As with most new technologies, 3D printing started out very expensive, but as it has gained in popularity, it’s now become much more affordable to the point where it’s possible to have a 3D printer at home. Like any other piece of machinery, you need some additional items to make the most of your printer. Here are some of the things that should be in your toolbox.
1 Masking tape
Masking tape is useful for covering the bed of the printer to help printed objects to adhere better and protect the printer itself. Buy the widest tape you can so that you use fewer strips to to cover the area.
2 Kapton tape
As an alternative to masking tape, you can use Kapton tape. This is made of polyimide, making it resistant to high temperatures. As allaboutcircuits.com explains, it’s therefore useful when printing with ABS filament and other high temperature materials as it improves 3D print adhesion and helps prevent warping.
3 Glue sticks
Another alternative for improving the adhesion of 3D prints to the machine’s bed is to use a water soluble glue stick. This can be applied on top of either of the above tapes or directly to a glass printer bed. You can get suitable sticks from places like Osmelectrical electrical control components supplies companies.
4 Palette knife
However careful you are with your preparation, sometimes you’re faced with a print that’s reluctant to let go of the bed. In this case, a thin-bladed palette knife or scraper can be used to carefully prise the component loose.
5 Tweezers
Tweezers are handy for lots of jobs including handling small parts, clearing the print nozzle without burning your fingers, and for cleaning up finished prints. It’s useful to have a set of different shapes and sizes, covering straight and angled tips and so on. You should be able to get these easily from suppliers of electrical control components in Ireland.
6 Digital calipers
A set of digital calipers has many uses in 3D printing. They can be used to measure accurately any items that you want to reproduce, as well as for checking the accuracy of finished components. While digital calipers are pricier than mechanical ones, they deliver greater accuracy and are easier to read, so are well worth the investment.