Consumables

Parts, components, adhesives, etc.

There are a lot of things used in 3D Printing that are not filament.

When you go to assemble a print perhaps you want to screw it together. Should you use an M3 bolt with a heat-insert? What about a self-tapping M1.7 screw? Or an adhesive?

I reference a lot of these things in my print instructions. Here's a list of them!

Most notorious is the Super Lube 21030 PTFE grease used on lead screws, for which I made a very popular applicator tip.

10.8mm 5.5x2.1mm DC Jack

Not the one I use the most, but still nice for many applications.

  • Metal construction.
  • Comes with male tips, weather seal.
  • Looks nicer than the cheaper ones.
10.8mm 5521

7mm 5.5x2.1mm DC Jack

Cheap. Works. 'Nuff said.

  • Lower cost bulk-pack of DC jacks.
  • No extras, just the jack and a nut.
  • A little short - 5.5x2.5mm plugs may protrude.
7mm 5521

USB-C Breakout Board

This one's really useful if you want to get data in to a project, or want it really strongly attached.

  • Clean look of thin metal on the exterior of the print.
  • Requires two ~M2 screws.
  • Can be used for data connections.
breakout board

USB-C Snap-In Jack

My current go-to for power jacks on 5V applications. Snaps in cleanly and holds fairly well, unmistakably 5V USB power.

  • Easy to snap in with the aide of needle nose pliers.
  • Low cost.
  • Gotta be very careful with the thickness of the walls it snaps in to.
snap-ins

Micro SPST Switch

Sometimes you just need a little switch.

  • Snaps in easily on walls up to 2.5mm thick.
  • Very inexpensive.
  • Very small as to not get in the way.
spst

Assorted Brass Heat Inserts

Heat inserts are a wonderful tool to cleanly bolt prints and components together.

  • Large assortment of sizes in both diameter and depth.
  • Knurling pattern insures strong bond.
  • Heat insert tips suggested for installation.
Heat Inserts

Small Screw Assortment

You don't always want to use heat inserts. Sometimes you just want a tiny little screw. I use these frequently to keep light boxes together.

  • Very small screws, from M1.7 to M3.
  • Self-tapping (pointed) so they'll bite in to plastic and wood.
  • Surprisingly decent box.
itty bitty

Anti-Slip Rug Tape

This is one of my favorite little secrets. Cut out the size you need an slap it on the bottom of your prints - now they won't slide around any more!

  • Huge value as compared to rubber stickers.
  • Cuts easily, adheres well.
  • Doesn't do great with being wet though.
Roberts Rug Tape

Rub-n-Buff Sample Pack

Rub-n-Buff is a metallic pigmented wax that makes some super cool finishes. Apply it thick or dry-brush it on, it'll make your prints pop!

  • Incredible metallic effect - better than any silk I've ever used.
  • Can be a bit messy and stinky. Wear gloves.
  • A sponge brush works wonders.
squish

E6000 Precision Tubes 

CA glue is great for a lot of things, but E6000 is better. Keeps a little bit of flex and can bond dissimilar materials (like magnets to TPU). Just needs a little time to set.

  • Incredibly strong bond once fully cured.
  • Is not brittle like CA glue, also will not cause clouding.
  • Excess can be easily cleaned up.
Precision tips!

XFASTEN Wire Harness Tape

I was happy to see so many people take my advice on using wire harness tape in place of electrical tape for their spools. Also extremely useful to add grip to PTFE tubing or hold down wires in prints!

  • Honestly inexpensive.
  • Bonds to paper and itself, will not come off in the drier.
  • Cut it cleanly with sharp scissors.
I put that sh*t on everything!

Orange Indicating Silica Gel

Keeping filament dry is crucial to it's performance. Using a dessicant like this will go a long way to keeping your filaments dry.

  • Can be mixed in with the freebie silica gels you get with your filament.
  • Might discolor when recharged, don't worry it's fine.
  • I made a funnel for the 2qt jugs.
bawls!

Super Lube PTFE Grease

There's a lot of argument about silicone or non-silicone grease when it comes to lead screw lubrication. The answer is non-silicone, and this is my choice.

  • Food safe NLGI-2/H1.
  • Lasts a long time - it'll get dirty before it wears out.
  • The 3oz tube (21030) will last a long time!
21030

3-in-One Multipurpose Oil

Grease on the lead screws, oil on your linear rails or smooth alignment rods.

  • Practically a lifetime supply.
  • It's the same 3-in-One your grandpa had in the garage.
  • Nice extending tip for easy application.
Squirt

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