Ender 3 Upgrades + Tips/Tricks
- Alex Tacescu
- 3D Printing
- Apr 5, 2020
I recently purchased an Ender 3, and want to share the tips and tricks I’ve collected along the way. The Ender 3 is an incredible value for a 3D printer, but there are several upgrades and modifications that can significantly improve print quality and user experience.
Recommended Upgrades
Printable Upgrades (Free!)
These are upgrades you can print yourself on your Ender 3:
- Cable Chain - Organizes and protects the cables running to the print head
- Filament Guide - Helps feed filament smoothly into the extruder
- Tool Holder - Keep your tools organized and within reach
- LCD Back Cover - Protects the exposed electronics on the back of the LCD
- Fan Guard - Prevents debris from entering the electronics fan
- Extruder Knob - Makes manual filament loading/unloading much easier
- Cable Clips - Keeps cables tidy and organized
Purchased Upgrades
- Glass Bed - Provides a perfectly flat printing surface and makes print removal easier. Highly recommended upgrade!
OctoPrint Setup
One of the best upgrades you can make is adding OctoPrint for remote monitoring and control. Here’s a great guide to get you started:
Using OctoPrint with the Creality Ender 3
With OctoPrint, you can:
- Monitor prints remotely via webcam
- Start and stop prints from your phone or computer
- Track print progress and time remaining
- Access a wealth of plugins for additional functionality
Tips and Tricks
Bed Leveling
Take your time with bed leveling - it’s the most important factor for successful prints. Use the paper method and check all four corners multiple times until they’re consistent.
First Layer
The first layer is critical. Make sure it’s squished enough to adhere but not so much that it’s transparent. A good first layer should have slight ridges between the lines.
Bed Adhesion
- Clean your bed with isopropyl alcohol before each print
- For PLA, a bed temperature of 60°C works well
- Consider using a glue stick or hairspray for difficult prints
Print Settings
Start with proven settings before experimenting:
- PLA: 200°C nozzle, 60°C bed
- Layer Height: 0.2mm for normal prints, 0.12mm for detailed prints
- Print Speed: 50mm/s is a safe starting point
I’ll continue to update this post as I discover more useful upgrades and tips!