[3D Printing News] Introduction to Essential Tools for 3D Printing

[3D Printing News] Introduction to Essential Tools for 3D Printing

To get the best results from a 3D printer, you need to use the right tools.
From removing support material to improving the adhesion of the printing platform, the following list of essential tools are designed to make your 3D printing process easier.

Basic 3D printer user's toolkit

Most 3D printer users own certain tools. These essential pieces of equipment ensure your printed objects function smoothly and achieve optimal results. You don't necessarily need to buy them all at once; however, over time you'll likely end up adding them all to your toolkit.

lipstick glue

Building platform adhesion is key to creating outstanding 3D printed objects.
Lipstick glue is a handy tool when you're trying to stick your printed objects together – simply cover your printing platform with the soluble glue and the adhesion will improve instantly.
Some people like to use hairspray, but we would recommend using glue because you can apply it more precisely and there's less risk of accidentally spraying it onto gates or moving parts. You can learn how to use lipstick glue here .

Small shovel or palette knife

Sometimes, you might find that your 3D prints are not up to par. When this happens, using a scraper or palette knife can solve the problem.
All you need to do is gently relax under the printed object and carefully lift it up.
Over time, you might end up with a bunch of different palette knives. First, we recommend getting one stiff palette knife and one flexible one.
Titan's stainless steel scraper has a tapered tip, which we found particularly easy to use.

Deburring tools/knives and cutting mats

Deburring tools are excellent for cleaning holes in models and removing small pieces of plastic from printed parts, especially the edges.
You'll also need a knife to trim your prints, as they can be removed perfectly.
Gently remove unsightly plastic spots or excess wire with a knife to make the final result look smoother and cleaner. We recommend investing in a knife with replaceable blades (like the X-Acto knife) and a cutting mat.


pliers

Pliers have a variety of uses, from maintaining printheads to repairing 3D printers. Look for a good quality pair with rubber grips for a good anti-slip feel. You may need more than one type – we recommend using pliers with pointed tips and wire cutters (this is especially effective for trimming support materials or long wire strands).

blue tape

Masking tape is one of the most basic and widely used tools you might own. Applying masking tape to a printing platen is a simple and effective way to help you adhere 3D printed objects to the platen. This also makes finishing the print easier and protects your printing platen from scratches.
Make sure to choose masking tape with a minimum width of 50mm. A wider tape means you'll need less tape to cover your printing platform – you'll thank yourself if you need to re-level your printing platform periodically!

Magnalube and Unilube

Sometimes, you need to lubricate the X and Y axes to ensure they operate smoothly. Using the best lubricant, Unilube, just a drop of water is enough to solve any dryness issues. For the Z axis, Magnalube can be used.
Most importantly, do not use WD40, as it can damage the axle coating and potentially harm the printer. Read more here .


Vernier calipers

Vernier calipers have many applications in 3D printing. They are very useful for checking the accuracy of printed parts, and you can also use them to determine the dimensions of parts copied in CAD software.
Calipers can also be used to easily inspect and measure wires - since wires don't often produce accurate measurements.
Simply measure it at several different locations, average the readings, and then adjust the wire diameter in the slicing software as needed.
Analog calipers can also measure, but they don't offer the same level of accuracy.

tweezers

Tweezers are incredibly useful whenever you're printing. They're perfect for pulling out spurting filaments from the extruder nozzle before you start printing (meaning you won't burn your fingers). They also make cleaning your printed materials much easier afterwards. We recommend purchasing a set of tweezers in different shapes and sizes to ensure you can handle various situations.

sandpaper

Choosing sandpaper with various grit options is a good idea. These are very useful in the post-processing of 3D printing.
Our advice is to choose from coarse (220) to fine (1000) and invest in well-known brands like 3M, as they are likely to last longer than inferior types.

Screwdriver/Hex screwdriver

Most people already have a good selection of screwdrivers and hex wrenches. If you don't, it's worth having one, as you'll need to periodically retighten the gantry screws and feed motor of your 3D printer. Hex nuts and bolts are widely used in 3D printer assembly, so having a set of hex screwdrivers and wrenches is a wise choice.

Platform stickers

Platform stickers are compatible with most materials and enhance adhesion to printing platforms. They are a great alternative to lipstick glue because they are easy to remove and can be used multiple times. Another advantage is that they are specifically developed to withstand high temperatures, unlike tape. However, it is important to check that the stickers are applied correctly.
Air bubbles can cause unevenness in your printed surface. You can see how to use platform stickers here .


Desiccant and resealable bags

3D printer filaments absorb moisture over time. This can cause peeling and ultimately complicate the printing process. To prevent moisture absorption, simply store the filaments in a sealed container or plastic bag with some desiccant, ensuring all moisture is removed from the environment. Silicone is a better choice. Here are more storage tips to help you.
Please note that Taiwan has a humid climate, so we recommend using a dehumidifying box to better maintain the dryness of the cables.

Fixed marker pen

Fixed marker pens (such as Sharpies) can be used to mark 3D prints, especially when running multiple prints of the same model, but with different slicer settings.
Simply note the order and settings of each print on the completed object, and then you can separate them.

Advanced 3D Printing Toolkit

The advanced 3D printing accessories for Ultimaker 2+ include two 0.4mm nozzles, two TFM couplers, 25 platform stickers, and a door panel. These allow your 3D printer to run more smoothly. The nozzles and TFM couplers are convenient alternatives, the platform stickers are excellent for maintaining the model's position, and the door panel keeps the inside of the printer warm, preventing some materials from warping or delaminating. The advanced accessories for Ultimaker 3 include a glass platform, 25 platform stickers, one sticker scraper, and one door panel. You can learn more here .

Other useful tools

The tools listed below may not be as essential as those listed above, but they are certainly useful. Obviously, it depends on how you use your 3D printer.
Because some are better suited to a particular job than others.
• Flashlight. If your 3D printer already has built-in lighting, you won't need this. Otherwise, it will be a useful tool even in well-lit areas. The enclosed interior of a 3D printer can be dark, which can make it difficult to judge print quality accurately. A small LED light will make the process much smoother.
• Paper towels. Paper towels are always effective at cleaning and drying your printing plate, and best of all, they're inexpensive!
• Pencil and paper. Having paper and pencil is a good idea when you need to jot down dimensions and sketches while printing.
• Wire cutters. Wire cutters are perfect for removing supports and creating a cleaner, tidier surface.
• Dremel grinder. The Dremel is a handheld, high-speed rotary grinder with a range of attachments. These attachments allow you to perform a variety of applications.
This includes cutting, grinding, and engraving. When you're doing 3D printing, it can be used to remove support material, smooth rough edges, or grind materials containing metal wires.
3D printed objects.
• Extra spools. Having an extra spool is very useful. A spool can print for a while, but not forever! Furthermore, there are many types available to suit your needs.
• An extra glass plate. If you print 24/7, having a spare glass plate can speed up your workflow. It allows you to quickly exchange glass plates when starting a new print job, without having to wait for the print platform to cool down before removing the printed items.
• Dissolving kit (bucket and pump). After printing, you'll need to remove the water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and a bucket of water does the job perfectly!
The pump ensures that the PVA support dissolves faster.
Using the right tools can greatly increase the chances of creating a perfect 3D print.
A 3D printer and a computer did most of the work; the remaining tools were for polishing and refining the model!

Original link: https://ultimaker.com/en/blog/38572-essential-tools-for-every-3d-printing-professional