Budget-Friendly 3D Printing Materials and Parts: Find the Best Deals

3D printing is exciting but finding cheap materials that are still good can be hard. You want to save money but also ensure your projects turn out well, which means looking for deals without giving up on quality. With so many options and new ones always appearing, it’s tough to keep track and make the best choice.

So, we will give you smart tips and clear advice on finding affordable 3D printing materials and parts that still do a great job. Let’s start and see how you can make the most of 3D printing without breaking the bank.

General 3D Printing Materials and Parts

1. Towels & Wipes

• Description: Used for cleaning the print bed and the printer’s exterior. Ensures the bed is free from dust and debris, which can affect print quality. Also used for wiping down parts after post-processing.
• Price Range: $5 – $20

2. Zip Ties

• Description: Handy for cable management within the 3D printer setup. They help keep wires organized and out of the way, reducing the risk of entanglement or interference with moving parts.
• Price Range: $5 – $15 for a pack

3. Sandpaper

• Description: Essential for post-processing of prints. Used to smooth the surfaces of printed parts, remove blemishes, or prepare surfaces for painting or other finishes.
• Price Range: $5 – $20 for assorted grits

4. Air Purifier

• Description: Important for maintaining a healthy printing environment, especially when printing with materials that emit fumes or particles. Helps to remove airborne contaminants.
• Price Range: $50 – $200+ depending on capacity and features

5. Utility Knife

• Description: A versatile tool for cleaning up prints, such as removing support material or brims/skirts. Blades should be sharp for clean cuts.
• Price Range: $5 – $25

6. Flashlight

• Description: Useful for inspecting prints closely, especially in printers with poor internal lighting. Helps in identifying printing issues early.
• Price Range: $10 – $50

7. Digital Caliper

• Description: Precision measuring tool for verifying the dimensions of printed parts. Essential for ensuring parts meet design specifications.
• Price Range: $10 – $100, depending on accuracy and features

8. Screwdrivers & Hex Keys

• Description: Necessary for assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of the 3D printer. A set with various sizes is ideal.
• Price Range: $10 – $50 for a comprehensive set

9. Pliers & Tweezers

• Description: Useful for handling hot parts, removing support material, and general manipulation of small or delicate parts.
• Price Range: $5 – $30 for quality tools

10. Rotary Tool

• Description: A versatile power tool for drilling, grinding, cutting, and polishing printed parts. Offers precision in post-processing tasks.
• Price Range: $20 – $100+ depending on brand and kit contents

Budget-Friendly Tools & Accessories for Resin Printers

Source: Canva Pro

1. Rollers

• Description: Used to apply pressure evenly across the build plate, helping to ensure the first layers of the print adhere properly to the bed. They can also be used in post-processing to ensure decals or films adhere smoothly to the print surface.
• Price Range: $10 – $30

2. Belts

• Description: In the context of resin printers, belts might refer to replacement parts for any moving components that are belt-driven. It’s crucial to keep these components in good working order for precise movements.
• Price Range: $15 – $40, depending on printer model and belt quality.

3. Resin Filter with Screen

• Description: After a print job, the unused resin can be returned to the bottle for future use. A resin filter with a screen is essential for filtering out cured pieces and debris from the resin, ensuring it’s clean for the next print.
• Price Range: $10 – $25 for multiple filters or a durable metal one.

4. Adjustable Vat Drainer

• Description: This tool allows for the efficient and clean drainage of excess resin from the vat back into a storage container. Adjustable drainers can fit different vat sizes and minimize waste.
• Price Range: $20 – $50

5. Tank Cover

• Description: Used to protect the resin in the vat from dust and UV light exposure when the printer is not in use, prolonging the life of the resin and maintaining print quality.
• Price Range: $10 – $30, depending on size and material.

6. Vat Scraper

• Description: A specially designed tool for safely removing cured resin from the bottom of the vat without scratching or damaging the vat’s delicate surface.
• Price Range: $5 – $20

7. Curing Chamber

• Description: A dedicated device that uses UV light to fully cure resin prints after they have been cleaned. Ensures that prints are fully hardened and have the desired mechanical properties.
• Price Range: $30 – $150+, depending on size and features.

Budget-Friendly Tools & Accessories for FDM Printers

Source: Canva Pro

1. Print-Removal Blade

• Description: A thin, often flexible blade designed to gently pry and remove prints from the build plate without damaging either the print or the build surface.
• Price Range: $5 – $20

2. Glue & Other Adhesives

• Description: Used to improve bed adhesion for certain materials. PVA glue sticks are common for this purpose, as are specific 3D printing adhesives.
• Price Range: $1 – $15, depending on the type and brand.

3. Stepper Motor Vibration Dampeners

• Description: These dampeners are installed between the stepper motor and the frame of the printer to reduce noise and vibration, potentially improving print quality by reducing layer shifting.
• Price Range: $10 – $30 for a set.

4. Painter’s Tape

• Description: Applied to the build plate to improve the first layer’s adhesion for certain materials. It’s easy to apply and remove, making it a popular choice for many hobbyists.
• Price Range: $5 – $20, depending on width and brand.

5. Filament Storage

• Description: Proper storage solutions for filament, such as containers with desiccants, to protect it from moisture and dust, which can affect print quality.
• Price Range: $10 – $50+, depending on the storage system’s complexity and capacity.

6. Soldering Iron

• Description: Useful for repairing or modifying electronic components of the printer, as well as for post-processing tasks like welding parts together or adding metal inserts.
• Price Range: $10 – $100, with price varying by quality and included features.

