3D Printing Accessories Every Woman Needs (Beginner Must-Haves That Save Time & Money)

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3D printing technology is always changing and has many uses for both pros and amateurs. The right 3D printer accessories ensure the seamless operation of your printing and optimal outcomes.

The 3D printer accessories you need will depend on your goals and budget.

The majority of 3D printers include an accessory kit. But the kit doesn’t cover everything.

Although you don’t have to buy them all at once, you will likely eventually add them all to your tool collection.

Why a Proper Toolkit Is Essential for Any 3D Printing Enthusiast?

A typical misperception among beginners is that they simply need their printer. However, you’ll likely encounter a variety of problems if you don’t have the proper 3D printing accessories.

Investing in high-quality 3D printer supplies reduces filament waste and print errors, prolongs printer and nozzle life.

Also, enhances the ability to tackle intricate tasks, ultimately saving money and increasing productivity.

There are some accessories that can improve the experience of 3D printing. It can be an amazing hobby or career, particularly for women entering this creative field.

The following are some necessary and useful 3D printing accessories that any woman (or maker!) will genuinely value, regardless of whether she is starting out or already enjoys creating things.

Beyond simply having a printer, these devices and accessories make printing safer, easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable.

SECTION 1: ESSENTIAL TOOLKIT

The Spatula and Scraper Set is designed for safe print removal from build surfaces, avoiding damage. Essential tools include a flexible metal spatula for PEI sheets and a razor scraper for stubborn prints.

Always scrape at an angle to prevent surface gouging.

Hex keys and screwdrivers are needed for regular adjustments on a 3D printer’s stepper motors and gantry screws.

You should look into investing in tools if not already owned. 3D printer assembly commonly requires hex nuts and bolts.

A variety of tweezers is useful for cleaning nozzles and handling small parts. It allows for the manipulation of minute details that fingers cannot manage.

Gripping tools like vacuum suction cups, electric clamps, and tweezers.

Clamps ease the grasping and transportation of 3D printed components, allowing users to move and remove prints from the build plate.

The term “suction cup” in 3D printing has two primary applications: it is associated with functioning components in automated material handling systems and can denote potential print failures.

Suction cups are hollow cavities in models that trap resin during printing. It leads to failures or damage to the build tray.

Specifically, in resin (SLA/DLP) 3D printing. These cavities hold air or uncured resin and create a vacuum effect that may result in significant print issues.

Wire cutters are essential in 3D printing for cutting filament and removing support material, highlighting their versatility in the toolset.

Pliers are essential tools for tasks such as repairing 3D printers and maintaining print cores.

A high-quality pair with a non-slip grip is ideal.

Needle-nose and wire-cutting pliers are particularly useful for trimming filament and cutting support material. One should have multiple types.

Tool Kit:

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SECTION 2: Assistive Tools for Building Plate Adhesion

In 3D printing, creating a complete product involves joining two or more elements with adhesive solutions, providing strength and sealing.

Choosing the right glue is crucial, as different adhesives suit various materials and applications.

Always follow usage instructions for optimal results and adhere to safety measures, as some adhesives may contain hazardous materials.

Masking tape is a common tool for 3D printing, used to help objects adhere to the print bed while protecting it from scratches and facilitating print removal.

Adhesion sheets enhance adherence to construction plates and are compatible with various materials. They serve as reusable alternatives to glue sticks and can withstand high temperatures, unlike masking tape.

Proper placement of the sheets is essential to avoid air bubbles during printing.

For 3D printers, components must adhere to the build plate; however, glass plates are not recommended due to messy glue applications and potential breakage.

It is recommended to keep at least one spare build plate for each printer. Situations may arise where an extra build plate is beneficial, such as when changing to a different 3D printing material that requires a new print bed.

Additionally, swapping out the printer bed with a new one for the next print job can expedite the manufacturing process.

Different Filaments Need Different Glues. However, occasionally, different kinds of filaments call for different kinds of adhesive.

