgrades that enhance your printer’s capabilities, here are some of the top-rated 3D printing accessories that are worth adding to your toolkit.
1. Filament Dryer
Moisture can be one of the biggest culprits behind print failures, especially with materials like PLA, PETG, and nylon. A filament dryer helps remove moisture from your filament, ensuring smoother, higher-quality prints. Filament dryers like the Sunlu Filament Dryer Box or the eSUN eBox keep your filament dry, store it neatly, and even allow you to print directly from the box, maintaining the filament’s quality throughout the printing process.
Pros: Improves print quality, prevents moisture-related issues, easy storage
Cons: Initial cost, not necessary for all climates
2. Magnetic or Flexible Build Plate
Removing prints from the build surface can sometimes be tricky, especially if they’re firmly adhered. A magnetic or flexible build plate makes this process much easier. Plates like the Wham Bam Flexible Build System allow you to remove your print simply by flexing the surface, which causes the print to pop right off. This upgrade saves time and helps avoid damaging your prints during removal.
Pros: Easy print removal, reduces risk of damaging prints or bed
Cons: Additional cost, may wear out over time
3. Nozzle Cleaning Kit
A clogged or dirty nozzle can lead to inconsistent extrusion and print failures. A nozzle cleaning kit, usually containing small needles or cleaning rods, can help keep your nozzle clear and your extrusion smooth. Kits like the Dizaul Nozzle Cleaning Kit come with a variety of sizes to match different nozzles and are a must-have for maintaining a clean, high-performing printer.
Pros: Clears clogs, affordable, prolongs nozzle life
Cons: Requires careful handling to avoid damage
4. Calipers
Precision is key in 3D printing, especially when it comes to calibrating your printer or designing custom parts. Digital calipers are an essential tool for measuring filament diameter, part dimensions, and even nozzle width. A reliable set of digital calipers, like the Neiko 01407A Electronic Digital Caliper, gives you accurate measurements, which can improve your overall print quality and compatibility of your designs.
Pros: Improves accuracy, versatile tool for multiple measurements
Cons: Requires a bit of practice to use effectively
5. Hardened Steel Nozzle
If you’re printing with abrasive filaments like carbon fiber, wood, or glow-in-the-dark materials, a standard brass nozzle can wear down quickly. Hardened steel nozzles are much more durable and can withstand the wear and tear of abrasive filaments. Options like the E3D V6 Hardened Steel Nozzle are highly rated for their longevity, allowing you to print abrasive materials without frequent nozzle replacements.
Pros: Durable, ideal for abrasive filaments
Cons: Slightly more expensive, may require higher temperatures
6. Glass Bed
A glass bed provides a smooth, flat surface that improves bed adhesion and gives prints a clean, glossy finish on the bottom. Many users swear by glass beds, like the Creality Borosilicate Glass Bed, because they’re easy to clean, durable, and provide a consistent printing surface. Just make sure to use a good adhesive or leveling technique to ensure the print sticks properly.
Pros: Smooth surface, easy to clean, improves adhesion
Cons: Fragile if dropped, can require adhesives
7. 3D Print Removal Tool
Sometimes, even with a flexible build plate, prints can be a bit stubborn. A 3D print removal tool, like the AMX3d Print Removal Tool Kit, helps safely detach your prints without damaging the surface or the print itself. These tools are typically thin, flat, and designed to get under your print for easy removal.
Pros: Easy print removal, reduces print damage risk
Cons: Needs careful handling, especially with sharp edges
8. Silicone Sock for Hotend
A silicone sock for your hotend, like those from Creality or Capricorn, helps regulate temperatures and keep your hotend clean. The sock fits around your hotend to protect it from filament buildup and heat fluctuations, leading to more consistent temperatures and smoother prints. It’s especially useful if you print with sticky materials like PETG.
Pros: Maintains hotend temperature, prevents filament buildup
Cons: Can wear out over time, additional small cost
9. OctoPrint Setup with Raspberry Pi
If you want to control and monitor your printer remotely, OctoPrint is a powerful tool for managing your print jobs from your computer or smartphone. By setting up OctoPrint with a Raspberry Pi, you can view real-time progress, adjust settings, and even watch a live stream of your print if you add a camera. It’s an ideal solution for anyone who wants more control over their printing, especially for longer prints.
Pros: Remote control and monitoring, enhances workflow, highly customizable
Cons: Setup requires some technical knowledge, costs for Raspberry Pi and accessories
10. Filament Storage Bags with Desiccant
If you’re storing filament for long periods, keeping it dry is essential to maintain quality. Filament storage bags with desiccant, like those from Polymaker, help protect your filament from humidity. These bags are airtight and usually come with desiccant packs to absorb any excess moisture, ensuring your filament stays in top condition.
Pros: Affordable, preserves filament quality, easy to use
Cons: Requires storage space, periodic desiccant replacement
Adding any of these accessories to your 3D printing setup can help improve your print quality, streamline your process, and keep your printer running smoothly. Whether it’s enhancing bed adhesion with a glass bed, keeping filament dry with storage bags, or setting up remote control with OctoPrint, these tools and upgrades can take your 3D printing experience to the next level. Happy printing!