7 easy 3D printed upgrades for your Ender 3

The Ender 3 is a capable printer for the low price of US$200. In my opinion it will become very popular in the future. There is already a quickly growing community and a bunch of useful mods to improve the experience. In this video, we 3D print and fit seven of the easiest and most useful upgrades for the Ender 3.
Upcoming videos will cover to how to install a bootloader with Arduino and the fitment of auto bed levelling with a BLtouch.
Purchase the Ender 3 from these links:
Ender 3 Pro Banggood ($30 off with coupon 1d1c08): bit.ly/2OUcEyS
Ender 3 Banggood (US warehouse, Coupon: f2bf59): bit.ly/2Efoi6B
Ender 3 Pro Amazon: amzn.to/2DpkbEs
Ender 3 Amazon: amzn.to/2xyJ23s
Ender 3X (glass bed version): amzn.to/2I7dG85
Reddit Ender 3 new user guide: / creality_ender_3_new_u...
All3DP 20 must have Ender 3 mods: all3dp.com/1/20-must-creality...
E3D couplings: e3d-online.com/threaded-bowde...
Mods featured in this video:
Ender 3 fan guard: www.thingiverse.com/thing:293...
Z stepper spacer: www.thingiverse.com/thing:292...
LCD PCB cover: www.thingiverse.com/thing:285...
Filament guide snap in (up high): www.thingiverse.com/thing:291...
Filament guide (low next to extruder): www.thingiverse.com/thing:289...
Display ribbon cable clip: www.thingiverse.com/thing:288...
Petsfang duct: www.thingiverse.com/thing:275...
Cable chain: www.thingiverse.com/thing:292...
Tool tray: www.thingiverse.com/thing:292...
Buy quality and affordable filament from X3D. Buy 3, get 1 free and a free sample pack with every order: www.x3d.com.au
Gearbest affiliate link (help support the channel): www.gearbest.com/?lkid=13807527
Take a look around and if you like what you see, please subscribe.
Support me on Patreon: / teachingtech

[@MakersMuse]

Great list of updates and glad to see the X3D Filament! Yeah I think that middle version was just bad QC and I got a bad one. The latest version has a removable bed and everyone seems to love it.

[@TeachingTech]

I watched your live stream during my review period, was amazed at poorly it was printing. Thanks very much for watching and commenting.

[@austincampbell3796]

Indeed

[@dickpunchlollipop]

I agree. I've tried many of the other local options and X3D seems to be the best filament I've come across - especially as I can just drive to their warehouse in Perth if I run out of something I need. I think the worst was Blueprint3D. The package came from NSW to WA without a box (the filament boxes were taped together with a shipping tag slapped on) and the PLA, PETG and TPU rolls would print for about three minutes before snapping. Yes, even the TPU snapped. It was $350 essentially flushed down the toilet.

[@eric853]

Better PCB Cover using Factory Screws. www.thingiverse.com/thing:2987100 Nicer looking Ribbon Cable Cover www.thingiverse.com/thing:2989832

[@abarasabwehttam]

Should check out 3D-FUEL.com. In my opinion the best PLA on the market. They have 3 grades, depending on strength and heat resistance you want. The top is as strong as ABS and we have used it to print casting prototypes and machine them in our CNC Mills.

[@mrjtwill]

Just bought a Ender-3 and will have it in a couple of days. I already own a Anet A8 and have only used it for a couple of weeks. I am enjoying 3d printing as a possible new hobby. I bought the Ender-3 because I like the idea of a more solid frame and some experience with a bowden system. I appreciate your videos and the information you provide. Thanks!

[@petetbates8111]

Just got my ender 3 , so thx . Nice to see someone still going through install, instead of showing some of the relevant in time lapse.

[@TeachingTech]

Thanks for watching.

[@compubyte2010]

Great job Michael, Not just explaining how things are done etc. but the way you say it. not to fast. and not to slow. .. definitely the upgrades I"m going to put on my Ender 3 when it comes in!

