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6 Best 3D Printer Parts & Accessories That Any Printer Must Have

Steve Guide
  Mar 22, 2023 7:17 AM

Over the decades, the 3D printing sector has experienced rapid progress. The models available now are inexpensive and more uncomplicated to operate than the past's enormous and costly 3D printers.

But, the success of 3D printing is not just dependent on the printer. When it comes to the quality of the end output, there are various 3D printer accessories to consider.

With the best 3D printer parts & accessories, you can convert an ordinary 3D printer into a fantastic machine that produces prints that are what you want.

Let’s see our top picks!


TOP PICKS


Reviews

Here is a list of the best 3D printer components that can help you get the most from your 3D printer, from the best building surface to the best enclosure.

#1. BuildTak 3D Printing Surface - Best For Building Surface

BuildTak 3D Printing Build Surface 

Important Specifications

  • Brand: BuildTak

  • Weight: 0.705 ounces

  • Dimensions: 7.99 x 7.99 x 0.01 inches

Product highlights

BuildTak 3D Printing is a company that specializes in this field. This build surface is a popular choice in the 3D printing world since it serves as an all-purpose sheet with a sticky back that can be quickly peeled off and put to your bed.

For 3D printing, having a simple installation process is always preferable. It works with a wide range of materials (ABS, PLA, PETG, Wood-fill, HIPS, TPE)

As a result, you will not have to bother about switching surfaces. The manufacturing and design of this building surface ensure that it will last for a long time during 3D printing.

This surface makes print cleaning and removal a breeze when your prints are completed. Let's get this BuildTak platform for a smooth 3D printing experience.

You may also put a magnetic foundation on top of the current print bed, which comes to a BuildTak sheet for a secure connection. 

You can easily slide the two sheets away from this print bed and stretch the construction plate until the object pops off.

However, many customers have complained about prints being too tightly adhered to the bed; thus, this BuildTak version will address that issue and reduce your 3D printing problems.

Those who have tried several 3D printing things that haven't worked out as well as they hoped to think this section is a considerable improvement.

The only irritation they sustained was from a printer head that had been wrongly calibrated and was positioned too low; however, it still functions perfectly afterward.

You can rely on this video to understand how great this building surface is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_np8dZGnIU

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What We Like

  • Support various filament materials

  • Durable

  • Excellent performance

Things to Consider

  • A bit expensive

#2. NEIKO 01407A Electronic Caliper - Best Digital Caliper

NEIKO 01407A Electronic Digital Caliper 

Important Specifications

  • Brand: Neiko

  • Weight: 0.76 pounds

  • Dimensions: ‎6 x 1 x 1 inches

Product highlights

The first feature you'll like about this Neiko caliper is its low price. This caliper will not set you back an arm and a leg. It is one of the best digital calipers for 3D printing beginners.

But, do not be fooled into thinking it is unreliable because it is inexpensive. Some high-end calipers on the market do not have half of the features this one has. Let's have a look at the measuring units, for example.

Many digital calipers only give mm and inch measurements. If you purchase this one from Neiko, you will also receive a fractional measuring system, which is a must for many 3D printing fans.

When you go to the precision level, you'll see that it's 0.02 mm, sufficient for most measures, especially for 3D objects. 

But, if you need a more exact caliper, you will have to consider alternative solutions that are far more expensive, like the Kynup and DIGI-Science Accumatic Digital Caliper.

When measuring various items, you can rely on this caliper to be accurate. It can measure depth and step and outside and inside measures.

Another intriguing feature is the automatic shutoff function. You may rely on this approach to conserve your battery life if you are not used to switching off your caliper after each usage.

This caliper comprises high-quality stainless steel, ensuring that the slide runs smoothly. But, you can opt for the plastic version for a more affordable price tag.

The buttons could have been a little more appealing. However, this isn't a deal-breaker. If you can get past the controls, it is one of the best digital calipers for 3D printing. 

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What We Like

  • Extended battery life thanks to an auto-shutoff feature

  • Can measure depth, step, inside, and outside

  • Large display

  • High-quality stainless steel 

Things to consider

  • Rubber buttons might be irritating

#3. HE3D Open Source Ciclop - Best 3D Scanner

HE3D 

Important Specifications

  • Brand: HE3D

  • Weight: 4.59 pounds

  • Dimensions: 14.96 x 9.06 x 5.51 inches

Product highlights

Unlike many other scanners, this DIY 3D scanner is open-source, with all the files available for printing and download on Thingiverse

On the website, HE3D gives all of the software, information, and electronics for this 3D scanner package, which you may customize.

