Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories for Beginners

3D Print Removal Tool

You will need to get prints off your build plate. Using a kitchen knife or random spatula risks damaging both the print and your build surface. A proper print removal tool has a thin, flexible blade specifically designed for sliding under prints without gouging the plate.

We use ours on literally every print. It's the single most-used accessory in our workshop. Get one before your first print — your build plate (and your fingers) will thank you.

Filament Desiccant Packs

Here's something nobody tells beginners: moisture ruins filament. PLA absorbs water from the air, and wet filament causes popping, stringing, rough surfaces, and weak prints. The fix is dead simple — throw desiccant packs in with your filament storage.

These silica gel packs are reusable. When they change color (most have indicator beads), just bake them at 250°F for 2 hours and they're good as new. We recharge ours monthly.

Micro Scraper Set

For cleaning up prints — removing support material, trimming brim edges, scraping off small imperfections. These precision scrapers get into tight spots that your removal tool can't reach. We use the angled ones most for cleaning support contact points.

SUNLU Filament Dry Box

Take filament storage to the next level. The SUNLU dry box isn't just storage — you feed filament directly from the box to your printer while it stays sealed and dry. It has a built-in hygrometer so you can see the humidity level, and it actively dries wet filament with a heating element.

We keep our active spool in this at all times. It's especially important for specialty filaments like rainbow silk PLA and TPU, which are extremely moisture-sensitive. Check our complete storage guide for more details.

Build Plate Adhesive (Magigoo)

Even with a PEI build plate, some prints just don't want to stick — especially large flat prints, PETG, or prints with small contact areas. Magigoo is the gold standard for build plate adhesion. One thin coat with the applicator pen, and your print grips the bed perfectly. When the bed cools down, the print pops right off.

Pro tip: you don't need it for every print. Save it for prints with tricky geometry, large footprints, or when using PETG filament.

Vacuum Storage Bags

For spools you're not actively using, vacuum bags are the best long-term storage solution. Squeeze out the air, throw in a desiccant pack, and seal it up. We've stored filament this way for 6+ months and it prints like it just came out of the package.

Especially useful if you bulk-buy filament on sale — and trust us, when Overture PLA drops to $16/kg, you want to stock up.

Extra Nozzles

Nozzles wear out over time, especially if you print with abrasive filaments. Having a few spare 0.4mm brass nozzles (the standard size) means you can swap a worn nozzle in 5 minutes instead of waiting for shipping. For your Bambu A1, make sure to get the Bambu-compatible nozzle type.

Digital Calipers

When you need to check filament diameter, verify dimensional accuracy of a print, or measure parts for a custom design, digital calipers are indispensable. Get a basic set — you don't need the expensive Mitutoyo ones to start. Even a $15 pair works great for hobby printing.

IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) & Microfiber Cloths

Clean your build plate between prints for consistent adhesion. A quick wipe with 90%+ IPA removes oils from your fingers and leftover residue. This alone fixes 90% of "my prints won't stick" problems.