Your 3D printer package probably came with everything you need to get up and running right out of the box, but upgrading your setup with a few 3D printer accessories can unlock better builds, faster prints, and more design flexibility.
Join us below to discover some of the best 3D printer accessories for improving the speed and quality of your work.
1. Cleaning and maintenance tools
You need cleaning agents and tools to remove debris or globs from nozzles and tubes and clean up messes or spills that occur during printing.
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
IPA is the best solution for cleaning the build plate or print bed because it removes oils, dirt, dust, and residue from previous prints or adhesives without leaving anything behind.
Related: Formlabs accessories
You can also use IPA to clean other printer parts, such as the frame or enclosure, and remove uncured resin from parts printed with resin-based 3D printers.
Automated wash station
The Formlabs Form Wash is specially designed to wash Formlabs-printed parts. The tank holds 7 – 15 litres of IPA (90% or higher purity) – enough to clean the largest parts and up to 70 prints.
Microfibre cloths for cleaning the build plate
You’ll need a fresh pack of these. Cleaning microfibres is possible, but they usually degrade and get ‘scratchy’ after a few washes.
Low-pile microfibres are the least likely to fray and have a rougher texture, perfect for removing light adhesive residues, dust, and other small particle contaminants.
Compressed air
Compressed air is handy for blowing out loose debris and clearing your work surface of dust and other contaminants. It can also help the drying process for wet adhesives.
2. Nozzle cleaning tools (needles, wire brushes)
Acupuncture needles or specialised nozzle cleaning needles (various sizes) are useful 3D printer accessories for FFF 3D printers.
A small brass wire brush is perfect for exterior nozzle cleaning, and you can also get nozzle-cleaning filament or cold pull material (made from nylon or polycarbonate).
While more expensive, an ultrasonic cleaner can be very effective for deep cleaning nozzles, especially when used with appropriate cleaning solutions.
A clean soft-bristle brush is another helpful accessory for gently cleaning cooling fans, cool printhead and surrounding areas.
Related: Bambu Lab accessories
3. Adhesives and build surface aids
Adhesives create a tacky surface that helps the first layer of filament stick better to the build plate—which is crucial to reducing print failure.
Related: 3DGence accessories
You can use glue sticks, hairspray, painter’s tape, and specialised 3D adhesives to improve bed adhesion in 3D printing:
- Glue stick
- Easy to apply and remove
- Inexpensive and readily available
- Works well with PLA and ABS
- Provides good adhesion without being too aggressive
- Hairspray
- Quick and easy to apply to large areas
- Effective for materials like ABS and HIPS
- Relatively inexpensive
- Easy to clean off with water
- Specialised 3D printing adhesives
- Formulated specifically for 3D printing
- Often work with a wide range of materials
- Can provide stronger adhesion than household alternatives
- May offer additional benefits like high-temperature resistance
- Painter’s tape
- Creates a smooth, even surface
- Easy to apply and replace
- Works well with PLA
- Prints can be easily removed by peeling off the tape
4. Removal and post-processing tools
Removal tools help you carefully remove prints from the build plate without damaging the print or the build surface. Post-processing tools, like cutters and pliers, assist in removing supports and minor deformities to finish your parts.
If you have a Formlabs printer, consider purchasing the Formlabs Finishing Tools kit. It includes an ergonomic pen sander, rotary tool, rotary tool bit kit (including grinding + polishing bits and buffing bits), flush cutters, hobby knife and blades, spray bottle, microfibre cloth, and a large silicone mat.
Spatula or palette knife
These 3D printer accessories safely remove prints from the build plate with their thin, flexible edges, helping to get under prints without damaging them.
Sandpaper set (various grits)
Sandpaper can be used to smooth out layer lines and remove small surface imperfections, achieving a more professional-looking final product.
Cutters and pliers
Cutters remove support structures, especially in hard-to-reach areas. You can use needle-nose pliers for delicate and hard-to-reach areas.
Utility knife
A sharp, new utility knife helps you clean up small imperfections or zits on prints, trim excess material, and customise prints post-production.
5 Filament storage and control
Filaments are prone to absorbing moisture, which can significantly impact print quality and the overall success of your 3D printing projects. Thankfully, there are several ways to prevent moisture absorption and keep your materials in tip-top shape:
Dry boxes
You can use dry boxes like the Polymaker PolyDryer Box to condition and store filament in a humidity-controlled environment and dry out wet filament for re-use.
Air-tight containers and desiccant
Another way to store your filament spools is to put them in air-tight containers with a desiccant (silicon pouch) to create a dry environment.
Spool holders
Spool holders and racks with bearings can feed your 3D printers and hold/store filament out of the way when not in use.
Summing up
3D printer accessories aren’t always essential, but the ones highlighted above will drastically improve your workflow.
Official accessories (e.g., from Ultimaker or Formlabs) are your safest options, but some of the best 3D printer accessories come from third-party manufacturers that put more effort into finding solutions to problems.
Top image credit: Polymaker