As 3D printers are used over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the Z-axis and bearing sleeve, leading to malfunctions and the appearance of layer lines on printed objects. In some cases, the Z-axis may need to be replaced entirely.
To maintain the Z-axis, it is necessary to regularly clean the Z-axis and bearing sleeve, which can help to improve print quality and extend the lifespan of the printer.
In this article, we'll show you how to clean the Z-axis, including the bearing sleeve and lead screw.
1. Dry Cleaning the Z-axis
- Remove the UV cover, resin vat, and building plate
- Select TOOLS to manually position the building plate at the top
- Use kitchen paper towels to dry clean the Z-axis, and apply sanitizing alcohol if needed
2. Cleaning and lubricating the bearing sleeve
Lubricate the bearing sleeve
- Unscrew and remove the plastic plate located on top
- Loosen the 2 screws of the bearing sleeve
- Press the T-plate downwards to the bottom of lead screw
- Turn the lead screw counterclockwise to take out the bearing sleeve
- Clean the bearing sleeve with kitchen paper that has been applied with alcohol
- Lubricate the bearing sleeve with spindle oil
Reassemble the parts
- Screw in the bearing sleeve to the lead screw
- Tighten the 2 screws of the bearing sleeve
- Install the plastic plate located on top
3. Lubricants for Z-axis
To avoid the appearance of layer lines on the surface of your prints, it's important to ensure that the bearings and screws rotate smoothly. As part of the Z-axis cleaning process, we recommend applying the following lubricants:
WD-40 Specialist® Dry Lube with PTFE
- The best choice for Z-axis screw lubrication is the dry PTFE-based lubricant.
- The dry PTFE reduces friction and provides protection with no oily residue.
- It is only suitable for T8 lead screws.
SUPER LUBE® Synthetic Oil with PTFE
- The synthetic oil with PTFE particles bonds to surfaces of moving parts providing protection from friction, wear, and rust.
- It is safe on metal and plastic.
- It is only suitable for T8 lead screws.
To prevent issues, it is important to avoid using lubricants with rust removal features. It is NOT recommended to mix WD-40 3-in-1 Lube with WD-40 Dry Lube with PTFE. Doing so can cause potential problems.
4. Choosing the Right Lubricant for Your 3D Printer
Consult the list below for further information on which lubricant is the most suitable for your printer.
Printer / Lubricants | WD-40 Specialist® Dry Lube with PTFE | SUPER LUBE® Synthetic Oil with PTFE | Shell_Alvania Grease S 2 | REACH_151 EP Lithium Grease |
Sonic Mega 8K S |
⬤ | ⬤ | ||
Sonic Mini 8K S | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
Sonic Mighty 8K | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
Sonic Mini 8K | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
Sonic Mega 8K | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
Sonic Mighty 4K | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
Sonic Mini 4K | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
Sonic Mini | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
Sonic 4K 2022 | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
Sonic XL 4K 2022 | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
Sonic 4K | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
Sonic XL 4K | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
Transform | ⬤ | ⬤ |
Contact Support
By following the above suggestions, you can clean the Z-axis of your Sonic Mini 8K S properly. If you find any issues, feel free to reach out to Phrozen Support or your Authorized Reseller for further assistance. When contacting Phrozen Support, kindly share a few photos and videos illustrating the issues with the Z-axis. This will greatly facilitate the troubleshooting process.
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