[@standardengineco.7428]

The 3D community is amazing, I know machinists were becoming KZbin friendly, but this is such a jump forward.

[@samuelbrewer6986]

Speaking of z axis binding, I too had that issue. I resolved it quite easily by rolling the z screw across a flat wooden surface with moderate pressure. This fixed my issues as my z screw was slightly warped. I have been using my printer daily for months, and with some basic cleaning and maintenance, have had no further issues with the performance of my printer.

[@Disillusioned_one]

Just bought the Ender3 and the Z axis height plate was ok but the vertical plate was not thick enough so I edited in fusion 360 and made it 2mm thicker and that did the trick. Must say a brilliant printer for the price of 199.00 Stirling.

[@mlg_teletubby9391]

Thanks for the video. I just ordered my first printer today, and this helps give me ideas on things I can print to get everything working right as well as getting to know the software/printer.

[@LowkeeLT]

By far one of the best Ender 3 info sources on youtube. Thank you very much for making these videos!

[@MyersMushroomsFarms]

Side mount bracket for the spool is way better than the little extender attachment, moves whole spool to next to the feeder. Also the spool reel inserts so the spool spins on its axis.

[@CluelessSi]

Spool reel inserts, got link? Also i was wondering if the side mount is better or not since the angle of the feed will change with the amount of filament left.

[@Jukaal]

@@CluelessSi It's still much better on the side. Way less of a harsh angle and so the filament doesn't wear away the extruder plastic. I also suggest an all metal extruder as well.

[@AdamsLab]

Thanks for going through all of these, really helpful. Just got my Ender 3.

[@nathanwang2010]

I've printed all the upgrades in this video. Yes, these upgrades are helpful. Thanks thingiverse.

[@archlocker]

thank you teaching tech aswell!

[@briankerr4490]

How do you attach the first design.

[@loganeasley4343]

For the petsfang v2 he printed, I have a few questions. 1.) Which model does he print in the video? There are like three files on thingiverse that say CR10, so I’m not sure which one to print 2.) Do I need any extra hardware? He mentions using the stock screws a few times, but there is one bolt in particular he doesn’t comment on 3.) Should I just print the newer “Bullseye” model because this video is about a year old?

[@the_crazy_bee1787]

@@loganeasley4343 What did you end up going with?

[@loganeasley4343]

@@the_crazy_bee1787 I ended up going with the Bullseye, there’s a bunch more documentation and a table for which files to print based on what hardware you have. It’s served me well for the year that I’ve had it, and I’ve only had to replace it once when I bumped into it by accident. I would highly recommend it, haha.

[@BippyMiester]

00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Summary 00:39 - Fan Cover 01:03 - Common Issues 01:52 - Filament Guides 04:16 - Z-Axis Shims 06:13 - LCD PCB Cover 08:06 - Hot End Cooling Duct 12:40 - Ribbon Cable Clip 13:30 - Honorable Mentions 14:22 - Outro

[@Noahvr86]

thanks

[@TheBetterGame]

Thank you so much for this. I've got one of the in the mail on its way to me right now! Cant learn enough.

[@Waltkat]

Thanks for making this video. I'd like to add one caution about using that filament guide on the extruder. Over time it becomes loose and during a print it can come off the metal bracket and jam up the filament causing the extruder to start skipping misfeed. This happened to me several times. I solved it by drilling out the hole for the filament in the extruder arm where the filament normally goes through to slide a short piece of Bowden tube through. The hole is sized so that the short piece of tube is a tight enough fit to keep it from moving. The tube is long enough to clear the threaded Z rod and is pushed far enough in through the extruder arm so that it's almost touching the filament feed rollers to minimize flexing of the filament which is especially important when printing with flexible material such as TPU and Nylon.

[@TeachingTech]

Great tip, thank you.

