How to check if lubrication is needed
Ball joints: Twist the metal rods, lubricate again if you feel strong resistance.
Axes: Remove the metal rods from the axes, slowly slide the carriages up and down, lubricate again if you feel strong resistance or hear abnormal sounds.
How to lubricate the ball joints correctly
The ball joints are slow speed movement parts, we recommend that you use the following types of lubricant, they both have their pros and cons.
1. High viscosity silicon oil
High viscosity silicon oil can last longer in the sponges due to its characteristics. However, it is very likely to pile up dirt after a long period of time.
You can simply lubricate the joints by dripping the lubricant to the black sponges on the carriages and the printing toolhead.
2. Dry lubricant with PTFE
Dry lubricant with PTFE will form a thin layer on the surface of metals to reduce resistance. The good side is that the surface could stay clean, but dry lubricants don't last as long as fluid lubricants.
Spray the dry lubricant on the ball joints and wait till it dries.
How to lubricate the axes
The axes are low-medium speed movement parts, you can use silicon oil, lithium-based lubricant or other bearing lubricants.
Apply lubricant on the axes beneath the carriages, slide the carriages down and up to spread the lubricant thoroughly inside the carriages. Wipe off the extra lubricant on the axes.
Comments
3 comments
i use a aerosol whit ptfe a little bit on a paper handkerchief and bring it on the balls and magnets sticks longer than the lubrication.
When you say to lubricate the "rods", are you talking about the vertical rods that the carriages run on, or are you just referring to the magnetic arms and their ball joints?
@Jim
Both requires lubricaiton
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