This 3D scanner uses laser triangulation innovation to scan items in a matter of minutes. Furthermore, the instructions with the package allow even a novice to complete the project in less than an hour.

It provides downloads for all of the camera's firmware and drivers and a specialist 3D scanner program named Horus for scanning.

It is straightforward but effective, consisting of 10 3D printed parts, a threaded rod, a Logitech C270 camera, a stepper motor-driven rotating platform, and two-line lasers, but you may alter and change it as you see fit.

Because of its simplicity, HE3D created its model in 2015. This 3D scanner has a resolution of 0.3mm and covers a volume of roughly 250 × 205 mm.

It is a flexible and low-cost 3D scanner for novices to 3D scanning since it may link through Bluetooth or USB. Some models with USB and Bluetooth connections are EinScan SP and Newest EinScan SE.

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What We Like

  • Open-source 

  • Easy to use for even novices

  • Flexible

  • Affordable price tag

  • Support USB and Bluetooth connections

Things to Consider

  • Average build quality

#4. Genuine E3D Nozzle X  - Best Nozzle Set

Genuine E3D Nozzle X  

Important Specifications

  • Brand: E3D-Online

  • Weight: 0.18 Ounces

  • Dimensions: 1 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches

Product highlights

The E3D Nozzle X is a terrific choice from E3D, apart from the V6 copper and V6 brass. Its unusual structure combines a hardened tool-steel foundation with a WS2 'polyphonic' nano-coating and a nickel plating.

The unique design combines toughened steel's abrasion resistance with the high-temperature strength and resistance to create the exceedingly hard and robust one and can withstand temperatures without weakening.

Therefore, this E3D Steel Nozzle can print various materials, ranging from abrasive fiber reinforced PEEK to thermoplastic nylon.

You can enhance first-layer deposition, encourage perfect layering throughout a print, and assure easy maintenance to minimize build-up, and the nano-coating helps to ensure heated filament does not adhere to the nozzle area.

The one criticism we have with the Nozzle X is that temperature setup can get rather complicated when used with specific materials and printers. 

Novices may find it hard to handle the troubleshooting and choose a more user-friendly brass alternative like the Micro Swiss MK8 Brass.

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What we like

  • Durable

  • Affordable price tag

  • Anti-stick

Things to consider

  • Challenging temperature configuration

#5. Proto-pasta HTP21705 - Best PLA Filaments

Proto-pasta HTP21705 

Important Specifications

  • Brand: Proto-Pasta

  • Weight: 1.1 pounds

  • Dimensions: ‎ 8 x 8 x 2 inches

Product highlights

Do you prefer a matte rather than a glossy finish for your prints? If this is the case, the Proto-Pasta PLA filament is the ideal choice for you.

This PLA filament is highly heat resistant. It can easily resist high temperatures (regular PLA may deform at this temperature range).

The Proto-Pasta has high adherence and uses a non-heated building platform. Moreover, carbon fibers provide the 3D printing filament its rigidity.

Although increased stiffness reduces flexibility, the Proto-Pasta is ideal for creating any tool, frame, or support. The surfaces of proto Pasta prints are clean and aesthetically crisp. There are no imperfections in the minute details.

A word of caution regarding the PLA filament being inserted into the filament guide: you must handle it with caution since this material is fragile.

However, the abrasive quality of the Proto-Pasta PLA filament might cause nozzle damage if used frequently. To deal with these components, ensure you have a high-quality nozzle (Hardened Steel Nozzle, not standard brass nozzles).

This PLA Proto-Pasta filament is of exceptional quality. Of course, premium quality comes at a high cost. However, we strongly suggest it due to the value it brings.

There are many options to choose from, 500g or 3kg, depending on your demands. But if you are on a budget, you can consider another affordable alternative from OVERTURE

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What We Like

  • Firm and durable prints

  • High-temperature resistance

  • Clear and accurate details

Things to Consider

  • Hefty price tag

#6. Fireproof And Dustproof Warm Enclosure - Best Enclosure

Fireproof And Dustproof Warm Enclosure 

Important Specifications

  • Brand: Creality 3D

  • Weight: 5.65 pounds

  • Dimensions: 27.6 x 6.5 x 4.4 inches

Product highlights

This 3D printer cover effectively protects your printer from dust, yet it does not affect the print quality. Dust is virtually eliminated when you zip up the front and close the flaps.

