Thread locker / Loctite?  

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

The only need for loctite I found on building the Mk2 Upgrade was on the PINDA sensor threads after calibration. Nowhere else.

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

I have had my Mk2 now for some weeks and did not use loctite during assembly except on the PINDA sensor as it came loose during the first print. I have not had any of the frame or motor mounts come loose to date. My only problem was when I wanted to adjust the PINDA height after loctite was applied I've cracked the plastic mount and during a recent print have completely broken the mount and tried epoxying the PINDA mount in place but am having print problems. Have ordered a replacement and will not loctite the PINDA in place next time.

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

@ david.l2 there are different grades of loctite. I used one that could lock a thread, but could be freed with less force if needed to adjust.
Loctite 232. < retaining strength is moderate.

david.l2 you could of course have printed replacement parts, the stl files are published. And open source. On seeing the crack in the plastic that you can print.

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

I guess the problem with loctite on the threaded rods would be if you need to adjust at a later date. I guess it would not hurt putting some on there but no one has mentioned it because no one has ever had a problem with it.

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

Instead of Loctite I would rather use a drop of hot glue. It will prevent self-losening as well and it can be easier to remove when some adjustment is needed.

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

The only problem with hot glue is that it can melt/deform the plastic parts.

It is a workable solution if used with care.

Peter

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

The only problem with hot glue is that it can melt/deform the plastic parts.
You're right, low temp hot glue works between 170-250°C. I don't think it is major problem since user usually wants to secure metal part against another metal part (nut on screw for example). Also, hot glue cools down very quickly if used in reasonable amount.

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

David

Agreed, hence my "use with care".

However, I have also not found the need to use any form of glue to hold my part in place. I did try to use hot glue on a model, but I only did that once due to the melt...

Peter

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

Thanks everyone for your input. Just to clarify, I was thinking of using the thread lock only on the nuts on the M8 and M10 threaded rods, so that would be away from any heat. My thinking was that I've read concerns about the frame getting out of alignment easily, and wondered if this might be a simple way to prevent that problem. The hot glue is an interesting alternative too (in these cooler areas).

As mentioned I would not use thread lock if I could not loosen a nut without impacting a printed part.

Joints with blue Loctite are pretty easy to open with a wrench. It just helps nuts from vibrating free themselves in a vibration-prone environment. I would not use the red Loctite, as that is a more difficult bond to break.

It sounds like most have not had issues with the frame such that loose nuts have caused alignment issues based on feedback so far.

Thanks,

John

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

FYI I used red loctite which was a mistake as it is very difficult to remove and I see no need to use it on any of the frame nuts. Won't be doing that again. As for printing the new part it is very difficult when the PINDA is hanging by its cable. Have received a replacement part from PRUSA in less than one week from Czech Republic to Australia and cost was minimal $3.41+ courier. Happy again and printing again. 😀

Dave

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

@david.i2 Great that you are back in action Dave. Prusa Research is a great company. My go to printer is my Mk2

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

Hot glue can be messy. I did use it on my Mk1 Prusa to help secure the 3mm filament strengthener attached to the Hotend material cooling fan. But in this circumstance with the MK2 use the right grade of Loctite to secure the PINDA sensor and nuts, so that you can adjust the PINDA sensor in the future if need be. Cleaner.

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

I intend on using Blue Loctite with my build. I have used it many times in other projects, auto work, etc... no problems.
Only use Red when you intend to never touch that piece again, or have a cutoff torch handy! 🙂

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

Ideally we need a new mount that holds "both" nuts in place.

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

While a great idea Ben I don't think it would be possible as one of the nuts will end up in a random position. Maybe you can research it while helping Josef develop the Prusa Pocket Printer (Ben's wind powered model)?

I used Loctite Blue on my Probe nuts. I haven't made my mind up yet whether to use it on any other nuts.

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

No your probably right 😉

I just figured you put the nuts into the mount and then screw the probe down. Cable tie the cable and it then should not go anywhere. Only an idea for an ideal scenario. That rarely happens to plan though. 🙂

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

I used Loctite Blue on my Probe nuts. I haven't made my mind up yet whether to use it on any other nuts.

Please tell me I'm not the only one that laughed at this sentence. I have got to get some sleep!

Re: Thread locker / Loctite?

3Delight wrote:
"I used Loctite Blue on my Probe nuts. I haven't made my mind up yet whether to use it on any other nuts."

Yes richard.l I laughed out loud 🙂