Tools & Gear
Scanners, Calipers & Finishing Kits That Actually Help
The right tools make automotive 3D printing easier and more accurate. Here's what's worth buying and what you can skip.
Starter Kit (~$85 total)
If you're just getting started, these are the essentials. Everything else can wait.
Digital Calipers
$15-25
Sandpaper Set (220-800)
$10
Needle File Set
$10
Heat-Set Insert Kit (M3)
$15
Trim Removal Tools
$10
PEI Build Plate
$25
Measuring Tools
Digital Calipers
Mitutoyo 500-196-30 (pro) or iGaging (budget)
Essential. 0.01mm resolution needed for accurate parts. Don't cheap out.Steel Rule Set
Starrett or PEC
Quick measurements, checking straightness, general reference.Radius Gauge Set
Any machinist set
Match fillet radii on OEM parts. Often overlooked but helpful.Feeler Gauges
Standard automotive set
Check gaps and clearances. Useful for fitment verification.3D Scanning
Revopoint MINI
Best budget option for small parts
0.02mm accuracy. Great for clips, brackets, small interior parts.Creality CR-Scan Ferret
Entry level, decent results
Good for larger parts. Less precise on fine details.Polycam (Phone App)
Free photogrammetry
Surprisingly capable for larger parts. Not for precision work.Einstar
Mid-range all-rounder
Good balance of price and capability. Handles various sizes.Finishing Tools
Sandpaper Set
3M or Norton, 220-2000 grit range
Wet/dry for best results. Buy in bulk, you'll use a lot.Sanding Blocks/Sticks
Zona or model-making sets
Flat surfaces and consistent pressure. Essential for even finish.Files & Rasps
Needle file set + flat file
Quick material removal, support cleanup, edge refinement.Rotary Tool
Dremel 4000 or similar
Sanding drums, cutting discs, polishing. Very versatile.Heat Gun
Wagner HT1000 or similar
Remove stringing, smooth surfaces, heat-set inserts.Printer Accessories
Hardened Steel Nozzle
Micro Swiss or Slice Engineering
Required for CF/GF filaments. Longer lasting than brass.Filament Dry Box
Sunlu S2 or Polymaker Polybox
Essential for nylon and hygroscopic materials. Game changer.PEI Build Plate
Textured PEI spring steel
Best bed surface for most materials. Parts pop off when cool.Enclosure
Creality tent or DIY Lack enclosure
Required for ABS/ASA. Helps with drafts even for PETG.Nozzle Cleaning Kit
Acupuncture needles + cold pulls
Clear clogs, maintain consistent extrusion.Assembly & Install
Heat-Set Insert Kit
M3/M4/M5 brass inserts + soldering iron tip
Strong threaded holes in printed parts. Far better than printed threads.Trim Removal Tools
Plastic pry bar set
Remove OEM parts without damage. Essential for reference.Plastic Welding Kit
For repairs and joining
Weld broken OEM parts or join printed sections.Adhesives Kit
CA glue, epoxy, 3M VHB tape
Different bonds for different applications. VHB for vibration.Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need digital calipers?
Yes. Automotive parts require precise fitment. A ruler or tape measure isn't accurate enough. Even a $15 digital caliper with 0.01mm resolution is adequate for most work.
Is a 3D scanner worth it?
For occasional use, no. Take measurements with calipers and model in CAD. For frequent part replication or complex shapes, a $500 scanner like the Revopoint MINI pays for itself in time saved.
What's the most important finishing tool?
Good sandpaper and patience. Progressive sanding (220→400→800) solves most finish issues. A rotary tool speeds things up but isn't essential.
Do I need an enclosure for PETG?
Not required, but it helps with large parts and prevents drafts. For ABS/ASA, an enclosure is mandatory. A simple cardboard box works if you're testing.
What about a filament dryer?
Essential for nylon and PETG stored in humid environments. Even "sealed" filament absorbs moisture. A food dehydrator works as a budget alternative.
Ready to Start?
Get your tools together and find your first project in the parts library.