Christmas Gifts for the 3D printing Obsessed Person in your life
- shannapetsel
- Oct 24, 2022
- 4 min read
If you know someone who has a 3D printer, odds are they talk about it non-stop, and constantly show you all of the cool new prints they have been working on. Maybe they give you amazing 3D printed gifts and you finally want to return the favor by finding the perfect Christmas or Holiday gift for them this year!
If that is the case, look no further! I have put together a list of some fun and exciting presents that will make anyone with a 3D printer giddy on Christmas morning.
Summary: Remote Camera with printer controls, Enclosures, Fun filaments, better nozzles, tool kits, and filament dryers. (Bonus at bottom: paint brushes and rub n' buff)
Unique or Specialty Filament
Starting off, you can never go wrong with a roll of unique filament. This is the gift that keeps on giving, as they can use it to make whatever cool prints they can find!
My suggestion? Try a tri-extrusion or color changing filament!
Tri-extrusion is a filament that uses 3 colors to create prints with a holographic illusion; from the left it may look blue, from behind green, and from the right side purple. I can't rave enough about how much I love this kind of filament because it adds another unique element and doesn't come with any new learning curves. Perfect for someone who is new to 3D printing, or for a 3D printing master who needs some fun injected back into their work!
Find one large roll here:
Or try a sample pack with 4 small rolls here: https://amzn.to/3Stnj3t
Color Changing Filament is another fun 3D printing accessory. This filament is another option that avoids any learning curves and works by changing color when exposed to heat or when cooled! This is so much fun for adults, but also really exciting for anyone who uses their printer to make things or their kids!
For a sample pack with 4 small spools:
For a fun larger spool:
Other Specialty filaments to consider:
If you think your 3D printing enthusiast is too advanced for tri-extrusion or color changing filament, and up for a bit of learning, try one of these!
Carbon Fiber Filament
More expensive than the other options, and only truly suitable for makers who have specialty nozzles. (I will be listing them in the next bullet if you are curious) Carbon Fiber Filament is not suitable to use with the standard brass nozzle, as it will cause wear and tear. Please keep this in mind, especially if you are looking for gifts for a newbie in 3D printing.
That being said, what is so special about this material?
Carbon Fiber Filament is a specialty filament that is so strong that it is used primarily in the transportation and automotive industries. From push-up supports, to gears, this filament will create strong, heat resistant prints and give your 3D printing friend a chance to expand their creativity.
Carbon Fiber Filament:
TPU (flexible) Filament
You're not going to need a special nozzle for this one, but there is a small learning curve for anyone who is new to TPU. The very cool thing about TPU is that it creates prints that you can squish and fold like a soft plastic. The print will look just like any other... but is very flexible. This is great for phone cases, toys, and freaking people out when you roll a vase into a ball! (Brand does matter with this one, so don't go for anything generic. I say this from personal experience.)
For a color changing TPU option:
TPU filament:
Give Them A Nozzle Upgrade
Over time, a standard brass nozzle will have general wear and tear that will effect print quality. When using specialty filaments, such as carbon fiber, glow in the dark, or anything abrasive, it is recommended to use a hardened steel, diamond, or ruby nozzle. Here are my suggestions for nozzle upgrades!
Diamond Tip (Options for .4, .6 &.8 ):
Diamond Tip Combo deal all sizes:
Olsson Ruby .4 Nozzle:
Hardened Steel Nozzles by AnyCubic
(Most affordable option)
Filament Dryers and Enclosures:
3D printing comes with its frustrations...one of those being dried out filament causing horrible print quality or 'ruined' filament. Filament Dryers come in handy to dry out the filament and make it print like new again.
SunLu Filament Dryer S2:
SunLu Filament Dryer S1:
Enclosures for 3D printers are another great way to protect the printer from dirt, debris, and pet hair... that last one may be a personal problem...but it is true! Enclosures also help keep the temperature around the print constant and protect from drafts or AC vents.
There are a range of options in this department, and many makers opt to make their own enclosure or use a kit as listed below. You can decide for yourself if you want to gift them with the job of building it themselves, or if you want to see their face light up on Christmas morning when they see their brand new, already assembled enclosure under the tree. (Do I sound biased? I just think Santa would assemble it.)
Enclosure Kit (recommended):
Smaller and more portable option:
(Will not fit a MK3S or large printer*)
Creality Protective Cover:
3D printing Tool Kits
I don't care if they have been printing for a week, or 3 years... I guarantee they will be excited for more tools. I know I would be. These kits come with all kinds of useful tools like a deburring tool, spatula for removing prints, an electronic caliper, and more (both offer different things!)
Tool Kit 45 parts:
Creality Tool Kit 35 parts:
Let them obsess on the go!
Not only can they check their prints remotely, they can control them. This gift will blow away your 3D printing nerd. Parents have baby monitors, and your friend's printer is their baby...need I say more?
Remote Monitoring Camera with Wi-Fi Connection:
A couple bonus items:
If your 3D printing nerd is like me, they probably paint some (or all) of their prints. Good paint brushes are always a good bet!
Rub n' Buff is another popular tool recently in the 3D printing community. It is essentially 'gold leaf' or 'silver leaf' in a paint-like consistency. This stuff goes a long way and effortlessly creates a metallic look. This product went viral in early October 2022 and I highly recommend it!
The detail brushes I use and recommend:
Rub n' Buff:
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