By ensuring that your prints adhere to the build plate correctly, the glue stick lowers the possibility of warping or detachment throughout the printing process.

Adhesion sheets are reusable, heat-resistant tools that secure prints on the print bed and can be easily removed and reapplied.

They are particularly beneficial for materials like ABS, which are prone to warping without adequate adhesion and a heated bed.

Additional build surfaces for 3D printers enhance print adherence and aid in removal. Common options include glass, BuildTak, PEI, and spring steel.

Choosing the right build surface affects first-layer adhesion, crucial for successful 3D printing.

For high-temperature materials, ultra-flat tempered glass is recommended due to its uniform heating and level surface.

Conversely, a flexible PEI spring steel sheet is optimal for materials like TPU, PETG, and PLA, offering excellent adherence when heated and ease of print removal.

Glue Stick:

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Masking Tape:

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SECTION 3: DIGITAL CALIPERS

In 3D printing, accuracy is essential, and a digital caliper is a valuable tool for precise measurement and setting adjustments.

Digital calipers are more user-friendly and accurate than analog versions, making them crucial for ensuring that prints meet design standards, especially for items that need to fit together or serve a functional purpose.

The dimensions, form, and surface quality of 3D printed parts are assessed with precision measuring tools, aiding users in identifying printing defects and ensuring compliance with design specifications.

Tools like micrometers and calipers are essential for achieving satisfactory 3D prints.

Digital Calipers:

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SECTION 4: CLEANING & MAINTENANCE TOOLS

Cleaning supplies for 3D printing include various tools and materials essential for maintaining printers and prints, such as cleaners, disinfectants, brushes, sponges, and paper towels.

Utilizing items like alcohol and hot water can enhance print quality and longevity. Additionally, a dissolving kit with a water bucket and pump is crucial for effectively removing water-soluble PVA supports post-printing.

3D Printer Nozzle Cleaning Toothbrush:

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SECTION 5: FILAMENT STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Filament keepers for 3D printers help prevent tangles and knots by maintaining the filament on the spool.

Made from materials such as silicone, metal, or plastic, they are a cost-effective addition that enhances print quality and extends filament lifespan.

Re-sealable and desiccant bags are essential for storing 3D printer filament, as moisture absorption can lead to degradation and printing issues.

To prevent this, store filament in a sealed bag or container, ensuring all moisture is removed by including desiccant.

3D printing requires filaments to be dry before printing, particularly as most filaments operate at temperatures of 200°C or higher.

Moisture in wet filaments can evaporate during printing, leading to failures and poor-quality prints.

Materials like nylon and PVA readily absorb moisture, necessitating drying before use.

Additionally, PLA and ABS should be thoroughly dried if exposed to humid air for over a week.

Vacuum containers are crucial for 3D printers as they keep moisture-absorbing filaments dry between print jobs.

The container features a vacuum valve and pump that create a vacuum seal, protecting the filaments from airborne moisture.

The formation of the vacuum seal is visually indicated by a change in the valve’s shape, collapsing inward once sealed.

Dryboxes are essential accessories in 3D printing, designed to keep filaments dry and prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to print failures.

Filaments, especially hydrophilic ones, can absorb moisture from the air when left exposed, affecting their performance during longer print jobs.

The filament dryer is essential for maintaining the integrity of printing materials by preventing moisture absorption, which can lead to inferior prints.

Moisture can cause filament brittleness, poor layer adhesion, bubbling, and nozzle clogs due to steam expansion.

Pro Tip:

When not in use, keep filament in airtight containers with desiccant.

Long-term protection of filament storage is crucial for safeguarding printing material investments by preventing moisture absorption and keeping dust away.

Effective solutions include using vacuum-sealed bags and desiccant-filled, airtight containers for organizing your workspace.

Filament Dryer

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Filament Storage Box:

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Re-sealable and desiccant bags:

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SECTION 6: NOZZLE UPGRADES & SPARES

One of the most important parts of a 3D printer is the nozzle, responsible for shaping molten plastic.

