A 3D printer can be a complex machine, and you don't want to have to deal with a filament problem or failure in the middle of making a great 3D print. Like any machine, you need to take care of it.
That's where maintenance of your 3D printer comes in. To keep the cost of the hardware down, some companies (not all, but some) have tried to get away with lower quality components, forcing owners to perform a lot more regular maintenance and modifications than on standard household appliances.
But fear not, we're going to go over some of the best ways to care for your 3D printer and keep it in top shape. Every 3D printer is different, and online forums can be helpful for some manufacturers, but here are some general 3D printer care tips that apply to all machines.
Just like with a car engine, many moving metal parts can cause stoppages if you don't keep the rods and linear bearings from seizing. But of course you shouldn't use motor oil. Sewing machine oil, for example, works well. Just a drop or two on your rails and rods will do the trick.
Other types of lubricants can work - just make sure they are safe to use with plastic. Don't overdo it - too much grease can actually ruin 3D prints by attracting dust and dirt.
Clogged extruders can have a huge impact on the quality of your 3D printed objects. Even a tiny blockage of plastic in the extruder can foul the object or make the part less structurally sound than it otherwise would have been. If you see even a little bit of a curve as the filament comes down the nozzle, it's a sign that you have a problem.
Fortunately, this is a fairly simple 3D printer maintenance procedure. Remove the nozzle from your 3D printer. You'll need tape, hand tools, a razor blade, a glass jar, and high quality acetone from your local hardware store. Eric William shows you how in this video: https://youtu.be/SfACwC9diQY
This part can be damaged by debris that accumulates after a number of 3D prints. First, unscrew the extruder from the 3D printer. Remove the extruder cover. You will probably need a couple of hex keys to remove the screws that hold the fan in place. Depending on the model, you'll need to do a little more disassembly before you get to the extruder, where you can use a sharp tool to scrape off the gunk. Denford Ltd. has a simple to follow video that shows the procedure up close: https://youtu.be/ld7trw8pJho
The print tray can get scratched, which affects the appearance and integrity of your 3D prints. In this case it's pretty simple to fix. Simply remove the tape already present, wipe the printing surface with alcohol to remove any adhesive residue and then reapply the tape of your choice to the surface.
Just like with your personal computer, you want to keep your software up to date at all times. If your machine is buggy and you keep the hardware up to date, chances are others have already recognized the problem and it will be fixed with a regular . So stay on top of the updates made by your printer manufacturer.
via pinshape
Not surprisingly, the quality of your 3D printing filament can affect the quality of your 3D prints. That's why there has been a lot of debate about the best way to maintain and store your filament. What there is no debate about, however, is the main enemy of 3D filament: moisture.
You see 3D printing everywhere! Even more than any other hobby, 3D printing can really become an obsession. Indeed, the current 3D printers still require some adjustments to function well and especially not badly of monitoring in the event of fail print.
