In this guide we will show the steps required for cleaning and lubricating the extruder and its gears for smooth operation.
Keeping the extruder clean and well lubricated will ensure a longer lifetime before replacement, and will also ensure the print quality remains consistent.
¶ When to use?
This guide should be used regularly, as extruder maintenance is important.
Debris from the filament, dust and other particulates could generate issues with the extruder over time.
In the image below, you can see an example of an extruder which was used for ~400 hours with no maintenance
Common issues that are caused by a dirty extruder
- Inconsistent print quality
- Filament clogs
- Premature wear of the components
In some situations, the extruder gears are damaged beyond repair and we recommend purchasing a new extruder gear kit for a quick and easy replacement.
¶ Tools and materials needed
- H2.0 hex wrench
- Lubricant Oil or Grease
- 15 minutes of your time
¶ Safety Warning
IMPORTANT!
It's crucial to power off the printer before performing any maintenance work on the printer and its electronics, including tool head wires, because leaving the printer on while conducting such tasks can cause a short circuit, which can lead to additional electronic damage and safety hazards.
When you perform maintenance or troubleshooting on the printer, you may be required to disassemble some parts, including the hotend. This process can expose wires and electrical components that could potentially short circuit if they come into contact with each other or with other metal or electronic components while the printer is still on. This can damage the electronics of the printer and cause further damage.
Therefore, it's essential to switch off the printer and disconnect it from the power source before doing any maintenance work. This will prevent any short circuits or damage to the printer's electronics. By doing so, you can avoid potential damage to the printer's electronic components and ensure that the maintenance work is performed safely and effectively.
If you have any concerns or questions about following this guide, open a new ticket in our Support Page and we will do our best to respond promptly and provide you with the assistance you need.
¶ Steps to clean the extruder
¶ 1. Remove the extruder from the print head
Start by carefully disconnecting the extruder and hotend wires as shown in the image below
Please make sure to be gentle when disconnecting the filament sensor ribbon cable (the one marked with 1).
This cable is sensitive and can be damaged.
Next, we need to release the filament cutter. While holding the lever pressed, loosen the screw holding it in place.
After the screw has been loosened, gently let go of the filament cutter.
With the lever released, remove the first 3 screws holding the extruder in place, then slightly loosen the screws numbered 4 and 5 to release the filament guide.
Then, push on the filament guide towards the extruder, which will allow you to remove the PTFE tube.
You can now remove the entire extruder assembly from the printer
¶ 2. Disassemble the extruder
After the extruder has been removed from the printer, it's time to disassemble it.
Start by removing screws 1 to 4 as shown in the image below.
The screw nr. 5 is used for the idler gear. This screw should be loosened halfway for now to release the spring from tension
You can then pull on the yellow gear towards you to remove it. The same can be done for the idler.
¶ 3. Clean the debris from the extruder body and components
As seen in the image below, this particular extruder has a lot of dust inside it. Before re-assembling the extruder, make sure that all the dust is cleaned
You can use a small brush and compressed air for this operation.
¶ Extruder Lubrication
Before re-assembling the extruder, it's a good idea to apply some lubrication to the gears.
Add a small amount of lubricant on the idler extruder gear, and the sides as shown in the image below.
Next, you can also apply a bit of lubricant on the extruder gear as shown in the image below.
Ensure that you coat all sides, then wipe off any excess before installing the gear back to the extruder.
Less is more in this case. Adding too much lubricant can lead to it reaching the filament path which is not desired.
Finally, you can install the gear back on the extruder body, and apply a small amount of oil around the section shown in the image below:
After applying the lubricant, install the back cover of the extruder then manually spin the yellow extruder gear a few times, to ensure good distribution of the lubricant and confirm everything is turning smoothly.
Don't forget to carefully tighten the four extruder screws and the idler tensioner screw to prepare it for installing it on the printer.
¶ Install the extruder back to the printer
Now that everything is clean and lubricated, you can re-install the extruder back to the printer.
Start by putting the extruder back in place and re-installing the extruder screws labeled 1, 2, 3.
Then, insert the PTFE tube on the top of the extruder, raise the filament guide and tighten the screws labeled 4,5.
Next, push the filament lever as shown in the image below and tighten the lever screw.
Finally, re-connect all the wires of the extruder and hotend to the board.
Please take extra care when during this operation, to ensure the connectors are aligned correctly.
¶ Calibration step after the operation
We recommend performing a full calibration of the printer after this operation, to ensure smooth operation.
¶ End Notes
We hope that the detailed guide we shared with you was helpful and informative.
We want to ensure that you can perform it safely and effectively. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the process described in this article, we encourage you to reach out to our friendly customer service team before starting the operation. Our team is always ready to help you and answer any questions you may have.
Click here to open a new ticket in our Support Page.
We will do our best to respond promptly and provide you with the assistance you need.