3D Printing Tools and Accessories

Let me share some of the maintenance items I've personally used and found incredibly helpful on my 3D printing journey. I'm a big fan of supporting local businesses whenever possible, but in this case, I've turned to online shopping since there aren't any nearby stores that carry these specialty tools and supplies. I'll keep updating this list as I come across more reliable brands and essential maintenance items — from lubricants and cleaning filaments to build plate adhesives, replacement nozzles, and bed leveling tools. Just a quick heads-up: a few of the links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you decide to check out those products — at no extra cost to you. Now, without further ado, here's my little collection of 3D printing maintenance favorites!

Printing Plates

Having the right build plates makes all the difference for successful 3D printing. I keep several different ones on hand so I can work with various materials and get exactly the bottom-layer finish I'm after. A quick note: I personally run Bambu Lab printers, so most of my links will be for those machines, but I've also rounded up some top-rated build plates for other popular brands.

BIQU Double Side Textured PEI.
One of the most popular choices. The textured surface provides excellent grip and leaves a matte, textured finish on the bottom of your print. It works great for most materials, though TPU can sometimes stick too well.

Compatible with Bambu-Lab X1C, X1E, P1P, P1S, A1 3d printers.

BIQU CryoGrip Pro Frostbite.
This build plate is a game changer. It gives you amazing adhesion for PLA and PETG right at room temperature, cuts down on warping for big prints, and stays scratch and wear-resistant even after long-term use.

Compatible with Bambu-Lab X1C, X1E, P1P, P1S, A1 3d printers.

PEH holographic build plate.
Often H1H, PEO, or PEH materials, are special spring steel sheets that add dazzling rainbow, phantom, or pattern effects to the first layer of 3D prints.

I love using them for jewellery and coasters.

Compatible with Bambu-Lab X1C, X1E, P1P, P1S, A1 3d printers.

PEO PET Build Plate for Elegoo.
Smooth PEO looks like countless diamonds on the surface. Carbon fiber PET ensures optimal material compatibility and flat print bottoms.

260x271mm Build Plate Specifically designed for for Elegoo Centauri Carbon/Centauri 3D Printer

Cleaning & Maintenance

In my experience, a little regular cleaning and maintenance goes a long way toward keeping a 3D printer running well and extending its life. The right tools—cleaners, lubricants, and more—help me avoid clogs, reduce wear, and skip those costly repair bills.

Taking a moment to wipe down your printing plate between prints really helps reduce adhesion issues. Just skip the paper towel because it sheds lint. I always reach for a microfiber cloth instead—it's the best tool for the job.

In my experience, isopropyl alcohol is the best degreasing cleaner for print beds. It lifts dirt, soaps, moisture, and grease right off the surface so you can wipe it all away. Then it evaporates without leaving any residue, giving you a perfectly clean and adhesive-friendly finish.

I clean my print bed with warm water and grease-cutting dish soap to remove skin oils, glue, and residue. I avoid soaps with moisturizers or lotions since they leave an oily film, and I never use steel scrubs. I wash mine about once a week or whenever adhesion gets poor.

Here's a tip I learned the hard way: always reach for a plastic scraper to clean your build plates. They keep your surface scratch-free and useful for removing finished projects. Just remember to let your bed cool down completely first—a hot plate will melt plastic scrapers faster than you think.

Processing And Finishing Tools

Fresh 3D prints usually have rough edges and support marks that need cleanup. The right post-processing tools help me remove unwanted material, smooth everything out, and make sure my prints are true to design.

When I need to clean up jagged edges, stray brim material, or layer imperfections, I hold my deburring tool like a paring knife. I press my thumb against the part as an anchor and slowly pull the swiveling blade toward me in one smooth motion, shaving off clean little ribbons of plastic.

Needle nose pliers are a small tool I reach for constantly. I use them to grab stubborn supports, pull off stringy wisps of filament, clear blobs off the nozzle, and hold tiny parts while I sand or glue. Just be gentle so you don't mark your print. A good pair lives right next to my printer.

I always cut my filament at 45 degrees to prevent snagging when loading. For supports, flush cutters get right up against the model for a clean cut with minimal nubs. I also use them to trim stringing, brim leftovers, and any stray blobs.

I melt filament waste into silicone molds with my heat gun. Fill a mold with scraps, apply heat until fused, then let cool and pop out your recycled plastic shape. Ice cube trays work great. Work in a ventilated area and never leave the heat gun running unattended.

An electric screwdriver is one of those tools I didn't know I needed until I had one. I use it to take apart my printer for maintenance, swap out nozzles, tighten loose screws on the frame, and open up filament spool holders. It saves so much time and wrist strain compared to doing everything by hand. Just keep the torque low so you don't strip anything.

The Dirt Devil Scorpion Vacuum is currently on my wishlist to replace my old craft room vacuum. My current one is barely hanging on, and this handheld option looks perfect for sucking up clay crumbs, glitter spills, and filament bits. The crevice tool would help me get around my printer and into tight corners.

I love my rotary tool for crafting. It sands 3D prints, carves clay, polishes resin, and cuts small findings. The interchangeable bits are a game changer. I'm hoping to add this corded one to my craft room soon.

A butane torch is great for zapping stringing and fine hairs off 3D prints. A quick sweep of the flame melts them away without needing sanding. Keep the torch moving and hold the print with tweezers so you don't burn your fingers. Test on a scrap piece first—some filaments scorch faster than others.

Storage

Let me tell you, having proper storage is absolutely essential for an organized craft space. I recommend using several different storage solutions so you can protect your filament, corral your tools, and actually find things when you need them.

I should mention that I print a ton of my own storage solutions these days—having printers definitely helps with that. But every so often, you hit a point where it's actually cheaper and smarter to just buy something instead. This particular storage item was a Christmas gift, and honestly, I'm so thankful for it.

The plastic storage bags are made of a thick quality plastic to withstand the pressure of being vacuumed and hold without losing the seal. Handy to keep some filaments that tend to hold moisture dryer.

Three Tiered Utility Storage rolls between my 3D printer and craft desk. Side cups hold tips, tweezers, and nozzles. Hooks keep a dust brush and heat mat ready.

Everything stays organized. Nothing gets put away. It just works.

Coming soon

dry filament storage

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