What maintenance does a 3D printer need?
A domestic FDM printer needs very little, but it does need something. Half an hour every 100 hours of printing prevents most of the issues in this section.
What the failure looks like
The printer no longer prints like it did on day one: more noise, more failures, less clean layers. Almost always it is a lack of maintenance, not a fault.
Causes, most likely first
- 01
Dust and accumulated filament
In gears, fans and rods.
- 02
Screws coming loose
Continuous vibration loosens everything over time.
- 03
Depleted lubrication
The rods and lead screws dry out.
Step-by-step fix
Every print
Clean the surface with IPA and check that no debris remains stuck.
Every 100 hours
Belt tension, frame screws, extruder gear cleaning, fan checks.
Every 250 hours
Lubricating rods and Z lead screw with lithium or PTFE grease (never sewing machine oil on lead screws).
Every 300-500 hours
Nozzle change if you print normal materials; much sooner with abrasives.
Every year
Check the hotend PTFE tube (it degrades and causes clogs) and the condition of the print sheet.
| Interval | Task |
|---|---|
| Every print | Clean surface with IPA |
| 100 h | Belts, screws, extruder gear, fans |
| 250 h | Lubrication of rods and Z lead screw |
| 300-500 h | Nozzle replacement |
| Yearly | PTFE tube and print sheet |
So it doesn't happen again
- Keep track of accumulated print hours; almost all firmwares display them.
- Keep IPA, silica gel, nozzles and a spare PTFE tube handy.
Related questions
What grease should I use?
White lithium or PTFE grease for rods and lead screw. Small amount, well distributed.
Does the PTFE need changing if the hotend is all-metal?
Not in the hot zone, but do check the bowden tube if it has one.
Keep reading
What if it isn't worth your time?
Sometimes the part is more urgent than the learning curve. We're a workshop in Viladecavalls: send us the file and we'll print it with the right material and settings.
Still not working?
Tell Marco which printer and material you use and he'll tell you what to change.
Impresión 3D