7. Nozzle Cleaning Tools

• Description: Includes items like acupuncture needles or specialized drills designed to clear blockages in the printer’s nozzle, ensuring smooth material flow and consistent print quality.
• Price Range: $5 – $20 for a set.

 Budget-Friendly Spare Parts for FDM Printers

Source: Canva Pro

1. Filament

• Description: The material used to print your objects. Available in various types (e.g., PLA, ABS, PETG) and colors.
• Price Range: $15 – $30 per kilogram for basic materials. Specialty filaments may cost more.

2. Nozzles

• Description: The part of the printer where the filament is extruded. Nozzles can wear out over time or become clogged, affecting print quality.
• Price Range: $1 – $15 each, depending on the material (brass is cheaper, hardened steel is more expensive).

3. Hot End

• Description: The assembly that melts the filament and includes the nozzle. A malfunctioning hot end can lead to poor print quality or failure.
• Price Range: $30 – $100, varying with compatibility and features.

4. PTFE Tube & Couplers

• Description: PTFE tubes guide the filament into the hot end, and couplers secure these tubes in place. They can wear out or degrade, especially at high temperatures.
• Price Range: $5 – $20 for a set of tubes and couplers.

5. Build Plates

• Description: The surface onto which your 3D model is printed. Having spare build plates allows for quick swaps between prints or replacing damaged plates.
• Price Range: $20 – $100, depending on the material (glass, PEI, magnetic) and printer model.

6. Wires & Cables

• Description: Essential for connecting various components of your printer, such as motors, sensors, and the mainboard. Wires and cables can become frayed or damaged over time.
• Price Range: $5 – $20 for basic replacements, though prices can vary based on specific needs and lengths.

Tips to Help You Find Budget-Friendly Options for All Your 3D Printing Needs

Now that we’ve explored the essential materials, tools, accessories, and spare parts for 3D printing, let’s focus on practical tips to help you find budget-friendly options for all your 3D printing needs.

1. Subscribe to Newsletters and Join Communities

By subscribing to newsletters from well-regarded 3D printing manufacturers and online retailers, you can stay informed about current sales, discounts, and clearance opportunities. These newsletters are a direct line to savings, providing you with timely updates so you never miss a deal.

Furthermore, becoming a part of online communities dedicated to 3D printing can be invaluable. Forums and social media groups are hubs where members share the latest deals, discount codes, and sales from various suppliers.

Platforms like Reddit, Facebook groups, and specialized forums such as the RepRap forum are excellent places to start. Engaging with these communities not only helps you save money but also connects you with a wealth of knowledge and experience from fellow 3D printing enthusiasts.

2. Compare Prices Across Multiple Platforms

To ensure you’re getting the best value for your money, utilize price comparison websites. These sites can be particularly useful for pricier items like hot ends and build plates, allowing you to compare costs across different sellers.

Additionally, don’t overlook the potential savings from exploring various online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, and Banggood. These platforms often feature competitive prices, especially for those looking to make bulk purchases or considering generic brands, helping you stretch your budget further.

3. Look for Bulk Purchases and Bundles

Purchasing filament, resin, or spare parts in bulk can lead to significant savings. Retailers often offer better prices for larger quantities, making it a smart choice for those who print frequently.

Similarly, bundles of spare parts like nozzles or bearings can be more economical than buying each item individually. This approach not only saves money but also ensures you have essential parts on hand, reducing downtime in your printing projects.

4. Take Advantage of Sales and Clearance Sections

Always be on the lookout for seasonal sales events (such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday) and end-of-year clearance sales. These events are prime opportunities to snag high-quality 3D printing supplies at a fraction of their usual cost.

Additionally, many online stores maintain a clearance section for older inventory. Shopping these sections can uncover great deals on parts and materials that, while older, are perfectly usable for most projects.

5. Consider Compatible and Generic Brands

When shopping for consumables like filaments and resins, explore third-party brands that offer compatible products at lower prices than those sold by your printer’s manufacturer.

The same goes for common tools and parts, such as scrapers, pliers, and nozzles; generic versions often provide the same functionality at a lower cost. Opting for these alternatives can significantly reduce your overall expenses without compromising on quality.

6. Watch for Open-Box or Refurbished Items

Keep an eye out for deals on refurbished or open-box items, which include 3D printers and accessories. These items are generally inspected to ensure they meet original quality standards, offering you a chance to save money without sacrificing performance.

Retailers and manufacturers often list these items at a discount, making them a smart option for budget-conscious shoppers.

7. Utilize Coupons and Discount Codes

Before finalizing any purchase, it’s worth searching for discount codes online. Numerous websites and browser extensions provide current coupons for a wide range of retailers.

This simple step can lead to substantial savings, making it a habit worth cultivating for anyone looking to maximize their budget in the world of 3D printing.

Final Words

Exploring 3D printing on a budget can be a rewarding adventure. With the right tips and a bit of savvy shopping, you can find materials and parts that are both affordable and high quality, allowing you to bring your creative ideas to life without spending too much. Remember, the key is to keep a balance between cost and quality to make sure your projects turn out great.

If you’re keen to learn more and keep improving your 3D printing skills, why not check out more of our articles? We’ve got a bunch of helpful printing services articles on our website that can offer you more tips, tricks, and advice. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to get even better at 3D printing, there’s something for everyone.

Go ahead and dive in to discover how to make your 3D printing projects even more amazing!

Frequently Asked Questions