When you buy a 3D printer, you also need to get some essential accessories, materials, and software to make the most out of your device. These include filament, tools, spare parts, slicer software, and 3D models. In this article, we will explain why you need these items and how to choose the best ones for your 3D printing needs.
Filament is the material that your 3D printer uses to create objects. It comes in different types, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more. Each type has its own properties, advantages, and disadvantages. For example, PLA is easy to print with, biodegradable, and comes in many colors, but it is not very durable or heat-resistant. ABS is stronger and more resistant to heat and chemicals, but it is more difficult to print with, requires a heated bed, and produces unpleasant fumes.
You need to choose the right filament for your 3D printer and your project. Some factors to consider are:
The compatibility of your 3D printer with the filament type. Some 3D printers can only print with certain types of filament, while others can print with a wide range of materials. Check the specifications of your 3D printer before buying filament.
The quality of the filament. Cheap or low-quality filament can cause printing problems, such as clogging, warping, stringing, or poor adhesion. It can also affect the appearance and performance of your printed objects. Look for reputable brands and reviews when buying filament.
The cost of the filament. Filament prices vary depending on the type, quality, and quantity. You can save money by buying in bulk or looking for discounts, but make sure you store your filament properly to prevent moisture, dust, or UV damage.
Tools
Tools are useful for preparing, maintaining, and finishing your 3D prints. Some of the tools you need are:
A scraper or spatula to remove your prints from the build plate. Be careful not to damage your build plate or injure yourself when using this tool.
A pair of tweezers or pliers to remove any excess filament or support material from your nozzle or print head. This can prevent clogging and improve print quality.
A set of files, sandpaper, or a rotary tool to smooth, polish, or shape your prints. You can also use these tools to remove any rough edges, blobs, or strings from your prints.
A hobby knife or a pair of scissors to cut or trim your prints or filament. You can also use these tools to remove any support material or rafts from your prints.
A glue gun or a soldering iron to join or repair your prints. You can also use these tools to add details or features to your prints, such as LEDs, wires, or magnets.
A digital caliper or a ruler to measure your prints or filament. This can help you ensure accuracy and consistency in your 3D printing projects.
A cleaning kit to keep your 3D printer in good condition. This can include a brush, a cloth, a spray bottle, and some alcohol or acetone. You can use these items to clean your build plate, nozzle, print head, and other parts of your 3D printer.
Spare parts are important for repairing or upgrading your 3D printer. Some of the spare parts you need are:
A spare nozzle or a nozzle kit to replace your worn or damaged nozzle. You can also use different nozzle sizes or materials to print with different filament types or resolutions.
A spare extruder or a dual extruder to replace or enhance your extrusion system. You can also use a dual extruder to print with two different colors or materials at the same time.
A spare hotend or a hotend kit to replace or improve your heating and cooling system. You can also use different hotend designs or materials to print with different filament types or temperatures.
A spare build plate or a build plate kit to replace or upgrade your printing surface. You can also use different build plate materials or coatings to improve adhesion and print quality.
A spare belt or a belt kit to replace or tighten your belt system. You can also use different belt types or sizes to adjust the speed and accuracy of your 3D printer.
A spare fan or a fan kit to replace or add fans to your 3D printer. You can also use different fan sizes or speeds to control the airflow and cooling of your 3D printer and prints.
Slicer software
Slicer software is the program that converts your 3D model into a series of instructions or commands for your 3D printer. It also allows you to adjust various settings and parameters, such as layer height, infill, speed, temperature, and more. You need to choose the right slicer software for your 3D printer and your project. Some factors to consider are:
The compatibility of your slicer software with your 3D printer and your 3D model format. Some slicer software can only work with certain 3D printers or 3D model formats, while others can support a wide range of devices and files. Check the specifications of your slicer software before using it.
The features and functions of your slicer software. Some slicer software have more options and capabilities than others, such as advanced slicing algorithms, custom supports, adaptive layers, or multi-material printing. Look for the slicer software that meets your needs and preferences.
The ease of use and user interface of your slicer software. Some slicer software are more user-friendly and intuitive than others, with simple menus, icons, and sliders. Others are more complex and technical, with detailed settings, tabs, and codes. Choose the slicer software that you are comfortable and familiar with.
3D models are the digital representations of the objects that you want to print. You can create your own 3D models using 3D modeling software, such as Blender, SketchUp, or Tinkercad. You can also download or buy 3D models from online platforms, such as Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, or Cults. You need to choose the right 3D models for your 3D printer and your project. Some factors to consider are:
The quality and complexity of your 3D models. High-quality and complex 3D models can produce more realistic and detailed prints, but they can also take longer to print and use more filament. Low-quality and simple 3D models can print faster and use less filament, but they can also look less impressive and have more defects.
The size and orientation of your 3D models. The size and orientation of your 3D models can affect the print time, the filament usage, the adhesion, and the support material. You can scale, rotate, or move your 3D models using your slicer software to optimize your printing process and results.
The license and attribution of your 3D models. The license and attribution of your 3D models can determine how you can use, modify, or share them. Some 3D models are free and open-source, while others are paid and proprietary. Some 3D models require you to credit the original creator, while others do not. Check the license and attribution of your 3D models before using them.
Conclusion
Buying a 3D printer is not enough to start your 3D printing journey. You also need to get some essential accessories, materials, and software to make the most out of your device. These include filament, tools, spare parts, slicer software, and 3D models. By choosing the right items for your 3D printer and your project, you can improve your 3D printing experience and outcomes. Happy printing!