[@EliasOda]

Top video mate...Very simple to follow I cant wait fir the BLtouch..... I recently just bought one for ender 3 but i have no wiring experience cant wait for that awsome video

[@TeachingTech]

Should be in the next couple of weeks.

[@sypeiterra7613]

Love this, wish we could print a fan blade, the hot end fan melted when a threaded part came loose and oozed a ton of filament through and killed the fan

[@ossme]

great job as usual mate. Happy printing!

[@justin64598]

These are some nice finds. The filament guides made a huge difference!

[@yourlocaltyrecentre9424]

Yet again you come through with the goods! Thanks for spending the time to share this with us.

[@mbowlin07]

I was on the fence about getting this. Watching this video I feel like if there are problems most are going to be managable. Thanks and you gained a sub today!

[@justinbeer3778]

Excellent video very useful information, I ordered my Ender 3 from eBay Australia I'm definitely printing and installing all these upgrades straight away.

[@KBBAKTHA]

brilliant upgrades for ender 3. Thanks

[@whatthefrack6425]

I just got my first printer and it's an Ender 3. I've been watching these excellent vids for the guidance and information on what to do :) Fan guard printed and fixed in place :) Now to continue with this vid and printing and fixing :D Thank you for these absolutely excellent videos!

[@TeachingTech]

You're welcome, thanks for watching.

[@Bryan-Hensley]

@@TeachingTech you may know now but the reason the z motor binds is the bracket isn't bent perfectly square. Reshape the bracket to a perfect 90 degrees and you won't need the spacers

[@make3d566]

My first printer is the Ender 3 aswel. Had it for some time now and think I have it running just as it should be. They can be a temprimental beast for sure but the results for an entry level printer are astounding.

[@mattevans7352]

Thanks Michael for this video! I've printed and implemented most of these on my Ender 3 Pro. I'm debating whether to do the cable-chain or just use cable-ties. Subbed!

[@PowerRepublic]

awesome video my friend, after all your reviews, I have a ender 3 coming in a couple of weeks/months depending on the covid shipping process. Thanks for getting me started.

[@connors1746]

I has similar Z axis grinding when I built my Ender 3, I found that losening the screws that hold the Z-axis wheels on did the trick for me.

[@HugDeeznueces]

Nice upgrades! Can't wait to get my printer and get them done and installed. Sub'd

[@chimeranzl9147]

that's sold me on the ender 3 (vs cr10). i like the bigger print bed of the cr10, but with these mods the ender3 (also being newer) will be the better option for my needs. thanks!

[@04GEEDOGG]

Hey I just wanted to Thank You for your Ender 3 videos I just set it up today and I've printed 5 of your 7 upgades and they all came out pretty good.

[@TeachingTech]

Glad to hear.

[@TheSocialGamer]

I'm getting the Ender 3 as my first ever 3D Printer...! Can't wait till arrives.! Already have printing MODs to do when I set it all up. Nice quality of life parts.

[@markfryer9880]

I have been looking at getting an Ender 3 and this video was reassuring for me after watching Angus do his review. I was impressed by this video and hit like, subscribe and the bell straight after viewing.

[@shypht8648]

That was amazing and very ingenious with the fan mods. Great video

[@adbaladba]

Thank you. Keep up good work sir!

[@dogastus]

Thank you for the really useful video.

[@TrondSkar]

Great video! Had my Ender 3 for a while but have only upgraded it with the Petsfang and extruder filament guide. Going to do almost all the mods you have linked to now! :D

[@TeachingTech]

Awesome, thanks for watching.

[@hasagreenlaser4229]

Thanks for this, really appreciated!

[@MyRCChannel-CJScott]

Nice video, I just got my Ender 3 and will be trying all these mods. Happy New Year!

[@DS-pr1iw]

I am about to order one, and I was trying to think of what my first few prints should be, and this is perfect.

