What grease to use in 3D printers?
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The best grease to use in 3D printers is teflon grease, either synthetic grease with PTFE. These greases lubricate and are resistant to oxidation, protect against water/humidity and withstand high temperatures. They can also be used Teflon oils for bearings, since a more liquid lubricant is needed to penetrate and lubricate hard-to-reach areas.
A well-known brand is Super Lube, but any Teflon grease will do.
What grease to use in 3D printers
Performing a visual inspection of my 3D printer I realized that it might need some maintenance.
I think it is very important to have a good printer calibrated, level but it is also keep it clean, dust free and with his well lubricated moving parts.
For this reason I decided to perform maintenance on my 3D printer (you can see it here: How to perform maintenance on your 3D printer: Complete guide) and doing so I realized one thing, some parts needed to be lubricated.
Lack of lubrication can directly affect the quality of printed parts.Which led me to wonder What grease should be used for moving and sliding parts?.
After some research I found the answer. The best greases for 3D printing are Teflon greases.
This type of grease is ideal for use on most moving parts of the 3D printer, as it is non-conductive and resistant to high temperatures. In addition, Teflon grease is able to protect parts from wear and increase their lifespan.
Another option is lithium grease for 3D printers. This type of grease is also suitable for use on the moving parts of the 3D printer.
Here is a list of the best-selling fats on Amazon:
Why is it necessary to use grease in a 3D printer?
3D printers work by depositing material layer by layer, which involves the constant movement of several moving parts. These parts can wear down over time and create friction, which can affect the quality of the print or even damage the printer.
Grease is used to reduce friction between moving parts, which reduces wear and extends printer life. Grease also helps prevent dust and dirt from building up on moving parts, which can affect printer performance.
Then, it is necessary to use a grease or lubricant to reduce wear that can be produced by friction what happen between metal parts.
Moving parts need to move smoothly to avoid causing imperfections in the printed parts, such as bearings and linear axes, for example.
In addition to providing lubrication and preventing wear, Teflon greases help prevent rust by repelling water and moisture.
In which parts to apply the Teflon grease?
In general, it is recommended to apply Teflon grease to all moving parts of the 3D printer, including the X, Y, and Z axes, bearings, linear guides, pulleys, and threaded rods.
It is important to note that grease should not be applied to the belts of the 3D printer, as this can cause the belts to slip and affect the accuracy of the print.
Teflon grease must be applied on the X, Y, Z linear axes, seeking to distribute it evenly or homogeneously to prevent grease clumps from forming.
Grease build-up can attract dust and dirt, which is counterproductive to the goal you want to achieve. Only a moderate amount should be applied, without excess.
Video on YouTube: SANTUBE 3D (activate subtitles)
Materials needed to lubricate your 3D printer
To lubricate your 3D printer, you will need the following materials:
- teflon grease
- a degreaser
- Disposable gloves
- Clean paper or cloth
- swabs
- Teflon Lubricant
It is important that you do not use any lubricant you have on hand, as this can damage your printer.
How to apply grease in a 3D printer?
Before applying the grease, make sure that the printer is turned off and disconnected from the power. Then, follow these steps to apply the grease to your 3D printer:
- Identify the moving parts that need lubrication and clean any dirt or dust from them.
- Use the degreaser to remove old, dirty grease from linear shafts, or threaded rods with a cloth or swab.
- Apply a small amount of Teflon grease to the moving parts. It is not necessary to apply too much grease, as it can build up and create more dirt.
- Spread the grease evenly with your finger or a clean paper towel. Make sure the grease is covering all moving parts and that there is no excess grease.
- If you use gloves, discard them after lubricating the printer to avoid spreading dirt.
- Turn on the printer and check that the moving parts are working properly.
Once the grease has been applied, be sure to move the axles or carriages from left to right or from back to front, ensuring that any remaining grease is fully distributed.
If you find any excess or leftovers, be sure to remove them with the cloth or swab.
What lubricants not to use in your 3D printer
There are some lubricants that should not be used in 3D printers as they can damage moving parts or affect the quality of the print. Some of these lubricants include:
- Mineral oil: Can corrode some parts of the 3D printer and cause damage.
- PTFE-free silicone-based lubricants: May be conductive and short-circuit in the 3D printer.
- Graphite-based lubricants: Can build up and create gunk on moving parts of your 3D printer.
De ser posible no uses aceites de uso común, como el WD-40 «multiusos» in your 3D printer, and I mean the oil that we all have in our houses, it is not recommended because there are some controversies about it.
Some use it without problems, while others say they used that oil and then had rail problems. tarnished and rusty.
If you like the brand, try your best to get the WD-40 that comes with PTFE (not the multipurpose).
Conclusions that grease to use in 3D printers:
Always use Teflon grease., lithium grease, Synthetic or siliconed with PTFE.
Applying grease to the moving parts of your 3D printer is a simple task that can help extend the life of your machine and improve print quality.
Teflon grease is the ideal lubricant for use in 3D printers, although lithium grease is also a valid option. Always remember to use lubricants specifically designed for 3D printers and avoid those that can damage your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use any 3D printer grease? No, it is important to use grease specifically designed for use in 3D printers, such as Teflon grease or lithium grease.
- Can I apply grease to 3D printer belts? No, it is not recommended to apply grease to 3D printer belts as it may cause the belts to slip and affect the printing accuracy.
- Is it necessary to use lubricant for a 3D printer regularly? Yes, it is recommended to lubricate the 3D printer regularly to keep all its moving parts in good condition and prolong the life of the machine.
- How do I know when to apply grease to my 3D printer? It is recommended to apply grease to the moving parts of your 3D printer from time to time, depending on the frequency of use and the manufacturer's recommendations. If you notice that the moving parts are making noise or not moving smoothly, it may be necessary to apply grease.
- Can I grease my 3D printer while it is on? No, it is important to turn off and disconnect the 3D printer from power before applying grease to moving parts.
- Do I need to wear gloves when applying grease to my 3D printer? It is not necessary, but if you prefer to wear gloves to protect your hands or prevent spreading dirt, you can do so.
What grease to use in 3D printers? Teflon grease or lithium grease are the best options to lubricate the moving parts of your 3D printer..
Remember to apply it regularly and avoid using unsuitable lubricants that could damage the machine.
With this care, your 3D printer will be in good condition and you will be able to enjoy high-quality prints for a long time.
Hello. Is the 3in1 brand lithium grease valid? Is it also cast on the threaded rods?
Hi David! Good day. The 3-in-1 lithium ones are also valid.
I've seen makers use them with no problem, even on threaded rods as well.
Thank you for your visit, and good luck with your projects!
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