1 Topic by BrandonW6

  • BrandonW6
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  • Registered: 2012-11-15
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Topic: Standard Maintenance Items

Hey

I've had my printer for maybe a month now, and I have been steadily printing most evenings.  The printer always performs excellent, and since I would like to ensure it will in the future.  I am wondering what steps I can take to keep everything working smoothly for a long time.

So I'm curious what have you guys had to do? And how often?

Stuff like lubricating guide rods, ensuring belt tensions etc.
I have some general purpose lithium grease, would that be good to use on the guides?

The idea that something may break on it is scary, as I don't know if I could go back to living without this thing!

I almost want to order a second one or even the new one. lol
Just so I can print out more stuff at once!

Thanks!

2 Reply by BrandonW6

  • BrandonW6
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Re: Standard Maintenance Items

anyone?

3 Reply by jooshs (edited by jooshs 2012-11-21 20:17:43)

  • jooshs
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  • Registered: 2012-08-07
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Re: Standard Maintenance Items

Brandon...

I got one of the first printers and the maintenance has been very minimal even though I have made a slew of modifications and hundreds of prints.  I do have some all purpose grease that I have used on the shafts twice since July.

http://www.amazon.com/Synthetic-Grease- … B000XBH9HI

I went in and tightened/calibrated the belts once about a month ago.  Also, I go in with an air gun once every couple of weeks, cover the shafts, and try to blow everything out since you can't help but have some filament dust laying around and you don't want that getting on the shafts.  The bed seems to hold its level pretty well if you use the removable glass plate, but I still double check that at least once a week.  I try to keep the bottom of the printer cleaned out pretty well. 

Mods that will help keep the printer running, clean, and avoid future issues may include...

filament bushing...

http://www.soliforum.com/topic/171/filament-bushing/

Thumbscrews for easier leveling and avoiding extra pressure on the bed when leveling...

http://www.soliforum.com/topic/242/thum … m-beneath/

electronics fan to keep motor drivers cool

http://www.soliforum.com/topic/244/alte … n-opening/

and guide to avoid wires rubbing against case and belts...

http://www.soliforum.com/topic/331/wiri … n-by-case/

I am sure there are some more, but I can't remember off hand.  Hope this helps

4 Reply by BrandonW6

  • BrandonW6
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Re: Standard Maintenance Items

Jooshs
Thanks for the quick reply.

I ended up putting some of the lithium grease I had onto the slides, seems to work well for that.

5 Reply by GoolGaul

  • GoolGaul
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  • Registered: 2012-08-19
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Re: Standard Maintenance Items

jooshs wrote:

... ... some all purpose grease that I have used on the shafts twice since July.

http://www.amazon.com/Synthetic-Grease- … B000XBH9HI

haha, I worked for Synco (maker of Super Lube) back in the day.  12 x 55 gal drums at a time, 4 rounds per day.

The coolest things was this one ingredient 'Aerosil' which was a lighter-than-air hydrophobic powder.  You'd rub a nugget on your hand, then spit on powdered spot and the spit would bounce off...  good times.