Lubrication Guide¶
Proper lubrication of your printer's motion components is essential for smooth, quiet, and precise movement. It also significantly prolongs the life of the bearings and rails.
Linear Rails¶
The linear rails are the most important component to keep lubricated.
What Kind of Lubricant to Use?
For linear rails with ball bearings, a high-quality NLGI 2 lithium-based grease is recommended (e.g., Mobilux EP2). Do not use thin oils like WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil. These are not true lubricants; they will evaporate quickly and can wash away the grease that is already there, leading to premature wear.
When to Lubricate If a quality grease was applied during the initial assembly, the rails should only need re-lubrication every ~1000 hours of printing, or if you notice motion becoming noisy or rough.
How to Lubricate 1. Clean: Move the carriage to one end of the rail. Thoroughly wipe the exposed section of the rail clean of any old grease, dust, and debris with a lint-free cloth. Move the carriage to the other end and repeat. 2. Apply: Apply a very small, thin bead of fresh grease directly onto the grooves of the rail. A little goes a long way. 3. Distribute: Move the carriage back and forth along the full length of the rail several times. This will work the new grease into the internal ball bearings. 4. Wipe Excess: Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off any excess grease from the rail. Excess grease only serves to attract dust and dirt.
Other Components¶
- Leadscrews: This printer uses a belt-driven Z-axis and does not have Z-leadscrews that require lubrication.
- Idlers and Bearings: The idler pulleys and motor bearings used in this build are typically sealed and self-lubricating. They do not require additional lubrication. The best maintenance is simply to keep them clean and free of dust.