Print quality may decline or fail if nozzles are blocked or damaged, making this maintenance kit essential for cleaning and maintaining the nozzles.

To clean a 3D printer nozzle, first ensure the printer is turned off and cooled. Use a wire brush carefully to avoid damage and a needle without puncturing the nozzle.

Before reinstalling, confirm the nozzle is completely dry and clean, as a well-maintained nozzle is crucial for high-quality 3D prints.

Additional print nozzles for 3D printers improve functionality and quality, allowing for more complex designs and stronger materials.

The most common is the 4 mm nozzle, while finer details are achieved with a 2 mm nozzle.

A 6 mm nozzle enables quicker printing, a rectangular nozzle is used for rectangular lines, and a triangle nozzle is used for triangular stitches.

Different 3D printing tasks necessitate various nozzle sizes. Larger nozzles, like a 0.8 mm, enable thicker layers and faster print completion, but can compromise print quality and detail visibility.

Conversely, smaller nozzles, such as a 0.4 mm, allow for thinner layers, resulting in better quality and finer details.

While larger nozzles save time, they may not be suitable for applications where fine detail is important. Generally, doubling the layer height can halve the print time.

Nozzles used in 3D printing, particularly for composite materials like carbon and glass fibers, require enhanced durability to prevent abrasion, which can compromise print quality due to misalignment between the nozzle size and printed parameters.

Three types of hardened nozzles are available:

1) hardened-coated brass nozzles, which are cost-effective but may need replacements if the coating wears off;

2) high-speed steel nozzles with WS2 coating, offering good performance and abrasion resistance;

3) Brass nozzles with ruby tips, known for their effective performance but at a higher cost.

Nozzle cleaning kits are essential tools for maintaining nozzles and preventing costly print failures caused by clogs, which can ruin hours of printing.

To maintain optimal printing performance, clean your nozzle every 50-100 hours of printing.

Nozzle Cleaning Kit:

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SECTION 7: SAFETY & COMFORT ACCESSORIES

3D printers can release hazardous compounds like ultrafine particles (UFPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in enclosed spaces such as home offices or basements, posing health risks.

An effective air filtration system is crucial for reducing these harmful emissions and improving print quality. It is important to consider the air filtration system’s capabilities when choosing a 3D printer based on individual needs.

Climate control for a 3D printer enclosure is crucial as it ensures a stable printing environment, preventing print distortion from drafts, reducing noise, and managing particle inclusion.

SECTION 8: FINISHING & POST-PROCESSING TOOLS

3D print finishing tools such as sandpaper, polishing agents, cutting tools, drilling tools, welding tools, and painting tools are essential for post-processing 3D printed products.

They improve the usability, surface quality, and dimensional accuracy of 3D prints.

A versatile, high-speed rotary tool that can perform tasks such as cutting, sanding, carving, and grinding.

It is effective for polishing metal-containing 3D prints, removing support materials, and smoothing sharp edges.

For post-processing prints, various grits from 220 to 1000 are needed to smooth layer lines and sharp edges using sandpaper, allowing for a professional finish through gradual polishing.

One essential tool for 3D printing is a cutting blade, used to cut, resize, or reshape 3D-printed components, enhancing quality. Typical types of cutting blades include straight, oblique, serrated, and hot-melted blades.

Using a deburring tool is effective for cleaning modeling holes and removing small plastic fragments from printed parts, particularly brims.

To refine prints that may not be perfect, knives are also necessary for trimming. Unwanted plastic blobs and filament strings can be skillfully eliminated with a knife, resulting in a smoother finish.

Consider buying a cutting mat along with a knife featuring interchangeable blades.

When it comes to eliminating support and producing a neater, cleaner finish, wire cutters are great.

Rotary Tool:

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Deburring Tool:

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Sandpaper:

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Wire Cutter: