What 3D Printer Accessories Do You Wish You Had in Your Tool Cabinet?

I recommend:
* a metal extruder upgrade - my original extruder was plastic and broke in a hard to notice way, causing major printing issues. The metal version makes extrusion more reliable too, with stronger grip.
* Bowden tube upgrade to something more heat resistant, like Capricorn tubing.
* extra extruder tips, of a few sizes - I’ve seen a trend towards faster printing profiles that use bigger extruder nozzles.
* dust cover
* enclosure to help keep the heat in for more reliable prints: https://www.newark.com/creality-3d/4008060033/ender-3d-printer-enclosure/dp/75AJ0323 
* There’s always room for more filament colours and types.
* replacement magnetic mat - they seem to wear out over time (for ender 3d pro) - not sure if this is specific to my printer model though.

Bed levelling kit for my FDM and temperature controller for my resin printers.

I would like to see more modular-based designed printers which allow one to quickly tear down the printer for ease of transport, multiple quick changing hot-end modules [ to allow for a) routine maintenance ( in order to keep your production unit in tip-top shape b) applying the correct style/type of hotend to your various printing needs ( PLA/ PETG/ TPU/ Carbon Fibor/ Metals / ( high-end materials that are often corrosive and or destructive to the hotend itself) / laser engraving ( not the low-key starter "toy" kind, but real-deal laser engraving/ laser etching/ laser cutting/cnc-style applications) / pen holder ( for drawings with the printer ) / modules with the ability to print organic matter/ food-based products). A universal boden tube that has an extreme level of frictionless movement internally.  An infinite build plate with a print removal arm. Upgraded mainboards that can handle the level of processing necessary to run things like Klippler as well as core onboard software that upon startup: a) runs a full diagnostic b) full-auto-calibration, auto-leveling, auto-tensioning with an extreme level of depth and accuracy with real-time auto adjusting while the print is in motion b) as well as the core software would also monitor the specific number of work hours, wear, tear, on stepper motors, hotend, extruder, belts, gears, sensors; with the idea that the machine does all the heavy lifting, pre-flight check, keeps tabs on all core components and lets you know when it is getting time to replace said key components.  Upgraded mainboards that house their own wireless and or networked onboard storage, highly detailed and extensive slicer; so that it is not necessarily reliant on a computer to do such actions and one can wirelessly bounce projects to it, have them stored onboard and use a simple GUI from a tablet, phone, remote computer to give the simple commands, make whatever personal touches the individual feels necessary when customizing their specific print, auto-review the print being compiled onboard for any issues, warnings about design/print issues prior to hitting the "go" button... while also being able to monitor the print via multiple onboard camera angles accompanied by various onboard illumination and an auto-alert detection that pings the user via text, email, notifications that there is a serious issue with the printer. 

- a "fire and forget" system basically that houses everything in one place and does not require the user to have to own a computer to do all the heavy lifting, mechanical health status, full X,Y,Dual-Z, E, Hotend, Build plate constant auto-leveling; which also can be linked directly to your " ( enter future 3D Printing Opensource site here) " and stores all earmarked designs, projects, and even potential meta-data based on personal searches by the user and the system has the ability to identify the corresponding opensource version rather than one having to the user simply purchase a finished good; when they could very easily manufacture said item onsite.

- VR/AR integration with the 3D Modeling software: allowing the designer/engineer to be able to mold, design, build and manipulate using a VR interface control system to interact with whatever object(s) are being utilized within the infinite zone of the 3D Modeling space tactually and visually via the VR integration. **also allowing for real-world objects the ability to be scanned in via said VR/AR headsets for further manipulation in the 3D Modeling Space to suit one's needs.

+1 on the bed leveler, or even just a leveler tool like this one: https://www.chepclub.com/electronic-bed-level-tool.html

A "spudger" for getting those sticky prints of the bed

I will probably sort out a camera for mine next to watch remotely.

A small cordless screwdriver, for taking apart the extruder for those inevitable filament jams.

www.newark.com/.../73R4525

rscasny said:

accessories like filaments

You make a good point…
I just realized I’m lacking the essential colours yellow (minions and Lego figures) and silver (robots, especially Bender)!

rscasny said:

but don't have in your tool cabinet

I wish I had a suitable tool cabinet on wheels to sit the 3D printer on, which could then also hold the accessories...

Enclosure for abs printing on my Creality Ender 5 pro