Skip to main content

Most hobbies come with a handful of accessories that streamline the process, and 3D printing is no exception. While some of these accessories may seem simple — like a pair of snips for filament trimming or a dab of glue for better bed adhesion — there are also advanced hardware options that can significantly enhance print quality or expand your printer’s capabilities. Moreover, investing in quality accessories can push even top-tier 3D printers to perform beyond their standard capabilities.

Identifying the ultimate 3D printing accessory is challenging, as it largely hinges on individual needs. However, one accessory I often recommend, especially for beginners, is the BuildTak print removal tool. Affordable and highly effective, it surpasses the inadequate scrapers often bundled with 3D printers.

Additionally, consider acquiring a camera such as the Beagle 2. This wireless camera enables remote monitoring of various 3D printers, particularly budget-friendly models, through a mobile app. The video feed also facilitates the creation of captivating time-lapse footage for social media.

Having accumulated a plethora of beneficial accessories over nearly a decade of 3D printing, and delved into extensive research on others, I can attest to their invaluable role. Whether you’re seeking basic accessories or advanced upgrades, Amazon offers a wide range of options, while California-based MatterHackers specializes in comprehensive solutions for enhancing your 3D printing experience.

A flat bottom palette knife

Best overall beginner 3D printing accessory

Buildtak 3D printer scraper

$20 at MatterHackers

A giant bottle of 3DGloop

Best accessory for fusing parts together

3D Gloop! 3D printing adhesive

$25 at 3DGloop

A pink hand basket full of tools

Keep all your 3D printing accessories together

Portable caddy basket

$14 at Amazon

Caliper with digital LED

3D printing accessory for design

Digital calipers

$16 at Amazon

HDX gray storage cabinet

Modular storage for your 3D printing filament

HDX stackable garage storage

$90 at Home Depot

mk8 nozzles in a row

3D printing accessory that adds choice

Mk 8 nozzle variety pack

$10 at Amazon

A stick of Magigoo and the box it comes in

Best 3D printing accessory for bed adhesion

Magigoo 3D print bed adhesive

$20 at MatterHackers

aquanet-hairspry

Best budget 3D printing bed adhesion

Aqua Net firm-hold hairspray (4 pack)

$7 at Amazon

deburring-tool

Best deburring tool for 3D printing

Vastools swivel head deburring tool

$7 at Amazon

Two sets of hex wrenches

Best 3D printing accessory for metric screws

AmazonBasics metric/imperial hex key wrench set

$16 at Amazon

dessicant-pouches

Keep your 3D printing material dry

Reusable desiccant pouches (5-pack)

$36 at Amazon

Elmers Washable School Glue Sticks

Water washable adhesion

Elmer’s glue stick (12 count)

$6 at Amazon

A little camera that looks like a beagle next to a 3D printer

Best intermediate 3D printer accessory

Mintion Beagle V2 3D printer camera

$90 at Amazon

Special case surrounding a 3d printer

3D printing accessory for protection

Wham Bam HotBox

$164 at Wham Bam

A black hotend assembly with a red silicone booted nozzle

My favorite 3D printing upgrade

E3D RapidChange Revo Six hotend kit

$109 at Matterhackers

obxidian nozzles lined up in a row

A 3D printing accessory for a 3D printing accessory

E3D ObXidian hardened nozzle

$58 at MatterHackers

A black wooden box with 6 different color filaments inside

Store your 3D printing filament for use

Repkord RepBox (Currently Sold Out)

See at Repkord