With the recent advancement in technologies, 3D printers have become much more compact and cost cheaper. People have understood the different advantages and applications that a 3D printer can have and hence when you get yourself a 3d printer, it’s important to understand the role that each part plays. Bring you some of the must-have 3D printers parts and supplies in Australia to get the best results:

1- Sandpaper:

Having a set of sandpapers with different grits can be very helpful in the post-processing step of printing. Good sandpaper will help you get the minor details on your print and smooth out any rough edges and surfaces. Hence buying a set of good quality sandpaper from a well-known brand, from coarse (120 grit) to fine (1000 grit or more) will ensure that it does not wear out easily, making it last longer and saving your money in the long haul.

2- Nozzle Set:

Nozzles are one of the most important 3D printer parts that come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all have the same function. So why should one want to have nozzles of different sizes? There are a few reasons why: for example, to print a larger model quick, you need to use a larger nozzle; similarly, for finer details on your print,  use a smaller nozzle; or if your current nozzle gets clogged, one can easily replace it.

3-  Nozzle Cleaning Kit:

The external nozzle can easily get clogged with melted plastic after regular use. As they are the most significant 3D printer parts, it becomes very important to keep them maintained, to ensure that the quality of your 3D prints is maintained. Cleaning the nozzles can be very irritating and time-consuming, so make sure you get the right tools for it. There are now special nozzle cleaning kits available that have been designed for cleaning nozzles of different sizes. So getting yourself a nozzle cleaning kit, will help you to keep your 3D printer and parts always clean and ready for the next print.

4- Carving Tools:

When a printing job has a lot of minute details, one needs to get some extra work done to get a good finish. For best finishing, the 3D prints with a set of carving tools are perfect for smoothing out your final product as it removes the excess filament and brings perfection to the minor details.

5- Solutions for Better Finish:

When you print a certain item, it has to undergo a surface finishing process so that it can be ready for use. Providing proper finish to a 3D printed part helps to improve its appearance, smooth out the uneven surfaces and improve the product durability.

Depending on the 3D printing material, one can choose between acetone or XTC-3D, which is a high-performance 3D print coating.

Acetone: It provides you with a smooth and polished surface for your ABS 3D prints. For which a thin layer is just enough to get a better finish. Make sure that it’s compatible with the material you are using it on. 

XTC-3D High-Performance 3D Print Coating: They are generally used with PLA, where acetone fails.  This epoxy provides a protective coating to help you get a smooth finish for your 3D printed parts in Australia.

6- Super Glue:

Superglue has multiple uses for your 3D printing needs and is quite effective. They can be used to fill gaps, repair broken parts, and join two 3D printed parts together. There are multiple types of glue available that can be used for different jobs. For example, for filling gaps a thicker type of glue is required whilst for delicate procedures, like combining two components, a thinner type of glue is more appropriate.

7- 3D Scanner:

Purchasing a 3D scanner will surely enhance your 3D printing experience, as it helps one to create precise 3D models from actual objects. There are multiple portable, cheap and easy to use scanners in the market. This makes them an ideal choice for anyone who needs a compact device that’s easy to carry around. Choosing the right 3D printer and supplies can greatly improve your chances of creating a flawless 3D print. 

8- Borosilicate Glass Bed and Heat Bed Platform Sticker:

Borosilicate glass is usually tempered which makes them withstand extremely high temperatures. Also, it helps to give the print a smooth finish. When buying a glass print bed make sure its dimensions match your model of a 3D printer.

Using a Heated bed platform sticker for your printing surface is compatible with almost every printing material. You can print directly onto the surface without any additional adhesives. Once you’re done printing, it is very easy to remove your printed part without damaging it. One can use it for multiple prints and all you need to do is to just simply wipe it with isopropyl alcohol between prints. Also, they can be easily be cut to the desired size with a utility knife.

9- Hair Spray:

They can be used as an alternative for superglue and it’s recommended to spray the bed with hair spray. It helps to add an extra layer of ‘stickiness’ to your print bed in a quick and easy process. But you must be careful with this method because using hairspray regularly and without proper care can damage your printer.

10- Kapton Tape:

Although many people go in for masking tape for covering print beds as they are the cheaper option, using Kapton tape is much better for long term use as they handle high temperatures much better. Kapton tape also helps in the prevention of severe warping, thus resulting in much better 3D prints. They can also be combined with other products, such as hairspray to get the best results.
So, which of the following 3D printer supplies did you already use? Hoping you have these supplies, if not, get them from the store near you and hope now you know which 3D printer parts are important to be cleaned and maintained to enjoy the best quality print always!