3D Printing Material List That You Should Have
Although the concept of 3D printing goes back to several decades and was first introduced in the early 1980s, its demand is still on the rise.
From customizing a product and guaranteeing its consumer's satisfaction to the low manufacturing cost, the 3-D printing technology has managed to win our hearts with countless clever inventions over the years.
There's a reason why this technology gained this much popularity.
Imagine your toddler is throwing a tantrum to buy him a “Hogwarts Castle play set”, which is based on his favorite book Harry Potter. Instead of buying him the expensive version, you can go for a simple, realistic 3D printed version, which will give him a similar experience!
You know what this means, right?
No more getting yelled at for breaking that expensive plate you broke two years ago! Simply print it, replace it and enjoy the rest of your day my friend.
But, first, you have to pick the right accessories to turn your home into a mini dream-industry. The 3D printing material list that you should have to turn this dream into reality and create some amazing designs and patterns is described down below. by the way here we show you the best 3D Printers For Miniatures.
Table of Contents
3D Printing Material List For Beginners
Scanner
Every expert was once a beginner. We learn from our mistakes and it takes some time to develop a new skill.
The thing I like the most about a 3D printer is that, even if you are a newbie who is just starting, it includes some basic features for you as well.
For example, if you are a skilled designer, then you can show your creativity by using modeling software, like CAD (Computer-Aided Design).
However, if you aren’t a tech-savvy person or simply not interested to take a lesson on how to use this particular software, then a 3D Scanner will be the perfect alternative for you!
This modern device helps capture the shape and design of a real-life object and create a digitalized version on the monitor. Then you can replicate that object from the printing device using plastic, wood or any other material.
You can even change the model a little bit and make customized modification as per you wish before printing the actual object.
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Blue Painter’s Tape
A beautiful design can be destroyed within a second if the printing model gets displaced for some reason. There's nothing more disappointing than to see your hard work go in vain just because of a simple mistake.
A blue painter’s tape is the perfect accessory to help you in this case. How?
Well, it helps the printed object to stick to the build plate without any problem. You can cover the entire platform with only 50 cents worth of blue tape! You can't find a more inexpensive accessory for this purpose, as this tape is good enough for at least 20 prints until it gets unusable.
You don't need to go to a fancy supermall to buy this stuff. Visit any local hardware store and you will find it available there all year round.
Spare Filaments
An artist should never run out of his supplies. When a creative work is in progress, a shortage of any supplies should be the least of your worries!
Once you have bought yourself a nice 3D device, the package already includes a roll of filaments. Filaments are made of Thermoplastic, which melts when it comes close to high temperatures.
While other materials burn in close proximity of such high heat, filament melts and resembles the shape of an object. Once the material is cooled down, it solidifies and makes your drawn object come alive.
That's why it’s really important to always keep some spare filaments on hand. So, before you start working on that big project you were planning to do, make sure you have enough quantity to complete the work successfully.
Filament Box
Now that you have bought a lot of extra filaments, where do you plan to keep it?
Do you know moisture and dust are two great enemies when it comes to storing filaments?
A dry and wet filament acts completely different from each other. A dry filament works nicely and helps you produce the exact patterns you are trying to achieve.
Whereas if the water can get inside the filaments, it creates air bubbles and even causes them to break apart. The quality of your print will get degraded and you will also be left with clogged nozzles.
The best way to combat this situation is to purchase a filament box. A filament box is built in a way so that dust and water can’t get inside it.
These storage boxes even come with temperature and humidity sensors. So, you don't have to keep track manually, the box will automatically check to see if everything is alright.
Nozzle Cleaner
You have chosen the perfect design to work with. The filaments are ready and the printer is all set to deliver your desired object any moment now.
Clink! You hear that annoying sound coming from the motor and look over just to see the nozzle isn’t working properly.
As much as we would love to solve this problem right then, it’s not quite as simple as that.
See, the thing is, no matter how careful you are with the height and the proper temperature of the device, the nozzles might still find some reason to get clogged from time to time.
That's why it’s a good idea to purchase a set of nozzle cleaning set beforehand.
A nozzle cleaner is shaped like a screwdriver with a sharp, pointed end. With the help of this tool, you can easily keep the nozzle head clean and prevent it from getting jammed in the future.
Glue Stick
Remember how we mentioned in this article that builds plate adhesion is a crucial part of any good printing work?
Well, there’s a cheat code available to solve this problem. Can you guess?
It’s a GLUE STICK!
Yes this simple, affordable item for any stationary list, is available on every local store, can be a savior in terms of increasing the adhesion capability.
There are other benefits as well. The PVA glue sticks are easily washable. And it’s easy to apply it with the correct precision.
Although some people might prefer a hair spray, we would suggest you avoid it as it might damage your device in case of an overdose.
Heating Block Cotton
While the device is trying to produce enough heat to melt the filaments, the entire process takes a bit of time.
To achieve the required temperature faster, you can use some heating blocks and prevent any heat-loss while the machine is operating. Each piece of the block is about 3 millimeters in thickness and is made of heat insulation cotton fiber.
This item also helps reduce the energy consumption rate and withstand up to 900-degree temperature for a long time.
Spatula
The look of a finished project always gives me immense pleasure. Finally, all the hard work paid off and now it’s time to admire the complete look.
However, when you are making a 3D object, it’s crucial to lift it off the build plate before you start celebrating!
As the build plate is covered with adhesion, often the object gets stuck and there is a risk of damaging the models while trying to forcefully lift it off the surface.
One easy way to do this job is to use a spatula. With the help of this tool, you can easily put it underneath the printed object and gently transfer it to another place.
It's a good idea to purchase a set that includes a wide range of spatula collections that can be used for different purposes.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper is an excellent way of smoothing out all the rough edges of a brand-new 3D objects.
When you first look at a newly printed object, you might notice a lot of bits that are sticking out. While this isn't a major issue, it will still mar the beauty of the otherwise perfect design. That's where sandpaper can help you out.
Good quality sandpaper might cost a bit more initially, but they tend to last longer and don't wear out easily. So, you will end up saving up your money in the long run.
Carving Tools
A little attention to the details goes a long way to groom up your design!
If you are trying to create an intricate design while printing out an object, you have to be extra careful. You might notice some loose strands of filaments hanging here and there. To make your design look perfect, a carving tool works the best.
To protect every tiny detail of your favorite pattern, purchase a carving tool set. A set that includes different shapes and sizes of the carving tool will help you create a unique masterpiece that we all know you can do!
Conclusion
A little bit of polishing makes a diamond shine brighter. Just like that, although the main work is already done by your computer-aided software and the printer, still all these accessories are necessary to help add a professional touch to your printed object.
The above-mentioned 3D printing material list that you should have will increase your productivity. They’ll work like an investment that will, hopefully, take your mini-business one step further into becoming an industrial one.