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.
Basic 3D Printer User's Toolkit
Most 3D printer users own certain tools. These important pieces of equipment ensure that your printed objects work smoothly and yield the best 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 prints.
When you're trying to get your print to stick, a glue stick comes in handy – you just need to cover your print platform with soluble glue, and adhesion will instantly improve.
Some people prefer hairspray, but we recommend using 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.
Spatula or Palette Knife
Sometimes, you might find that your 3D print adheres too strongly. When this happens, using a spatula or palette knife can solve the problem.
All you need to do is gently ease it under the printed object and carefully lift it.
Over time, you might accumulate a collection of different palette knives. To start, we recommend getting one stiff and one flexible palette knife.
Titan's stainless steel spatula with a tapered tip is particularly good, we've found.
Deburring Tool / Knife and Cutting Mat
Deburring tools are excellent for cleaning out 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 the 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 (especially effective for trimming support material or long filament strands).
Blue Tape
Tape is one of the most basic tools you might own, and also one of the most widely used. Adding painter's tape to the print bed is a simple and effective way
to help your 3D print adhere to the print bed. It also makes finishing the print easier and protects your print bed from scratches.
Make sure to choose painter's tape with a width of at least 50mm. When the tape is wide, it means you need fewer strips to cover your print bed – you'll be grateful
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 dry issues.
For the Z-axis, 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 prints, 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 – since filament doesn't always come in precise measurements.
Just measure it at a few different spots, average the readings, and adjust the filament diameter in your slicer software as needed.
Analog calipers can also measure, but 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).
Afterwards, they are also convenient 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 various 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 are likely to last longer than inferior types.
Screwdrivers / Hex Key Set
Most people already own a good selection of screwdrivers and hex keys. If you don't, it's worth having, as you'll need to regularly re-tighten the gantry screws and
stepper motors on your 3D printer. Hex nuts and bolts are widely used in 3D printer assembly, so having a set of hex keys 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 because 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 check if
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 peeling, which ultimately makes the printing process more complicated. 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. Silica gel would 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 the dryness of your filament.
Permanent Marker
Permanent markers (like Sharpies) can be used to label 3D prints, especially when running multiple prints of the same model but with different slicer settings.
Simply note down the order and settings of each print on the finished object, and then you can separate them later.
Advanced 3D Printing Toolkit
The advanced 3D printing accessory kit for the Ultimaker 2+ includes two 0.4mm nozzles, two TFM couplers, 25 adhesion sheets, and a front enclosure. These
will make your 3D printer run more smoothly. The nozzles and TFM couplers are handy replacements, the adhesion sheets are excellent for keeping models in place, and the front enclosure
helps keep the interior of the printer warm, preventing warping and delamination for certain materials. The advanced accessory kit for the Ultimaker 3 includes a glass plate,
25 adhesion sheets, one sheet scraper, and one front enclosure. You can learn more here.
Other Useful Tools
The tools listed below might not be as critical as the ones above, but they are certainly useful. Obviously, this depends on how you use your 3D printer,
as some are better suited 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
an enclosed 3D printer can become dark, which can make 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 inexpensive!
• Pencil and paper. When you need to jot down dimensions and sketches while printing, having paper and a pencil is a good idea.
• Wire cutters. Wire cutters are great for removing supports and creating a cleaner, tidier surface.
• Dremel rotary tool. A Dremel is a handheld, high-speed rotary 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 polish 3D printed objects made with metal-infused filament.
• Extra filament. Having an extra spool is very useful. A spool lasts for a while but not 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 glass plates 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 of this!
A pump ensures that PVA supports dissolve faster.
Using the right tools greatly increases the chances of producing perfect 3D prints.
A 3D printer and a computer do most of the work; the tools afterward are for polishing and refining the model!
Original link: https://ultimaker.com/en/blog/38572-essential-tools-for-every-3d-printing-professional