Axes maintenance is a procedure that can help you resolve problems connected with the extruder and the quality of your printed parts. If the extruder does not move properly along the guide rails and it makes unusual noises, or if layers in your models become shifted, the axes in your printer need maintenance work. Follow the steps from this manual to see the correct maintenance procedure. Keep in mind that you do not have to follow all steps at once.
Unplugging the Power Cable
Unplug the power cable.
Belts Maintenance
There are short and long belts in your printer. The belts have to tense in order to produce successful prints.
Tug each belt gently to check its tension. If the belt is loose, follow the next steps from this manual.
Tensing up the Short Belts
Loosen the four screws that secure the motor using a 2.5mm Allen key. Press down the motor by hand to tense up the belt. Tighten the screws while the motor is still being pressed down.
Tensing up the Long Belts
Unplug the extruder cable.
Move the extruder to the center position by pushing the axes blocks.
Tug each belt gently to check its tension. The first photo shows the correct tension.
If the belt is loose as it is shown in the second photo, move on to the next step.
Tighten the side screw on the block placed on the belt which requires tensing.
Take a piece of tape and put it on the belt. Then move the extruder manually back and forth so that the tape gets on the rack. Remove the tape.
Put the jigs on the extruder guide rails and move the extruder manually so that the jigs are touching the X axis. This way, you will check if the extruder guide rails are parallel to the X axis.
If the extruder guide rails are not parallel to the X axis (second photo), follow the steps from the manual: Axes Maintenance – method with jigs.
X/Y Axis Motor Pulleys Maintenance
If the motor is running but the belt placed on the motor pulley does not move, the screws on the pulley have to be tightened. First, unplug the motor cable.
Unscrew the screws that secure the X/Y axis motor.
Remove the X/Y axis motor.
Tightening the screws on the motor pulley.
Place the motor in its place and secure it with the four screws.
Plug the motor cable in.
Axes Pulleys Maintenance
There are 2 drive pulleys on each axis, which are placed next to the long belts (8 drive pulleys altogether). Each pulley has two screws. Tighten each screw on each drive pulley (16 screws altogether). Move the extruder to access the screws.
X/Y Axes Maintenance
Loosen the two screws that secure the front of the X axis block.
Loosen the two screws securing the front of the opposite X axis block.
Move the extruder back and forth by pushing the blocks so that the front of the X axis block assumes the most optimal position. Next, tighten the two screws on the block.
Move the extruder back and forth by pushing the blocks so that the front of the opposite axis block assumes the most optimal position. Next, tighten the two screws on the block.
Put the jigs on the extruder guide rails and move the extruder manually so that the jigs are touching the X axis. This way, you will check if the extruder guide rails are parallel to the X axis.
If the extruder guide rails are not parallel to the X axis (second photo), follow the steps from the manual: Axes Maintenance – method with jigs.
Lubricating the Axes
Regular lubrication is important to reduce friction on the bearings and extend the bearings’ life span.
Use silicone oil to lubricate the guide rails on the X and Y axes. Apply a thin layer of oil on each rail.
Remember to lubricate the Z axis rails as well.
Plugging the Power Cable
Plug the power cable in.