[@BrickThunder]

I just got the ender 3 and it’s amazing! I also have a Cr-10! The ender is very great for starting. I had no fails so far, it’s first print was amazing! And the second print was flexible, yes... this $200 printer can print flexible!!! It’s so cool! I definitely recommend this printer!!

[@TeachingTech]

Glad to hear your experience is so positive.

[@TeamMayku]

Great vid. This printer could work great with the FormBox.

[@avejst]

Wow, Nice project :-) Thanks for sharing :-)

[@saow]

Great ! Thanks ! Your explananations are super clear !

[@crashmaxx1987]

Thank you for telling me about the z axis spacers! I've been struggling with it jamming all day. Trying to print a mini figure and every time it would get to the head, the z axis would jam and wreck it. Finally I can get it to work!

[@Bryan-Hensley]

I know this is old now, but the bracket isn't bent a perfect 90 degrees is why that motor was binding.

[@danielthackeray7798]

Maybe. But the real problem is that the bracket comes pre-assembled onto the motor, and most people just screw the bracket to the frame. If the bracket is loosened from the motor before it is screwed to the frame, and then the motor tightened down on the bracket, it lines up perfectly with the frame and shims are not needed.

[@polson8084]

Really excellent video 👍 Super helpful and I appreciate that you actually show each step, disassemble and assemble. One thing...I wonder if it would be helpful to regularly recommend that the printer be unplugged before working on it...?

[@bobbykeyz1263]

Thank you Michael these seem to be some really good upgrades. I'll be getting my ender today in the mail. I just got my neighbor one Monday and I want to make sure I get him in the right direction. It's his first printer. I have 4 of my machines working on these upgrades as I speak for when mine comes in. I think it would be convenient to just add them as I build it. So thank you for another awesome video my friend. There always very helpful.

[@TeachingTech]

Thanks Bobby, great feedback. I appreciate it.

[@bobbykeyz1263]

@@TeachingTech I dont know why I haven't seen anyone using the build surface like a Easypeelzy. I haven't stuck mine to the build plate I just use the clips to hold it. When my print is finished just like the Easypeelzy I take it off an twist it a little and the prints pop right off just like the Easypeelzy.

[@OIFEagle]

Found this while doing research on what printers to buy as a beginner. I'll definitely take these into consideration should I get the Ender 3.

[@ATS3788]

I mounted my Roll of Filament on the left side and that works perfectly !!!!

[@TiagoRamosVideos]

Very interesting 👌

[@2e0lgz]

Thanks for this it was very informative i have one on order and these will be my first experiments.....well done 👍

[@TeachingTech]

Thanks for watching and happy printing :)

[@jyotipranhaloi6227]

Your videos are simple and easy to understand. 👍👍👍

[@1SIMONdeGEKKE1]

Amazing video!

[@sachinsaravanan3664]

for the one to fix the exposed PCB behind the LCD screen you can use the same bolts

[@spikeydapikey1483]

Very helpful video. Cheers :)

[@jameswebb8162]

Awesome video thanks for the info!

[@Bianchi77]

Nice video clip, keep it up , thank you for sharing :)

[@einsvonzehn]

Nice upgrades, thanks.

[@logan8374]

I have been looking into the Ender 3 Pro for a while now. Literally just bought it as I'm watching your video. However, not from amazon. I went on a site called Banggood and they have the Pro model for 206.00, 30.00 dollars cheaper than on Amazon. They also have a coupon that expires on September 15th, and the shipping was free too! All in all I paid 194.00 for the whole thing! I reviewed the site and it looks like a reputable company so fingers crossed. Thank you for the inspiration! I will join the Ender gang soon.

[@shanewilson2152]

Great video 👍

[@puzzlemagnet1957]

Great video my printer arrives in 3 days, first thing I will do after assembly is to follow this tutorial upgrade. Quality explanations and camera angles, keep it up

[@carlnikolov]

Did you get your printer yet? How did it go?

