> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://stem-docs.intellectualpoint.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Component and parts check

> Identify every part, screw, and tool in your Ender 3 kit before you start building.

## Know your parts before you build

A successful build starts with a full inventory. Lay every part out where you can see it, confirm nothing is missing, and get familiar with the screws and tools you will use again and again.

<iframe src="https://iframe.mediadelivery.net/embed/697805/d1d2d7bf-1949-449c-b9c2-64d3889216a3?autoplay=false&preload=false" style={{ width: "100%", aspectRatio: "16/9", border: "none" }} allow="encrypted-media; picture-in-picture" allowFullScreen />

<Frame caption="Every part and fastener in your Ender 3 kit">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/yASp17638wTnZpJG/images/intro3d/parts-list.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=yASp17638wTnZpJG&q=85&s=c6d490f29e2cae6672695b65522b144d" alt="Labeled parts list of the Ender 3 kit including base, rails, power supply, extruder, screws, and tools" width="1920" height="1500" data-path="images/intro3d/parts-list.png" />
</Frame>

## Free the bed wiring

Before anything else, find the extruder wire wrapped around the printer bed and **gently unwrap it** so it trails freely toward the back. Freeing this cable now saves you trouble later.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Locate the wire" icon="cable">
    On the printer base, find the braided wire (with a thick white tube) that runs to the extruder assembly.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Unwrap it fully" icon="rotate-ccw">
    Carefully unwind it from around the bed until roughly three feet of cable trails freely behind the printer.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## The main parts

| Part                            | What it is                                               |
| ------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| Printer base and bed            | The largest piece - holds the moving bed and electronics |
| Side rails (2, longer)          | The vertical gantry uprights                             |
| Extruder rail (1 long, 1 short) | Hold the print head and top of the frame                 |
| Top rail                        | The crossbar that caps the gantry                        |
| Extruder block (QR code)        | The filament feeder / extruder motor                     |
| Roller bracket                  | Green triangle with three wheels                         |
| Z-axis motor                    | Metal cube with a spinning cylinder                      |
| Z-axis limit switch             | L-shaped board with a click switch                       |
| Power supply                    | Large silver box with a power switch                     |
| LCD panel                       | Screen and control knob                                  |
| Spool holder                    | Plastic tube for the filament spool                      |
| Filament                        | A spool of PLA                                           |

## The tools and screws

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Allen wrenches (hex keys)" icon="wrench">
    A set of five sizes. You will use the numbers 3, 4, and 5 most. "Number 5" is the largest.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Screwdriver and scraper" icon="screwdriver">
    A screwdriver for identifying holes, and a metal scraper for removing prints.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pliers" icon="scissors">
    For cutting filament at a clean 45-degree angle.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Screw bags" icon="package">
    Labeled bags: M5x45, M5x25, M4x18, M5x8, M4x20, M4x16, M5 T-nuts, and more.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  Each screw bag is labeled with a size like **M4x20** (4 mm wide, 20 mm long). When a step calls for a screw, match the label exactly - the wrong length will not seat correctly.
</Info>

<Check>
  You have found and identified every part on the parts list, confirmed nothing is missing, freed the bed wiring, and organized your screws and tools within reach. Time to build.
</Check>

<Warning>
  The aluminum rails have **sharp edges and corners**. Handle them by the flat sides and keep your fingers off the cut ends.
</Warning>