3D printing is revolutionizing the way we customize and enhance everyday tools, and air compressors are no exception. Through accessories and mods, it’s possible to transform these devices into multifunctional solutions, expanding their utility and the comfort of their use. It’s yet another way that 3D printing meets practical demands with ingenuity.
From specialized nozzles for inflating water toys to upgrades like sandblasting guns and anti-vibration feet for compressors, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest and most useful mods you can add to your compressor.
Join us as we discover the power of 3D printed tools combined with your compressed air, and don’t forget that, if you don’t have a 3D printer, you can always rely on Craftcloud.
Blowgun Nozzles
If you’ve ever had to deal with the near-impossible task of inflating pool toys with a hand pump, or worse, with your lungs, you know how much it can ruin the excitement of a sunny day. Luckily, this nozzle designed specifically for air guns is here to save the day! With a clever design and a rigid thread that fits perfectly with compressors, it’s the ideal solution for replacing lost or improvised rubber tips.
Whether you’re inflating large slides or stylish inflatables, this little upgrade is the perfect combination of practicality and fun, ensuring your summer doesn’t have to rely on tape or tinkering.
The creator included a printing profile that includes a 0.2-mm layer height for a nice, smooth finish, and six walls to maximize rigidity and sealing, as well as 15% infill. The STL is designed to fit most standard air guns, but be sure to print with a robust filament like PETG or ABS if you plan on using it outdoors or at high pressure frequently.
- Who designed it? royeiror
- How printable/popular is it? With around 15 downloads and almost 10 makes reported by MakerWorld, this recently released nozzle tip is growing in popularity among makers who are looking to upgrade their summer fun!
- Where to find it? MakerWorld
Airbrush Holder
When the airbrush keeps falling over, leading to major problems, this 3D printed holder could be the solution you’ve been needing. Compact and functional, it’s designed to fit perfectly on most common compressors, with a 30.5-mm diameter attachment point.
It’s the ideal combination of simplicity and utility, ensuring your airbrush is always close at hand and safe, ready to bring your artistic projects to life. It optimizes space and eliminates the frustration of dealing with a messy workshop.
The author used 30% infill and, although he achieved a good piece with PLA, he recommends using more heat-resistant materials, such as ABS or PETG. This can be especially important for greater durability in hot or humid studios.
- Who designed it? WF3D
- How printable/popular is it? With almost 200 downloads and 1 make shared, this airbrush holder is steadily gaining fans who want to keep their tools organized!
- Where to find it? Cults
Vent Cleaner
For anyone who’s ever tried to clean heating ducts, you’ll know how frustrating and messy the task can be. That’s where the Reverse Flow Vent Cleaner come in.
This clever accessory attaches to the male NPT end of an air hose and uses reverse airflow to propel itself through the duct, expelling dirt and debris directly toward you – where a vacuum can finish the job. It’s also a lifesaver for those smaller or trickier places that hands could never reach. Practical and functional, this model is the ideal choice for those looking for a simple solution to a persistent problem.
The designer shared a printing profile with a layer height of 0.2 mm and six walls, plus 25% infill. This slightly-higher-than-average percentage can help balance strength and material savings, while using a more resilient filament, such as PETG, can be better to handle air pressure and prevent premature wear.
Users praise the model’s efficiency and report satisfactory results when cleaning household ducts and dryers, especially when combined with a vacuum cleaner to collect debris. Make sure the 1/4″ NPT thread fits your air hose well, and within a few minutes of printing, you’ll have a tool that combines innovation and practicality to make your routine easier.
- Who designed it? Bric
- How printable/popular is it? With around 40 downloads and over 20 makes according to MakerWorld, this vent cleaner is sweeping through ducts and winning over makers with its practical design and ease of use!
- Where to find it? MakerWorld
Sandblasting Gun
Removing paint and rust can be a tiring task, but with this sandblasting gun model, your sandblasting setup can reach a professional level.
