3D Maker’s Bench is an iOS app designed specifically for 3D printing workflows. It brings simple filament inventory management to your workbench, replacing the post-it notes and spreadsheets that most makers rely on. Built around a sophisticated ‘Gap Method’ calculator, it lets you estimate remaining filament length with high precision — no more guessing how much PLA or PETG is left in a half-used spool.
The 3D Maker’s Bench starts with a simple but essential tool: a plastic filament fuller. It lets any maker quickly measure the distance from the top of a spool down to where the filament actually ends — no guessing, no disassembly. The Fuller is free to download and print yourself — single colour or dual colour — just grab the STL file from this page.
That measurement goes into the 3D Maker’s Bench iOS app for record-keeping and Gap Method calculation. The ruler gives you the number; the app keeps your notes across every spool.
Here’s a quick walkthrough to get your filament inventory set up:
- Add a new spool — Open the app and tap the ‘+’ button. Select your material type (PLA, PETG, ABS, etc.) or create a custom entry.
- Set initial weight/length — Enter the starting weight of the spool when it was full (e.g., 1kg or 300m for standard PLA).
- Scan with Gap Method — Use a simple ruler to measure the remaining length of your filament
- Track consumption — After each print, update the remaining weight or let the app track it automatically if connected to a printer via API.
The app includes quick-fill presets for major industry filament standards, so you don’t have to enter the same numbers repeatedly:
- Bambu Lab (1kg spools — standard PLA, PETG, Silk, TPU)
- eSUN (PLA, PLA+, PETG, Silk, TPU variants)
- Hatchbox (standard 3D filament lines)
- Prusament (Premium PLA and specialty filaments)
- Custom — define your own spool size, weight, and material type
Stop estimating filament inventory. Measure it — then manage it. Download 3D Maker’s Bench today.
