Is there a lubrication requirement?
Hi, my new mk2 makes a lot of noise, metal on metal sounding as if there is a lack of lubrication when the bed moves. Is there an issue? Is there a break-in time required? Am I supposed to lubricate the rails from time to time.
I had an old Printrbot that I had to continuously oil that thing to keep it from screaching. Is this the same sort of thing? I see nothing in the docs about lubrication.
There were numerous white zip ties on the unit when it arrived. Though the documentation discussed removing some green plastic shipping pieces, there was no discussion of white zip ties. Since most of the white zip ties where in the locations of the green pieces to be removed, I cut them off. Some were definitely not in the same locations as the green bits in the manual.
I did leave all the black zip ties alone, as they appear to be required.
Thanks,
John
Re: Is there a lubrication requirement?
Lubrication question is left camp vs. right camp with regard to the MK2.
Those who say yes...
- Only use PTFE or light sewing machine oil
- No WD40, it is a degreaser
Those who so no...
- Oil collects dust which is bad for the bearings and will do more harm than good
- The moving forces for 3D printing are marginal as to not need lube on moving parts
You should post a video of the noise... Something may be out of wack but a new machine should not need lube at least for a few spools.
- If posting a video, put the MK2 stepper motors in low power mode and print the batman, v-calibration, or prusa logo ( something with a low height.
Questions:
- You got the factory built correct ( zip tie question...will need photos...should be okay unless you cut the zip ties holding the bearings in place)
- Is the noise present when printing the batman on the SD card?
- Is the noise only present after the 1st layer is done ( while the big fan is not spinning
- Is the noise present if you turn off the machine and move the the bed / print head using your hand
The MK2 makes lots of sounds that are okay due to the design
-The fan on the MK2 is at an angle such that it blows on the 3D parts to make a noise that sounds line metal grinding.
-Put the mk2 on a towel or close cell foam so vibrations do not get transmitted to the platform
-The print bed is super stiff, acts like a big speaker / snare drum
- - If you tap the print bed with your finger it may sound like something is not tighten fully, this is normal
- - - I did not like the snare drum sounds so there are a couple of things you can do to get silence.
- - - - Put wooden cork underneath the print bed
- - - - I took a few long skinny non ferrous metal bolts as to not throw off the pinda and 9 sensor points and wrapped them with hi temp silicone tape (Extreme tape brand, any brand will work) to make sound dampeners
- - - - - Place these sound dampeners not near the 9 calibration points and *lightly* zip tie them between the metal frame and the fiberglass bed.
- - - - - Make sure the sound dampeners do not hinder the movement of the bed by moving the bed back and forth w/ your hand
Re: Is there a lubrication requirement?
[...]
- No WD40, it is a degreaser
[...]
That's not strictly speaking true I think as they make this now: https://www.wd40specialist.com/products/dry-lube/ , which is a PTFE lubricant...
WD40 Dirt & Dust Resistant Dry Lube PTFE Spray
10 oz Dirt & Dust Resistant Dry Lube PTFE Spray UPC - 0 79567 30005 2
6 count case Order # 300059
WD-40® SPECIALIST® DIRT & DUST RESISTANT DRY LUBE PTFE SPRAY lubricates and provides superior long-lasting corrosion protection with no oily residue. It dries quickly and resists dirt, dust and oil. WD-40 Specialist Dirt & Dust Resistant Dry Lube PTFE Spray reduces friction and wear on blades and bits, door and window tracks, slides, conveyor belts, rollers, hinges, power tools and equipment. Our dry lubricant is also ideal for releasing molded parts, and it's 50-state VOC compliant.
Re: Is there a lubrication requirement?
By "WD40" people usually mean this: https://www.amazon.com/WD-40-110057-Multi-Use-Product-Spray/dp/B0083V8H0I
Which I think is very different from what you linked. See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40 "WD-40 was developed in 1953 by Norman Larsen,[2] founder of the Rocket Chemical Company, in San Diego, California. "WD-40" is abbreviated from the term "Water Displacement, 40th formula""
The company now produces a bunch of different stuff, which is probably the cause of a lot of confusion...
- Gab
Re: Is there a lubrication requirement?
What about WD40 Specialist Protective White Lithium Grease. Ive printed since January 2017, prob 200 prints, I have to be do for a maintenance right? My prints are still good, but id like to ensure the longevity of my printer. Should I be doing any regular maintenance on anything? Printer does move much. I'm thinking id use this WD40 on the vertical Z axis shaft, not sure if i should need to remove my x and y bearings and grease them. I'm about to install my multi-material upgrade and will probably do a maintenance then.