Recommended toolkit for maintenance and repairs?
I’ve just purchased my very first 3D printer being the i3Mk3S+
I have a background in electromechanical maintenance but it was a while back. I am used to the concept of regular maintenance. On specialist equipment there is usually a toolkit available that has the tools needed for maintenance tasks.
So it surprises me that Prusa have not a toolkit in the accessories listing. Of course some tools are supplied when you get an assembly kit that can also be used for disassembly, but it does not contain those tools needed for maintenance and cleaning. Prusa seemed to have stepped back from that area.
There is just one knowledge base article on the topic and the only tool expressly mentioned is a wire brush.
Thus my question here today is to ask what definitive list of essential tools is needed for maintaining the printer and finishing prints.
for example: there are a number of kits available on Amazon but each contains a different selection of tools.
are the following needed ?
Wires for cleaning nozzles? [ sizes ?]
files?
thickness gauge ?
wire brushes?
Isopropyl alcohol ? acetone ? Ethanol ? Other strong solvents ?
abrasive paper?
Scraper for print removal?
canned compressed “air”?
[ needle nose pliers, cutting pliers, tweezers, screwdrivers, Allen keys are all obvious] But what size and type of spanner is needed for removal of nozzles on the Mk3S+?
what’s missing ? What specific Amazon source or other source toolkits are recommended for completeness and general quality?
thanx and cheers
RE: Recommended toolkit for maintenance and repairs?
I didn't order a kit but here are a few of the things I use.
Knipex needlenose pliers and cutters for removing supports and cutting filment.
for example: there are a number of kits available on Amazon but each contains a different selection of tools.are the following needed ?
Avoid all these kits, they are mostly for previous generations of printer.
Wires for cleaning nozzles? [ sizes ?]
I just seperate a single strand from a bit of multistrand hookup wire...
files?
For post-print finishing a set of needle files is useful.
thickness gauge ?
Various measuring tools depending on what you intend to print.
wire brushes?
I use a toothbrush shaped copper wire brush made for sprucing-up suede.
Isopropyl alcohol ? acetone ? Ethanol ? Other strong solvents ?
Clean with IPA between prints.
At the first hint of a problem, use dishwashing detergent and HOT water.
If that's not enough use acetone: once or twice a year at most.
abrasive paper?
Also useful for finishing prints
Scraper for print removal?
Print one.
canned compressed “air”?
I find a small artist's paintbrush more useful.
what size and type of spanner is needed for removal of nozzles on the Mk3S+?
Not esential but 7mm and 17mm (thin) is best.
Cheerio,