Update: 2023-04-18
Using tools to make things simpler and more efficient is the focus of this article. Specifically, we will introduce practical tools that can help make using printers easier, based on different stages of printer use.
Regardless of whether you currently own a printer, this article will provide insight into the printing process and some of the tools available. While some tools may be included in the printer assembly kit, there are many more practical tools available for use during the printing process. You can purchase the tools mentioned in this article based on your specific needs. As you continue to use your printer, you will gradually add these tools to your toolbox/wall and be amazed at the convenience they provide.
Installing/Maintaining a Printer - Screwdriver/Hex Key Wrench
Having a complete set of screwdrivers can make it easier for you to install or maintain a printer (Image source:Prusa）
What is it?
This is a common and practical manual tool (whether it is a Screwdriver or Hex Wrench), typically used for installing/uninstalling screws. It is almost a necessary tool for installing/maintaining/upgrading a printer, such as tightening the M5 hex screws that connect the gantry and the base when installing/maintaining a gantry printer. When maintaining a printer, it is used to tighten the M3 screws that fix the 42 stepper motor, or the Phillips screws that fix the cables on the power supply/mainboard.
Where can i obtain it？
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Although some printers may come with some tools, from experience, purchasing a complete set of reliable screwdriver tools can save you the hassle in future work, and it is worth it. This not only applies to printers.
Loading Filament - Hobby Knife
Image source:thehardwareguy)
What is it?
No matter whether you use it to cut/slice things, it is very practical.
During the filament loading process in a 3D printer, you need to take out the filament from the filament packaging box and vacuum-sealed bag. You may frequently use it to open filament boxes/vacuum-sealed bags (as you use your printer, you will constantly open new vacuum-sealed bags of filament). It is also a great tool for cleaning up the model's surface residue of support marks/spots/strings after the model is printed.
Where can i obtain it？
Loading Filament - Flush Cutter
Image（source:Additive Report）
What is it?
Flush Cutter is a pair of pliers made of hardened alloy steel + soft, non-slip rubber handles. The sharp blade on the head can cut objects, and the overall lever design makes cutting effortless.
Loading filament in the 3D printing process, when you finish removing the filament package, install the filament into the extruder, one of the very important details is the section of the filament, if you use Flush Cutter to cut the filament with a certain inclined surface (thanks to the slanted blade so you can make sure your hand is perpendicular to the filament), then you'll easily feed the filament into the extruder and through some gears and Teflon tubing.
Where can i obtain it？
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Make printing easy, some printing may have this tool, then you have to consider the material of the handle, which will affect your experience, because it is when Flush Cutter is used to remove the model support/repair the printed model (this purpose , will be discussed later)
Loading Filament - Tweezers
Image（source:Tools GUYD）
What is it?
Where can i obtain it？
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To make printing easier, the tweezers may have straight, flat, and curved ends. The main reason is that the usage scenarios are different. For example, in some complex situations when removing models or supports, the situation may be different.
Remove support - Pliers
Image（source:MakerBot）
What is it?
If there are supports in the printed model, then a small area or part of the support can be effectively removed using Flush Cutter (this is also the tool I often use), but when there are most of the supports, you need to consider larger pliers , this kind of pliers will allow you to remove the support part very much more efficiently, also be careful not to damage the surface of the model.
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Make printing easy, the right tool makes some printing process work a lot easier, if you can, please cleverly avoid the action of adding support when designing/printing.
Improved Elephant Footing - Deburring Tool
Image（source:Teaching Tech）
What is it?
In order to ensure the adhesion between the model and the platform and ensure successful printing, the hot bed will generally be heated. At the same time, the printing speed and extrusion volume of the first layer will be higher than those of other layers. Therefore, the bottom of the model will have some obvious widening, from From the perspective of the cross-section, there is overflow in the model and digital model, usually called Elephant Footing. There is currently a very practical deburring tool with a rotating cutter head, which allows you to quickly clean up excess filament along the edge.
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Makes printing easy, and is often used frequently on some assembly, size-critical parts, and it's a good tool investment.
Sealed printing material - Desiccant and re-sealable bags
Image（source:instructables）
What is it?
Printing materials are particularly prone to moisture absorption and moisture, and when using such materials, stringing and blobs will appear on the surface of the model. Therefore, if the filament is not used for a period of time after printing, for example, for a week or even longer, it is recommended to seal the filament. So a sealed bag with desiccant will help you preserve the filament for next use.
Where can i obtain it？
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Makes printing easy and the dry filament ensures against some print quality issues and even plugging situations, it's a very worthwhile investment
Overview of the above
This article mainly sorts out which tools will make things easier from the perspective of the entire printer use process. Of course, some tools may appear multiple times in several processes, because that tool is very practical. I believe you have read about the printing process. Some operations have a certain understanding, we have compiled a table so that you can quickly review and find the tools you need.
Hope this article helped you.
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