Useful 3D Printing Accessories

As simple flashlight is very useful for inspecting print-in-progress, as well as for inspecting the 3D printer itself to check for loose connections, debris, etc. Even though this is a simple flashlight, I chose it with some care looking specifically for these features :

• Side (not bottom!) button for an on/off switch - easy to use one-handed.

• Single function switch - just on and off - no blinking, hi-low, morse code, or other nonsense.

• Bright LED

• "Standard" batteries (in my case AAA) - easy and cheap to replace.

This plastic "wash bottle" is a convenient way to dispense solvent for cleaning the build plate. Some sources suggest using isopropyl alcohol for this purpose, but I prefer to use ethanol ("denatured alcohol" - find it cheap in the paint department of your local big box store).

KimWipes are lint free wipes - not cheap but they won't shed paper dust. Use them with the wash bottle to clean the build plate.

A small self-igniting butane torch is handy for quickly removing wisps of filament from a finished print. Just pass the torch flame quickly over the print and it will melt stray wisps into invisibility.

Back in prehistoric times, these were called typewriter brushes; nowadays you can find them as "pencil eraser brushes." For 3D printing I use this brush for one purpose only - to help remove filament dust from the filament feeder mechanism.

As a side note however, these have an abrasive eraser which is useful elsewhere in the shop for removing tarnish from electrical contacts, etc.

An X-Acto razor knife is very useful for de-burring and otherwise "fine tuning" printed parts.

A pair of small needle-nose pliers is handy for removing support material from a finished print. You can also use the cutter section for cutting filament, but see the next item.

These small flush-cut wire cutters are the best tool I have found for cutting filament - they do a clean neat job.

Metal workers will recognize this de-burring tool - these are available in a variety of styles and prices. I use the one shown because I happened to have a spare on hand. These do a great job of removing "flash" from a detached brim, or paring away "elephants foot" where the print contacted the print bed. Safer to use than a razor knife.

These long curved-end tweezers are great for removing blobs from the print nozzle, or for grabbing stray filament strings.

Digital calipers are very useful for checking completed prints - especially when multipart prints where the parts have to fit together. Sometimes getting a good fit requires a bit of trial and error - accurate measurements cut down on the guesswork and help reduce the number of failed trials.

This little magnifier with built in illumination makes clse inspection o

This scraper is a print that use with almost every print - it's great for removing skirts, brims, etc. from the build plate, and can also help remove stubborn prints. I made it from PETG so it can stand up to some heat, and being plastic there is little risk of damaging your build plate. You can find the files for this here :

https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/28337-scraper-for-build-plate-version-2