Designed to replace the standard gun in benchtop sandblasting cabinets, it offers surprisingly superior performance. The combination of a reusable ceramic nozzle and a design that allows adjustments to the diameter and position of the air outlet means that the cleaning power is multiplied by five. This makes it a true ally for those seeking efficiency and practicality.
This 3D printed model not only improves dirt and corrosion removal, but also offers flexibility for adaptations. The designer recommends setting your printer to a 0.2-mm resolution and 40% infill. PLA is sufficient for initial testing, but if you’re looking for greater durability, PETG may be a better choice. When it comes to orientation, the designer notes that the part should be printed standing up, supported by the back of the cap, and supports have to be enabled.
The hose connection is 12 mm, and the adjustment of the air outlet diameter should be based on the performance of your compressor.
- Who designed it? Rick4003
- How printable/popular is it? This gun has almost 500 downloads and 2 makes, and with a little care and patience, it will prove to be a very valuable tool!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Anti-vibration Feet
Air compressors already have a reputation for being noisy, but, as maker Cymen notes, the California Air Tools 1P1060S is known for its relatively quiet operation. However, even this can generate vibrations that reverberate off hardwood floors or hard surfaces, creating annoying noises. This is where anti-vibration feet come into play.
Designed with a damping system using squash balls, these feet offer an ingenious and functional solution, virtually eliminating vibrations and making the compressor quieter.
To print this model, the designer recommends a layer height of 0.2 mm and 40% infill, ensuring it’ll be strong enough to support the weight of the compressor. As with other models on this list, while PLA may work well for testing, because PETG is more durable and heat-resistant, it’d be ideal for long-term use. There’s no need for supports or rafts, which saves time and material.
Although this was designed for the California Air Tools 1P1060S, it’s possible to adapt it to other models that have similar M10 threaded feet or to use tennis balls, as maker SoCalNorseGod did for the Makita MAC700.
- Who designed it? Cymen
- How printable/popular is it? Among the different repositories, the files have been downloaded over 1,000 times, while 3 makes have been shared.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Printables, Cults
Air Tank Adapters
With this adapter, the world of construction with Fischer Technik takes on a new dimension. It transforms PET and Sigg bottles into compressed air tanks, providing a sustainable and functional solution for pneumatic applications.
Compatible with pressures up to 1 bar, the versatile design is perfect for creative projects that require efficient air storage. With options for two or three connectors, pressure gauges or other devices can be added without any complications. This model not only reuses materials, but also highlights the innovative spirit of 3D printing in integrating simplicity, technology, and sustainability.
To ensure a functional reservoir, the designer suggests setting your printer to a resolution between 0.1 to 0.2 mm and an infill of 15%. Neither supports nor rafts are needed. For best results, additional recommendations include opting for five walls, reducing the print speed, and adjusting the hot end temperature to improve layer adhesion. Both PLA or PETG can be used, although the latter might be more suitable for greater strength.
While the designer recommends gaskets made from silicone rings (28 x 4 mm), maker PhilipEverts mentions that homemade gaskets cut from bicycle inner tubes provide a reliable seal.
- Who designed it? juh
- How printable/popular is it? With almost 100 downloads per part on Thingiverse and a make shared on Printables, these pneumatic adapters have already been tested and approved by some users!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Printables
Fitting Adapter
For those looking for a smart and efficient solution to “winterize” their irrigation systems, the Air to Gardena Fitting Adapter is a great idea. This small connector allows you to connect a compressed air hose directly to an irrigation hose with a Gardena fitting. The design makes a complicated task simple, allowing you to expel any remaining water from the pipes, thus preventing damage caused by freezing.
With a robust and functional construction, the adapter also ensures a reliable seal, being a great example of how 3D printing can solve everyday problems with creativity.
Setting your printer to a 0.2-mm resolution and 15% infill should ensure a balance between strength and material savings. The model should be positioned vertically on the print bed, with the air connection at the bottom, and a brim is recommended for added stability. Supports are only needed at the top for the Gardena seal to fit. PETG is the best choice for durability and wear resistance, although PLA should work well enough in less demanding situations.
