Maintenance Schedule and Checklist¶
To keep your 3D printer in optimal condition, it's helpful to follow a regular maintenance schedule. This checklist organizes the tasks we've discussed by frequency, making it easy to track what needs to be done and when.
Use this as a Guide
The suggested hours are approximate. If you print with abrasive or high-temperature materials, you may need to perform maintenance more frequently.
Before or After Every Print¶
- Clean the Print Bed: Wipe the print surface with Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) to remove dust and fingerprints, ensuring good first-layer adhesion.
- Check the Nozzle: Visually inspect the nozzle for any stuck-on plastic and clean it with a brass brush if necessary (while hot).
Every 50-100 Printing Hours¶
- Check Belt Tension: Gently pluck the X and Y-axis belts. They should be taut and make a low-pitched sound. Adjust if they feel loose.
- Clean Extruder Drive Gear: Inspect the teeth of the extruder's drive gear for any plastic shavings. Clean them out with a small brush or a toothpick to prevent under-extrusion.
- Clean Fans: Check the part cooling fan and the hotend fan for dust and plastic strands. Clean them with compressed air or tweezers to ensure proper airflow.
Every 200-300 Printing Hours¶
- Lubricate Smooth Rods and Bearings: Clean the smooth rods for the X, Y, and Z axes with a paper towel, then apply a small amount of quality lubricant (like lithium-based grease). Move the axes back and forth to distribute it evenly.
Every 800+ Printing Hours or As Needed¶
- Check Electrical Connections: With the printer unplugged, open the electronics housing and gently check that all connectors to the mainboard are securely seated.
- Deep Clean / Rejuvenate PEI Sheet: If you have a smooth PEI sheet and are experiencing adhesion issues, perform a deep clean with soap and water, or rejuvenate the surface with a light wipe of pure acetone.
- Inspect Hotend PTFE Tube: If you experience frequent clogging, check the internal PTFE tube for signs of deformation or scorching.