The Creality 3D printer enclosure also does a fantastic job of limiting the smell of hot plastics and slightly lowering the printer's loudness, which is a big bonus.

It comes in two sizes: Small (27.6 x 6.5 x 4.4 inches) and large (18.31 x 9.17 x 5.51 inches). It also regulates the temperature. 

Temperature variations and draughts may wreak havoc on the print, leading layer lines to become more evident and layer separation in the worst-case scenario.

The heat from the printer is kept more constant, and it is a good bit hotter than the area it is in — if you lift this enclosure and place your hand inside, it is noticeably hotter.

Since using this enclosure, we have had no adhesion issues, and the print quality has been dependably high (when the nozzle is not clogged).

Altogether, this is a solid and high-quality enclosure that will keep draughts and dust out of your 3D printer. It is large enough to support most hobbyist 3D printers securely.

Moreover, the pocket and flaps provide a great deal of adaptability. If you want to keep the 3D printer going smoothly, we would say an enclosure is a must, and this Creality model is decent.

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What We Like

  • Reasonable price tag

  • Prevent loudness and smell

  • No adhesion

  • Maintain high print quality

Things to consider

  • Hard to see print details through it


Buying Guide

Consider the following factors in mind when choosing the best 3D printer accessories. Choosing the most suitable components for your printer protects your machine and aids in the printing process.

Building Surface

A well-adhered and clean initial layer is essential for effective 3D printing, and the build platform used determines a lot of that failure or success. 

You need a decent initial layer for effective 3D printing, and that begins with the correct 3D printer. Build a platform that is best suited to the building material. For example, the Creality Original Ultra-Flexible is suitable with PLA filaments.

3D Scanner

If you want your 3D printer to be as detailed as possible, get a 3D scanner that can capture even the tiniest details securely and quickly. Choose a 3D scanner that is both portable and lightweight, such as the SOL 3D Scanner

Moreover, handheld 3D scanners like the Revopoint POP and EinScan-Pro+ are simple to use and spin around the scanned item.

Nozzle Set

If you're working with traditional materials like ABS or PLA and intermediate-sized components, a Brass Nozzle 0.40 mm is suitable. A Brass Nozzle of 0.25 mm is recommended for minor works with a lot of detail, while a Brass Nozzle of 0.8 mm is ideal for large pieces.

Filament

When selecting a material and 3D printing procedure for your project, ensure that it meets the certifications or critical qualities required by the application. Depending on the component's product cycle, you'll have various durability requirements.

Enclosure

A decent enclosure must be large enough to accommodate all of the components. Ensure that all moving parts reach their full potential without colliding with that enclosure. 

3D printed objects are highly durable, especially when utilizing specific filaments such as Polycarbonate or PEEK, used in bullet-proof riot or glass shields.


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Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions we have collected while researching the best 3D printer parts & accessories. We hope these questions are beneficial to you in saving time and effort.

Are 3D Printed Components Durable?

3D printed objects are highly durable, especially when utilizing specific filaments such as Polycarbonate or PEEK, commonly used in a bullet-proof riot or glass shields. 

Why Do You Need More Sizes Of Nozzle?

If you want to create a larger model rapidly, you'll need a larger nozzle; if you wish for small details, you'll need a smaller nozzle; or if your present nozzle becomes clogged, you'll need to replace it.

Is PLA Or ABS Stronger?

Thermoplastics include ABS and PLA. PLA is more rigid and stiffer than ABS; however, it mainly appears in hobbyists due to its low heat resistance. ABS is a superior material for prototyping since it is less stiff but lighter.

What Do 3D Printer Hot Ends Do?

The hot melts the filament and keeps the temperature stable and precise for successful prints. Many users are very pleased with Meafeng hotend set due to its great value and reasonable price tag.

Do I Need To Store 3D Filaments?

Most 3D printer users are unaware of this, resulting in clogging, poor layer adhesion, fracture, and other issues. 

As a result, it's critical to preserve your filaments in a dry environment. In these cases, filament dryer boxes from SUNLU or eBOX may help.


Conclusion

Using the best 3D printer parts & accessories improves your chances of getting a perfect 3D print. These reasonable purchases may make 3D printing a lot easier and more pleasant.

Thanks for reading!


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