Users point out that minor adjustments may be necessary to ensure perfect compatibility, such as slightly scaling the part or sanding specific spots to improve the fit. With a little attention to detail, you’ll have an essential accessory to protect your irrigation system from the harsh winter weather.
- Who designed it? adynis
- How printable/popular is it? With almost 900 downloads and 18 makes, this adapter bridges air hoses and Gardena fittings, making it a seasonal favorite for irrigation systems during winter!
- Where to find it? Printables
Cooling Mod
Airbrush compressors are great tools, but they can quickly heat up during prolonged use, compromising their performance. This cooling mod for the Fengda FD18-2 turns this problem into an opportunity. With the addition of two strategically placed fans, the model improves heat dissipation, ensuring the compressor operates more efficiently and extending its lifespan.
Whether you’re working in long spray sessions or in hot environments, this upgrade not only increases the reliability of your equipment, but also prevents overheating issues and paint breaks.
To print this mod with quality and durability, the maker recommends using PETG for the cylinder head fan mount and polycarbonate (PC) for the motor fan mount, ensuring heat resistance and robustness. Plus, a 0.2-mm layer height and 30% infill should do the trick.
The parts are designed to accommodate 60-mm fans (20-mm thick) and require M4 screws of varying sizes for assembly. Be sure to reuse the original compressor switch and cable, integrating the fans into the circuit so that they turn on and off with the motor. The last tip is to add a simple filter to the motor fan inlet, especially in dusty environments, to protect the equipment.
- Who designed it? wololooo
- How printable/popular is it? With 30 downloads, this cooling mod is slowly gaining traction, offering a quick upgrade to Airbrush Compressors.
- Where to find it? Printables
Wheel
Having a mobile compressor is a great advantage, but there’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with worn or broken wheels that make moving it a challenge. This replacement wheel ensures that your equipment can once again glide around your workshop with ease.
With exact measurements that replicate the original design, this part not only restores mobility, but also allows for customization in colors and materials that can even surpass the original version in terms of durability and resistance. It’s the practical solution that turns a recurring problem into an opportunity for innovation.
The maker shared that they opted for a setup that included a 0.4-mm nozzle, with a layer height between 0.25 and 0.3 mm. While PLA was their material of choice and should be sufficient for indoor use, PETG is recommended for greater strength in environments with changing temperatures. A maker notes that they opted for 25% infill in a cubic pattern, which provides the necessary rigidity without using too much material. Printing should be done with the part lying down, and supports aren’t necessary.
Users have reported minimal adjustments during assembly, with the wheel fitting perfectly onto the original axle. With less than 100 g of filament per wheel and an average print time of five hours, this replacement not only saves money but also breathes new life into your compressor. Just be sure to measure everything properly to ensure compatibility!
- Who designed it? avegao
- How printable/popular is it? With almost 200 downloads and 3 makes shared, this replacement wheel is rolling into popularity, all the while keeping air compressors mobile and workshops running smoothly!
- Where to find it? Printables
Tube Remover
When the task of disconnecting compressed air hoses seems like a test of patience, this 6-mm tube removal tool comes as the ideal solution. Compact, functional, and extremely practical, it’s specifically designed to facilitate the removal of air hoses, saving effort and preventing damage to delicate connections. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable and secure fit, making it an indispensable choice for technicians, mechanics and enthusiasts who frequently deal with pneumatic systems. With this model, tasks that previously required time and precision can now be carried out with simplicity and efficiency.
To produce this tool, the designer shared a printing profile that includes a layer height of 0.2 mm, two walls, and a 10% infill – enough to ensure required strength without wasting material. PLA is a suitable material for general use, but PETG is an interesting alternative if the tool will be exposed to more demanding environments or to rougher use.
Printing is straightforward and requires no supports, with the part ready to use right after completion.
- Who designed it? DonBossco
- How printable/popular is it? With 30 downloads and 25 makes according to MakerWorld so far, this handy tube remover is making its way into toolkits for effortless disconnections!
- Where to find it? MakerWorld
License: The text of "10 Useful 3D Printed Air Compressor Tools & Mods" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.