3D printing noob here. I've been looking at some of the other threads for recommendations and currently weighing up whether or not to go new or used for my first 3d printer. I was just wodnering what maintenance is like on these things? I understand that like any other printer you will need printing materials (in this case filament/resin) but what else is there? I want to get an idea of the overall running costs (as well as the startup costs) to be able to make an informed decision here. Are there parts that need replacing if they go wrong?
3D Printer maintenance question
- Thread starter Octoplex7
- Start date
If you are new to this, buy a Bambu printer, they are a doddle to use.
Printing PLA it draws about 100w. They are machines, they have moving parts which need to be cleaned and lubricated at regular intervals. They also have moving parts which wear out and need to be replaced. That said, the parts themselves last a long time, even if you are printing 24/7.
The Bambu website has a section on their store which lists all the replaceable parts and costs. The wiki sets out what regular maintenance you should do.
In terms of stuff outside of the printer and filament, there is a difference between want and need. Lots of accessories can be 3D printed but it depends on what you want to achieve. Printing basic PLA in a single colour you don’t really ‘need’ anything. It then scales up from there like AMS systems for multi colour prints, filament driers for PETG, filtration and enclosed printers for ABS etc. etc.
Printing PLA it draws about 100w. They are machines, they have moving parts which need to be cleaned and lubricated at regular intervals. They also have moving parts which wear out and need to be replaced. That said, the parts themselves last a long time, even if you are printing 24/7.
The Bambu website has a section on their store which lists all the replaceable parts and costs. The wiki sets out what regular maintenance you should do.
In terms of stuff outside of the printer and filament, there is a difference between want and need. Lots of accessories can be 3D printed but it depends on what you want to achieve. Printing basic PLA in a single colour you don’t really ‘need’ anything. It then scales up from there like AMS systems for multi colour prints, filament driers for PETG, filtration and enclosed printers for ABS etc. etc.
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They are not much maintenance at all in the grand scheme of things and the parts are cheap and easy to replace.
Things I can think of are:
- nozzles (especially brass) they might last a year or two printing regular PLA and PETG, hardened steel nozzles last longer. You need a hardened steel nozzle to print with abrasive materials like wood filled, glow in the dark or carbon fibre filled.
- build plates as well can get damaged and sometimes need replaced but rare and only if you don’t look after them.
- gears in the filament extruder might also only last a few years, they are constantly grinding and pulling the filament a bit and the teeth can wear down.
- general lubrication every few hundred hours. Usually printers come with some.
- usual consumables people go through are IPA (to clean build plate), paper towels and glue stick (you can apply to build plate to get extra adhesion or prevent warping)
Things I can think of are:
- nozzles (especially brass) they might last a year or two printing regular PLA and PETG, hardened steel nozzles last longer. You need a hardened steel nozzle to print with abrasive materials like wood filled, glow in the dark or carbon fibre filled.
- build plates as well can get damaged and sometimes need replaced but rare and only if you don’t look after them.
- gears in the filament extruder might also only last a few years, they are constantly grinding and pulling the filament a bit and the teeth can wear down.
- general lubrication every few hundred hours. Usually printers come with some.
- usual consumables people go through are IPA (to clean build plate), paper towels and glue stick (you can apply to build plate to get extra adhesion or prevent warping)