How to Maintain My 3D Printer

3D printers require regular maintenance to boost their performance and longevity. Learn the tips for proper 3D printer maintenance.
3D printing is relatively an infant technology undergoing constant development. We expect more changes in future 3D printing technologies. The new advancements would also mean paying vast sums of money for the machines. However, the costs do not end there; 3D printers also demand frequent maintenance that may attract additional expenditure. The following guidelines can help you maintain your 3D printer in proper condition over time.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

3D printers have numerous moving parts that require greasing to run smoothly. The rails and rods are some of the essential components that you should lubricate to prevent stoppages. Put just a drop or two of sewing oil on the parts. You can also use other lubricants but make sure they are safe on plastics.

Clean the Build Plate

Most people often apply glue to the build plate when removing 3D prints from the printers to prevent wrapping. That usually leaves some particles, or molten plastics stuck on the build plate. Therefore, you should always clean the build plate after removing the print. Failure to clean the surfaces would result in improper products. Use a clean cloth dipped in warm water to clean the build plate.

Tighten the Pulley Screws

The pulleys are fitted to the X and Y axes, exposed to constant motion and vibrations. That could make the screws loosen up over time, impacting misalignments and interfering with the print quality. You should also check the pulley screws regularly and tighten them. Allen keys are the best tools for that kind of job.

Keep the Filament Nozzle Clean

The filament nozzle’s condition determines the printer’s print quality. Even the tiniest clogs can significantly deteriorate the entire design. One of the easiest ways of knowing that your nozzle is clogged is when filament comes off with a bit of a curve. You can easily wipe off the clogs manually, but caution is necessary to prevent causing damage to the nozzle.

Clean the Extruder

The filament es through the rollers before it moves into the cold end of the extruder. Some particles usually wear off from the material through the rollers. Those materials get stuck onto the rollers, changing their geometry and resulting in improper extrusions. A toothbrush can effectively clean the rollers to facilitate the extruder’s smooth operations, generating high-quality prints.

Update the 3D Printer’s Firmware

Depending on the model and size, 3D printers use various kinds of the firmware. Nevertheless, the firmware also requires consistent updates to function correctly. Outdated software can quickly bring the printer to a halt or limit some core functions. Depending on the software you use, some developers offer free updates, while others may charge a small fee. Thanks to platforms like quantum ai, you can now easily buy software updates online with Bitcoin.

Replace the Filters and Build-Surface

3D printers’ filters also get backed up over time, mainly due to the filament spills that use the machines. However, the moisture build-up can also impact issues on the filters. The devices have ventilation for cooling, but they won’t be sufficient. Thus, replace the filters frequently to avoid such problems. The build-surface area may also experience scratches, impacting the overall visual appeal of the 3D prints. Consider peeling off old tapes and replacing them with new ones to maintain the build-surface area.
The above tips can help you take proper care of your 3D printer over time, but you may want to talk to a professional for more insights. That would enable you to create the best quality projects and avoid costly repairs.