[@puzzlemagnet1957]

@@carlnikolov yes I got my printer, from the moment I unpack it I knew it was quality, all the materials feels really solid and all the parts were nicely pack and organise. I took me about an hour to assemble , was really easy I just followed youtube tutorial, The printer itself is really good printing and I already made the 4 upgrades with self printed parts. I am a 3d artist so I am, having plenty fun creating things and printing them out. I recommend anyone this printer. is really amazing for the price.

[@carlnikolov]

@@puzzlemagnet1957 are you using cura design program?

[@puzzlemagnet1957]

​@@carlnikolov I use cura only to set the prints, for my 3d creations I use autodesk Maya, I am a professional of the 3d modeling industry

[@TheDefpom]

I think the lcd cover with the hole is my version of the design, does it have “The Defpom” on it?

[@TeachingTech]

I can't see it in the STL. The source file is linked in the description.

[@BangBangBo]

Subbed! Thanks for the video. Snagged mine on Prime Day for $159 USD. Look forward to future videos.

[@mykotron]

Great vid man i'm trying to find the one with the drawer for the front / under carriage part.. I think it was one of your videos

[@swaldoski]

Thank you very much for the links for the upgrades

[@TeachingTech]

No problem. Planning a follow up with more printable upgrades now that the printer has been in the wild for longer.

[@swaldoski]

Teaching Tech I just got my ender 3 from Amazon 3 days ago. Used it the 1st time last night did the test print.Now going to start on the upgrades listed above.The cable guard is pretty cool looking.thanks again

[@marlonmendoza1000]

This upgrades are incredible useful, is there any other upgrade to calibrate the Y axes? in my Ender the heat bed is to far from the nozzel.

[@shaunwhiteley3544]

Excellent, getting mine on Sunday 😀 cheers

[@dombaines]

Good luck, it seems to a nice printer

[@jeremyfasola4276]

Thanks about that! I have the same issue with the Z-motor not being aligned (which disallows the motor to push the X-axis bar). However, I also have an issue with the bed not being flat, which is a problem (not super fan of buying a glass as everyone else).

[@TeachingTech]

Automatic bed levelling in an option that can fix that without resorting to glass.

[@RealBaldnold]

Good video many thanks

[@aahhhhhhhhhh]

These are all great and if I get this I will print all of these except the last one. The past one is complicated and there is an easier print on thingyverse that just clip's on to the bottom of the turbo fan to direct the flow better. It's much easier to print to

[@henrifpv2868]

thanks for your videos!

[@zaxteh1]

Thanks! Those are amazing upgrades! great for newbie like me..

[@raybonz7939]

Great informative video.. Thank you.. Question, I am considering the Ender 3 but I see there is a pro version as well.. Should I spend the extra for the pro version or get the normal Ender 3?

[@kentharris7427]

I'm getting my Ender 3 next week. These items will be my first build. This being my first 3D printer. I will implement your ideas. I am an HP certified Printer Tech and know the value of making these modifications to make the printer last longer. Thank you for your video.

[@xivid1234]

Great Video! Thanks!

[@lexzbuddy]

Great video

[@YanBousquet]

What is your opinion on side feeding the spool instead of the brackets to guide the filament, I've booked marked all you vids, I'm inpressed by the quality of your videos. thank you

[@shaunwhiteley3544]

I’m glad you mentioned the bltouch, I’ve not used one before, in your opinion are they better than induction sensors? I’m off to watch the review video you did now thanks.and to check Thingiverse if there is anything for an induction sensor as that’s all I have at the moment and I love auto bed levelling. Looking forward to that video. Cheers

[@TeachingTech]

I have a BLtouch on my Cocoon Create Touch and an inductive PINDA probe on my Prusa MK3. Both work great. I suppose the advantage for the BLtouch is that it doesn't need a metal bed, which is a strong consideratuion if you are printing on glass or mirror.

