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3D Printing: Difference between revisions
→Maintenance
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=== Nozzle Cleaning ===
Nozzles should be kept as clean as possible for best results. Outer edges of nozzle tip can be cleaned by wiping with PLA while the nozzle is hot. Innards of nozzle should be cleaned whenever there is blockage.
=== Axis Rod Oiling ===
All smooth rod axes should be and feel lightly oiled--never dry. Oil when nearly dry. Use light sewing machine oil. '''Never''' use grease! After oiling, with the printer off, move the print head slowly in circles across the full range of motion to distribute oil across rods. Don't forget to oil the smooth Z axis rods.
=== Lead Screw Greasing ===
This doesn't need to be done often. When the Z axis leadscrew is dirty or needs regreasing, wipe the lead screw with a paper towel to remove old grease. Lead screw should be re-greased (green grease, Magnalube). Spread a few drops of grease along the length of the Z axis leadscrew travel. It helps to use the advanced settings to ask the printer to move the bed up and down the Z axis to work grease into the threads.
=== Belt Tensioning ===
Belts should be taught. Loose belts will cause parts to be dimensionally inaccurate in one or more axes (X,Y). This can be viewed easily by printing a cylidrical shape with its axis in the Z-direction. Generally, the belts that need retightening will be the short belts from the X,Y motors. First pluck the belt and remember it's feel and sound. Loosen the 4 motor mount screws and push down on the top of the motor very hard as you retighten the screws in a star pattern. Pluck the belt and it should twang higher pitched when tightened.
=== Print Head Squaring ===
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