Introducing 3D printer maintenance

In order to ensure that your 3D printer can operate stably for a long period of time, regular maintenance and servicing is essential. Here are some common maintenance tips and suggestions:

1. Regular cleaning
Printing platform:
After each print, clean the print platform with water and detergent to remove residual print material and glue. For special printing plates, alcohol and paper towels can be used for cleaning.
Nozzles and extruder:
Check the nozzles regularly to remove clogs. They can be cleaned with a needle or a special nozzle cleaning tool.
Check the gears and gearbox of the extruder to make sure there are no jams and foreign objects.



2. Calibrating the print platform
Manual calibration: Using a piece of A4 paper or a business card, adjust the height of the printing platform to make sure the distance between the nozzle and the platform is appropriate. Adjust the screws at the four corners to ensure the platform is level.
Automatic calibration: If the printer is equipped with an automatic leveling function, run the automatic calibration program periodically to ensure that the print platform is level.

3. Checking and Replacing Parts
Belt and guide rails:
Check the tension of the belt to ensure that it is not too tight or too loose. Adjust the belt tension appropriately.
Regularly check the lubricant on the guide rails and add the proper amount of lubricant if necessary to keep the rails sliding smoothly.
Fan and radiator:
Check whether the fan is functioning properly and clean the dust on the fan.
Ensure that there is no accumulation of dust on the radiator to ensure heat dissipation.



4. Firmware and software updates
Check regularly for updates to the printer firmware and control software to ensure that the latest versions are used. Updating firmware and software can fix known problems and improve print performance.

5. Print material maintenance
Storage environment: Print materials should be stored in a dry, cool environment to avoid moisture. Ziploc bags and desiccants can be used to store print materials.
Drying before use: For materials that are prone to moisture absorption (e.g., nylon, TPU), they can be properly dried before use to ensure printing results.