[@jessecelli6740]

U should print yourself a T handle for ur allen wrench it helps alot when working on the printer

[@4b14z3]

I've bought the anycubic ultrabase for my ender 3 it's the best surface I've tried. There's one ultrabase for the ender 3 listed on the creality store on aliexpress. That's going to be my next go to

[@TeachingTech]

I have one sitting around, I'll probably put it on for my BLtouch video. Stay tuned.

[@charliebell7163]

8:19 I literally just hotglued a second blower flan with a shroud to the other side makes a big difference

[@lordsanityfree]

"Let's remove these." TT: Snaps them off. Me: Has to get a jackhammer and a blowtorch...

[@Awsometurtle20]

the z axis binding can be fixed by flipping the rod and loosen the brass colored part and tightening it after. fixed the binding in my ender 3 v1 but i may print the part in the future if binding ever occurs

[@shehulsuratwala2684]

There is one more mod. Tool holder that goes on the top of the printer to hold allen keys and scraper.

[@TeachingTech]

Good suggestion.

[@franksimon8375]

Ayyyy

[@carlnikolov]

Thank you for your video!!!!

[@RohinGopalakrishnan]

Great video! How did you make/buy the tt display on your wall? Looks amazing!

[@TeachingTech]

This is the video you are looking for: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX3Xn4Wti5ediM0

[@stavart13]

Great video mate! Very helpful. Is there a good upgrade for the actual printing surface on Ender 3 because mine came with a few bubbles and I've had trouble getting some out, so I'll have trouble leveling.

[@johnnysimon29]

the petsfang is meant to be printed flat with supports from the base only. There are six channels inside that might not print right upright.

[@user-mf5yj4kk4o]

@johnnysimon Hey man can you point me towards which petsfang to use? I can't find the correct one to print

[@Nostradamus1981]

13:08, Make sure you dont move the axis too fast - it lit up the LCD when you moved the bed back. Do it slowly, otherwise you risk damaging the drivers or motherboard.

[@TeachingTech]

You're totally right. Normally I'm more careful with this.

[@trenthighvoltage]

@@TeachingTech it's because moving it too fast, the motor generates more than 24 volts at enough current to damage the components

[@andrewwoodward5502]

can u direct me to the fan duct you are using as its not in the petsfang files thankyou keep up he great videos

[@DrewLakebrink]

I like the filament path tweaks, but wouldn't the best option be to remove the spool from the frame and set it beside the printer? Even with the upgrades, there are several points where the filament will rub against plastic.

[@TeachingTech]

I personally prefer to have a printer in one piece for when I move it. For anyone else your suggestion is ideal.

[@Mariodemicoli2957]

Well done

[@ceminan7927]

Awesome video... thanks.

[@TeachingTech]

Thanks for watching.

[@SmokeyVlogs]

i love your intor :P

[@af22man]

what specific files are needed for the ender3 print nozzle duct. I found the cr10 base that you feature but none of the dual ducts match yours, they all have a vertical post coming out of the top

[@ShaunSinger]

At 13:08 when you push your bed back, you notice the screen lights up. You just generated power with your stepper motors. This can damage your electronics so I suggest not doing that. You can still manually push the bed or hot end but slow it down so that the steppers don't generate enough power to mess anything up.

[@TeachingTech]

You're spot on, I was too quick here. Interestingly enough to smoothers have the bonus of protecting from this.

[@iandavis5329]

which file other than the fan shroud do you need to print for the cooling upgrade? I did all the other upgrade though! Thanks for the videos and keep it up!

[@bigcountryvet5984]

I did the upper filament guide and it keeps popping off. so I got another one that mounts on the X motor mount . It keeps the filament out some and works great.

[@helmut8697]

very helpful - thanx

[@northshorepx]

nice video mate

[@xinghaohuang397]

Very helpful, thanks

[@TeachingTech]

Thanks for watching.