Noise levels and modifications needed
I've been running through the test prints and a few others since I have had this up and running for 2 days now. I am concerned with the noise level since I can hear it running through the floor from upstairs. I saw the dampers someone posted on here and I'm going to try those out next but the most noise seems to come from X axis when it pulls to the right. It squeaks like something is sticking or needs lubricant. I've been watching videos of others discussing this printer and I always see them push the X axis back and forth with almost no force, to get mine to move I have to hold the printer and pull, if I don't the whole printer moves.
I'm either thinking the bearings are not as good as could be (any better replacements?) or the belt is too tight and causing the pulley on the right to squeak. How tight is tight enough?
As it is now, I will never be able to print at night because there is no place in my house I cannot hear it.
edit: just found these: https://folgertech.com/products/igus-rj4jp-01-08-8mm-linear-bearing-to-replace-lm8uu are these a good replacement or is there better?
Here is a video so you can listen to the various noises.
Re: Noise levels and modifications needed
The dampeners work great. I also isolated vibration by adding a piece of closed cell foam mat underneath because I have all wood floors and solid wood furniture, including the table I have the current printer on.
Watched your video, I'd add some PTFE Oil to the rods. Thats squeaky and shouldn't be. If theres that much bind on the bearings it could be out of alignment, but I'd try the oil first. You mentioned having a hard time moving the parts- make sure you arent trying to force them with the machine on as at some points the carriages are locked.
Theres a bearing discussion on the forum here too.
Yeah, its that guy... 3D Nexus
Re: Noise levels and modifications needed
Thanks, I'll get some PTFE oil. The alignment said it was slightly skewed but I think the x/z are fine and the y is slightly akimbo by ~.5mm
I was looking through the bearing discussion and it seems there are two bearings that most go for. I'll probably try the ones I linked first since they are only $2 each.
Re: Noise levels and modifications needed
I seem to be having the same issue here too. Well my x axis isn't that hard to move, but it is rather loud moving to the right. Weird thing is its only the right that is the problem. I saw a lot of people suggest using while lithium grease, so I have applied it to the rods and moved the x axis back and forth. This seemed to make zero difference no matter how thin or thick I have put it on. It's quite annoying. The calibrations said i was perfectly aligned, so I have a hard time thinking its an alignment issue. But this is the first 3D printer I have ever built or owned for that matter.
I was thinking about grabbing those drylin ones too. If you picked them up, how are they working?
Re: Noise levels and modifications needed
I had the same noise and following JeffJordan's advice I relaxed the tension on the x-belt using the two little screws at the right z-carriage.I also put some lubricating oil between the x-belt idler and the plastic enclosure wall. These two things seem to have fixed the screeching noise for me.
Re: Noise levels and modifications needed
I've had my printer for 1-2 weeks now and have just recently developed this exact same squeaking sound.
Can you clarify which are the "two little screws at the right of the z-carriage"?
Also, what kind of lubricant did you use for the idler / plastic enclosure?
EDIT: I just put the tiniest bit of WD40 on the right idler. I tried to direct it to the outside between the plastic and the metal on either side, but some foamed onto the idler/belt as well. Has been running for a few minutes, and haven't heard the squeak again. As long as the WD40 is not corrosive to the belt in some way, problem appears to be solved.
Re: Noise levels and modifications needed
wd 40 has mineral oil in it. so yes it does lubricate. definitally no the best solution i would agree.
a little tip to reducing drag from bearings is to move the bearing back and fourth the threaded rod until you get a feeling for the resistance. then start turning the beari ng and feel for less resistance. when u get smoother movement use a marker and make a mark at the top of the bearing. re ty rap and things should be moving around with less drag and hopefully less noise.
Re: Noise levels and modifications needed
Hi Everyone - could you please clarify which of the screws should be loosened on the z-carriage?
Also, I'm new to this realm, why is WD-40 a bad solution in this situation?
Thank you!
Re: Noise levels and modifications needed
Nick.o asked:
"Hi Everyone - could you please clarify which of the screws should be loosened on the z-carriage?"
Look at the orange plastic piece on the vertical z-axis bar on the power supply side. When looking at it from the power supply side, you will see two hex key screw heads. These are the ones folks are talking about.
I used a synthetic grease (Super Lube, a PTFE grease) on the pulley. Took care of my squeak nicely. We'll see how long until it returns.
DJ Roberts
Re: Noise levels and modifications needed
WD40 is a brand, but mostly known for his main product which is an anti-seize, not really a lubricant.
As such, WD40 is ok to clean the bearing, but you have to add lubricant after that, or it will produce issues once dry.
Superlube, Lithium grease or PTFE spray are options to consider, but that will probably not make your bearing silent, just avoid them to get rusty.
To reduce noise, dampering the solid noise transmission is by far the most effective way to reduce noise. Yoga mat or rubber mat (the one you put below washing machine) are very good options.
I'm not very pro of printed dampener, as it seems to get a resonating frequency in some case.
I'm like Jon Snow, I know nothing.
Re: Noise levels and modifications needed
Actually WD40 was designed as a water dispersant hence the WD in the name. That name has evolved into a brand name and what most people would call WD40 is their multi use product in the classic blue and yellow livery. It has some lubricating properties but poor in comparison to a lubricant by design. It is commonly used as a penetrating fluid normally on seized fixings but again there are better penetrating fluids available. It can have adverse affects on some rubbers so be careful with your belts. It makes an excellent degreaser. Plus a whole load of other uses but there is normally always something better available it's just that the multi use product can do a bit of everything.
WD40 has its place but In this instance I would avoid using it on your printer.