Upgrades & Accessories
Dryers, nozzles, plates, and the upgrades that actually change results.
Jul 3, 2026 · 6 min
AMS, ACE, and MMU: Multi-Color Systems Explained
Multi-color systems are the most-hyped add-on in consumer 3D printing. Here's how they actually work, the purge-waste reality the demos skip, and which system fits which printer.
Jul 2, 2026 · 6 min
The Short List: Accessories That Earn Bench Space
Most 3D printing accessory lists are padding. This one is five items long, with the reasoning for each — and an honest list of the popular gadgets that didn't make the cut.
Jul 1, 2026 · 6 min
Enclosure Options: Buy Enclosed, Add a Kit, or DIY a Tent
ABS and ASA demand still, warm air — but that doesn't automatically mean buying a new printer. The honest comparison of enclosed machines, add-on kits, and DIY tents.
Jun 29, 2026 · 6 min
Build Plates Decoded: Textured vs Smooth PEI and When to Swap
Your build plate decides adhesion, bottom-surface finish, and how often prints fail at hour one. Here's how textured and smooth PEI actually differ, and when owning both makes sense.
Jun 28, 2026 · 6 min
The Hardened Nozzle Upgrade: Who Actually Needs It
Hardened steel nozzles are either essential or irrelevant depending on what you print. A clear-eyed look at abrasive filaments, brass wear, and the thermal tradeoff nobody mentions.
Jun 20, 2026 · 6 min
SUNLU FilaDryer S4 Review: Is the 4-Spool Box Worth It?
Graduated from one spool to a shelf full of PETG, TPU and nylon? The SUNLU FilaDryer S4 dries four spools at once. Here's what it does well, where it compromises, and who should buy it.
Jun 10, 2026 · 7 min
Is a Filament Dryer Worth It? (Usually, Yes — Here's the Math)
A filament dryer is one of the few 3D printing accessories that pays for itself in avoided failures. Here's the math, the materials that care, and the cases where you can genuinely skip it.