Acessories and Replacements
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Maintaining a 3D printer involves regularly scheduled tasks and readily available supplies to prevent issues and ensure optimal performance. Certain tools are used frequently, while others are reserved for occasional maintenance.
Specific tools enhance 3D printing and printer maintenance.
Pliers: Indispensable for removing support material from prints, pliers also assist in holding components during tasks like nozzle replacements.
Razor Blade: Useful for cleaning up prints, especially for removing brims and tidying rough edges or stringing. Exercise caution when using.
Model Cutters: Thin, sharp scissors are essential for delicate prints, especially when removing support material from fragile sections.
Scraper: A sturdy metal scraper with a tapered front improves usability and durability for removing prints from the build plate.
Metric Allen Screwdriver Set: Essential for accessing and maintaining various components of the printer. Common sizes include M2.5, M3, M4, and M5. A color-coded set can help easily identify each size.
Solder Set or Solder Seal Wire Connectors: Soldering equipment is essential for repairing frayed wires and making electrical connections. Solder seal wire connectors provide a secure solder-free alternative. While potentially unnecessary for closed-source printers, soldering equipment is useful to have on hand.
Tweezers: Fine-tipped tweezers are useful for removing excess material or debris from prints, particularly during the printing process.
Zip Ties: Helpful for securing cables and organizing wires within the printer.
Calipers: Accurate measurement tools are essential for precise modeling, filament measurement, and determining E-steps.
Multimeter: Invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues, particularly for checking continuity and voltage.
Loctite Super Glue Gel or 3D Gloop: Fast-drying adhesives ideal for minor repairs on PLA prints, providing a strong and durable bond.
White Lithium Grease: Regularly lubricating threaded and smooth rods helps ensure smooth and consistent operation.
Wire and Nylon Brushes: Nylon brushes clean dirty nozzles and heater blocks, while brass brushes address more stubborn residue, used sparingly due to potential abrasion.
Heatsinks: Installing heatsinks on components prone to overheating, such as stepper motors, helps dissipate excess heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures. This is often unnecessary on closed-source printers.
Organization Tools: Storing accessories in an organized and accessible location near the printer improves efficiency and convenience. Organizational tools can even be 3D printed.
Fire Extinguishing Ball: A fire extinguishing ball offers peace of mind by mitigating fire hazards associated with 3D printing. Mounting one above the printer provides proactive safety.
Having certain inexpensive components on hand can minimize downtime.
Thermistors: These components function as thermometers for the hotend, ensuring proper temperatures. Keeping spares handy addresses temperature-related errors.
Heater: While heaters don't require frequent replacement, having a spare is useful in troubleshooting hotend heating issues.
Nozzles: Stocking up on replacement brass or hardened steel nozzles addresses print quality issues caused by wear. It is useful to have a set of hotend/nozzle combinations for closed-source machines for easy swaps.
Fans: Brushless fans, particularly barrel cooling fans, can be damaged. Keeping spare fans of the correct size and voltage prepares for fan failures that could lead to print defects or clogs.
Teflon (PTFE) Tubing: PTFE tubing guides filament to the hotend, minimizing tangling and ensuring smooth filament flow. Upgraded tubing can be beneficial, particularly for the AMS on some closed-source printers, where the tubing can wear out over time.
Investing in these spare parts can minimize downtime and address issues during 3D printing.
