“3d print tools”: It’s incredible to watch a 3D model of an object on a screen morph into physical reality. And the AnkerMake M5’s speed and accuracy allow me to generate more prints faster while producing some of the most precise prints I’ve seen right out of the box.
I’ve gradually accumulated a tiny collection of 3d printer gadgets around my printer which I will share now share with you in this guide.
What exactly is 3D printing?
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the method of creating three-dimensional solid items from a computer file.
Additive methods are used to create 3D-printed objects. Using an additive construction method, an object is constructed by adding layers of material until it is finished. Each of these levels represents a thinly cut cross-section of the object.
On the other hand, subtractive manufacturing, which entails using a milling machine to cut or hollow out a piece of metal or plastic, is the opposite of additive manufacturing.
With less material than conventional production methods, 3d printer gadgets enables the creation of complex shapes.
3D Print Tools: How Does 3D Printing Function?
Everything begins with a 3D model. You can either build one from scratch or download one from a 3D library.
3D Animation Software
There are numerous software programs accessible. From commercial to open source.
We frequently advise beginners to begin with Tinkercad. Tinkercad is free and runs in your browser; there is no need to install it on your PC. Tinkercad features introductory training and the option to export your model in a printed format, such as STL or OBJ.
Another way is transferring a printable file to a 3D printer using the term “slicing”. By employing slicing software, a 3D model is divided into hundreds or thousands of layers.
After you’ve sliced your file, it’s ready for your 3D printer. You can send the file to your printer through USB, SD, or Wi-Fi.
Tools for 3d Printing
We have compiled some 3d printer gadgets available for your easy use. Here are few examples:
Microwire cutters
You can cut the end of the filament before feeding it into the 3D printer and nibble at project supports using micro wire cutters, among other things.
Microcutters enable greater precision while being far safer than using a knife to cut at a print.
I recommend getting a five-pack of cheap micro cutter blades because they’re great for all kinds of cutting, and you can throw them away when they’re blunt.
Pliers with a bent nose
Bent-nose pliers are extremely useful for removing supports that are occasionally required when printing a complex object with overhangs. These supports may be in unusual locations that are difficult to reach with your fingers or snips.
Bent-nose pliers are ideal for reaching these difficult-to-reach supports.
Calipers that are digital
Accuracy becomes increasingly critical as you begin to print more sophisticated objects or elements that must fit together or accommodate anything that already exists in the real world.
I’ve found digital calipers to be really beneficial. You can use them for any of your measuring needs. Calipers costing $100 or more will not be required. (However, if you work in a high-precision business, a set of Mitutoyo digital calipers would provide better peace of mind.) For most of us, the accuracy of inexpensive calipers is sufficient.
To evaluate the accuracy of your printer, generate calibration prints and measure their accuracy with digital calipers.
Diamond needle files in miniature
These small files are ideal for completing and smoothing out 3D printing. Because they can reach into tiny spots, I find them particularly handy for cleaning up threads and knurling on prints.
Print Remover
Another great 3d printer gadget is a print removal tool, also known as a print scraper. It allows you to safely remove a finished print from the print bed. Without a proper print scraper, it might be difficult to remove prints from glass beds, in particular.
The simplest method is to slip a print scraper beneath one of the print’s corners and slowly pull your model apart while keeping the bottom layer intact.
You can also use the scraper tool to remove any filament bits, dust, or dirt that have become glued to the print surface. Manufacturers frequently supply this with their 3D printers because it is one of the more necessary 3D Print tools.
Glue Stick PVA
PVA glue sticks are a great alternative to hair spray and work well with PLA and PETG. It is inexpensive, simple to use, and works well with glass bed surfaces. Specially formulated PVA sticks for 3D printing are available, designed to produce the best results with 3D printing materials.
However, if you are using a PC or PEI-coated print bed, we would advise against using glue sticks because they are often unnecessary and can produce a major mess. However, if you’re using a glass bed and experiencing bed adhesion troubles, a PVA glue stick is one of the most important 3D printer gadgets to have.
Scalpel/utility knife
Even with a perfectly adjusted 3D printer, some minor surface imperfections on your 3D prints are unavoidable. Blobs, zits, and extra material close to the support contact are typical and can degrade the quality and appearance of your 3D print.
A sharp-edged utility knife can help you remove them without hurting the remainder of the model. If you have an Exacto blade, you can also use it. It will assist you in removing any surface flaws and separating the support structure from the model.
Side Cutter with High Precision
A precision side cutter, like a utility knife, removes blobs from the print’s surface and aids in achieving a smooth surface finish. You can use it to clean the support interface and remove support material from the model. This 3D printing tool is also more precise than a knife, giving you greater control over your print’s post-processing.
Manufacturers usually include a low-cost side cutter with their 3D printers, but if you don’t, they’re easy to obtain locally. It is an essential 3D print tool for producing clean FDM and resin 3D prints.
Dremel / Rotary Tool
A Dremel or other rotary tool is ideal for smoothing the surface of a 3D print and preparing it for later painting. You can easily get an even surface finish by attaching sandpaper pieces to the rotary tool. It removes any rough edges or surface defects on the model faster than sandpaper.
It is best to keep the rotary tool’s speed somewhat modest. The plastic might melt at high RPMs, resulting in an undesirable surface finish.
You can take advantage of this by introducing filament into the Dremel chuck and friction welding with it. You may repair fractured 3D printing or even fuse split 3D models together by melting filament at a high RPM.
3D Print Tools: Conclusion
3D printer accessories are essential for assuring the quality of your 3D prints. You can avoid potential concerns and improve the accuracy, reliability, and quality of your final models by using the correct tools for 3d printing.
There are numerous fundamental pieces of gear that you can use while 3D printing, ranging from a nozzle cleaning kit to a spare build plate and storage containers. Software tools are also required, and you can select from a number of slicers and 3D printer host apps to meet your requirements.
Furthermore, these 3d printer gadgets not only assist you in optimizing your 3D printing process, but they also help you save time and money when printing. Therefore, it’s crucial to make the appropriate tool investments to ensure a pleasant and fruitful 3D printing adventure.
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