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3D printing has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, allowing for the creation of complex and precise parts and objects at a fraction of the time and cost compared to traditional manufacturing methods. In a print farm, the use of 3D printing technology has the potential to greatly improve efficiency and productivity. However, to maximize the benefits of a 3D print farm, it is important to have the right tools and accessories. Below, we will be exploring some of the most useful 3D printed tools that can be used in a print farm to improve the overall printing experience. From handy print bed scraper tools to specialized tool holders, these 3D printed tools will make a noticeable difference in the speed and quality of your 3D printing process.
1. 3D Printed Bed Scraper
A bed scraper is a highly useful tool in a 3D print farm. It helps to ensure that the print bed is clean and free of debris before starting a print, leading to better adhesion and reduced risk of failed prints. The scraper can also be used to remove stubborn bits of filament or support material that may be leftover from previous prints, improving print quality and reducing downtime. In a fast-paced print farm environment, the use of a bed scraper can help to streamline the printing process and save time, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Scraper pictured: https://www.printables.com/model/122894-hexscraper-printbed-scraper
2. 3D Printed Screw Measuring Tools
If you've ever had the pleasure of assembling a 3d printer you know it can be an attack of the screws and nuts. Oftentimes printers will come with spare parts as well. As the 3d printing industry is still fairly new you'll find you end up doing much of the machine maintenance yourself and having spare parts as well as spare screws and nuts can be very valuable to reduce printer downtime.
A screw sizing tool is crucial in a 3D print farm as it helps to correctly identify the size of screws used in 3D printers, ensuring that the right size is used for each application. This tool allows farm managers to quickly and accurately measure the dimensions of screws, reducing the risk of using screws that are too large or too small, which can cause problems with the performance and functionality of 3D printers. Furthermore, having a screw sizing tool readily available in a 3D print farm can help to streamline the maintenance process and reduce downtime, allowing technicians to quickly and efficiently address any issues that may arise.
Screw measuring pictured: https://www.printables.com/model/32160-screw-measuring-tool-m2-m10-4-120mm
3. 3D Printed Filamament Sample Box
Printing filament samples allows operators to test and evaluate different materials before committing to a full print. By printing small samples, they can assess the suitability of a material for a particular application, including factors such as dimensional accuracy, layer adhesion, and surface finish. By having a variety of filament samples readily available, a 3D print farm can increase its flexibility and adaptability, enabling it to produce high-quality parts using the most appropriate material for each job, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.
By printing small samples of different materials and finishes, a 3D print farm can showcase its expertise and the quality of its work to potential clients. By providing clients with samples, a 3D print farm can help to build trust and establish a good working relationship, increasing the likelihood of winning a print job. Having filament samples on hand can also help to reduce the risk of material-related issues during the production of parts, ensuring that the final product meets or exceeds the client's expectations.
Sample box pictures: https://www.printables.com/model/212195-filament-sample-box-infill-color-swatch-remix
4. 3D Printed Photo Studio
Pictures are often the first thing customers see and it's often said that customers "buy with their eyes" first. So the importance of good product photos can not be underestimated and can often be the deciding factor when a customer is making their purchase. The ability to control the lighting and environment in a photo studio provides a high degree of accuracy and consistency in the representation of printed parts, making it easier to communicate their features and benefits.
Photography equipment is expensive though and often is a luxury a new 3d print farm can't afford right away. One cost-efficient option is to print your own backdrop setup. There could be a limitation on the size however some designers have come up with some clever solutions to provide managers with the best options.
Studio pictured: https://www.printables.com/model/232702-expandable-photo-studio
5. 3D Printed Cable Ties
We all know the usefulness of cable ties. They help to organize and secure loose cables and wires, preventing them from becoming tangled or damaged. This is important for ensuring the safety and reliability of 3D printers and their electrical systems. They allow for a clean and professional appearance of 3D printers and the surrounding workspace, improving the overall aesthetic of the 3D print farm. They also provide a convenient and reusable way to manage and route cables, allowing for easy access and maintenance of electrical systems, and reducing the risk of downtime.
The only real problem with them is not having them when you need them. So being able to 3D print them can be a huge time sizer and help out in a pinch.
6. 3D Printed Filament Clips
We've all been there trying to feed the loose end of the filament through the holes on the edge of the spool. Let's face it it's a terrible solution. Enter 3D Printed Filament Clips!
Filament clips securely hold filament spools in place, preventing them from unraveling and getting tangled, which can lead to print failures. They also provide a convenient and reusable solution for managing filament spools, saving time and reducing waste compared to disposable alternatives. Finally, having the ability to 3D print filament clips in-house allows for customization to fit specific spool sizes and shapes, ensuring a perfect fit and improving the overall organization of the 3D print farm.
Clips pictures: https://www.printables.com/model/292793-k2-filament-clip
Ok, so you caught us. No, 3D Prtin Farm Sheets isn't a 3d printed product. However, it is a super useful tool when trying to run a profitable print farm! This is where we get into a bit of self-promotion. No matter the tools you end up 3D printing one thing is for sure. If you don’t know your cost when selling on sites like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon you are setting yourself up for failure. 3D Print Farm Sheets is the only spreadsheet created for 3D printing creators by 3D printing creators to assist them in making sure they are PROFITABLE when selling online.