Possible Black Plastic from Trapezoidal nuts on Z Axis Screws
I'm not sure if anyone else has had this issue.
I've searched and haven't been able to anything on it. It seems that there is black plastic left behind from trapezoidal nuts on Z Axis Screws on my printer.
I'm not sure if it is clearly visible in the picture but I've cleaned this off multiple times and after printing for a little while it comes right back. Do I have them too tight? Has anyone else seen this?
It happens on both the left and right side and when I wipe my finger or clean it with a paper towel before lubricanting everything again it gives me this on whatever I clean it off with.
Hopefully the pictures are good enough but I can always take more if needed. Any help or ideas would be great... It just seems like this could be causing eventual damage and I want to prevent any future problems if possible. Thanks everyone!!
Re: Possible Black Plastic from Trapezoidal nuts on Z Axis Screws
Pure guess - but check that the printer is perfectly square
i3 Mk3 [aug 2018] upgrade>>> i3MK3/S+[Dec 2023]
Re: Possible Black Plastic from Trapezoidal nuts on Z Axis Screws
As far as I can tell everything is square on the printer and it passes all the calibration tests. Ive checked that all the screws are tight and nothing wobbles or is loose. I just can't figure out where the, what I'm guessing, black plastic is coming from other than from that trapezoidal nuts. I'm just afraid something is binding or wearing that shouldn't be, even though I don't see a lot of z axis artifacts in my prints. :-(. Is there any other good was to check if it is all square that I might be missing?
Re: Possible Black Plastic from Trapezoidal nuts on Z Axis Screws
As you have lubricated these leadscrew nuts. I suspect what you are seeing is discoloured oil, it attracts dust from the atmosphere and then the leadscrew feeds the dust into the nut where it becomes amalgamated with the oil... This is unlikely to be a problem for a very long time...
you can periodically clean the leadscrew and re oil, to minimise the dark appearance.
chances are that you also get dark rings at the ends of the linear bearing travel on the smooth rods... similar cause... similar treatment, clean and re lube!
regards joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
Re: Possible Black Plastic from Trapezoidal nuts on Z Axis Screws
I agree with joan, looks like contaminated oil to me as well.
Re: Possible Black Plastic from Trapezoidal nuts on Z Axis Screws
That makes me feel better!! I will keep cleaning them and I'm in the middle of making the Lack enclosure so hopefully that will help keep the dirt out even more. 😀
Thank you everyone for your help. I feel a lot better about using my printer now... was so afraid that I would end up breaking something, lol!!
By chance does anyone know where they sell replacement Trapezoidal nuts that will fit the same thread pitch? I like to keep spare parts on hand just in case I ever need them. Thanks again everyone!! 🙂