FIXDRY Amazing 3D Printer Filament Knob
One of the most popular new additions to the Ender 3 series is a filament knob that eliminates extruder loading complications. The knob can be downloaded from Thingiverse and installs easily. The knob also helps with leveling the bed. It is much more intuitive than the screen that can be confusing to a first-time user.
Another big improvement for the Ender 3 is a filament runout sensor. This sensor is placed before the extruder so that if your filament runs out, it will pause the print to allow you to change it. This saves you wasting time waiting for a print that may not turn out.
Several manufacturers now offer specialty filaments. Some of them are fun and unique like Buzzed Beer PLA which is made with 10% organic fibers that were left over from the beer making process. This novelty filament has a natural color and prints well with few stringing issues and little nozzle clogging.
Some others are practical and sustainable like Eco-Silk which is made with plant based materials and comes in six colors that all work well together. This is a great option for people who want to be environmentally friendly and are looking for a replacement for plastic.
Other companies sell traditional colored PLA as well as specialty filaments such as copper, bronze and brass. These are heavier than normal plastics so you get less filament per spool. These specialty filaments are also expensive.