WS2 was developed by NASA to provide the best possible This is purely due to the fact that it is Lubes, and also because like graphite, this solid additive may weaken plastic While MolyD is used by some 3D printer users, it is by no meansĪ popular choice owing in part to its increased price as compared with other In all other respects, however, it is very similar to Molybdenum Disulphide (MolyD) lubricantĮlectrically conductive. The wiring or electronic circuitry of the 3D printer. Make sure that it is not used in any place with direct or indirect contact with In terms of color contamination of a part during printing. Only be used where the black coloring is not an issue, either aesthetically or Photo credit: RUIVALAĬarbon black color, as well as electrical conductivity means that it should It should be note, however, that graphite powder can penetrate plastic parts and may cause weakening in those joints of the 3D printer. Graphite further helps in the process by adding strength to the lubricated parts. The most popular graphite-based lubricants are easily the dry lubricants, available in volatile solvents. Graphite powder lubricants are also suspensions, in either oil, grease or solvent bases. For the Z-axis, this lubricant is simply not suited at all. So, whileĭepending on the exact make of the XY axles/guiderails, this lube may or may Lubricants are not, by any means, suited for metal-on-metal contact. While silicone is a good choice for plastic and rubber surface contacts, it can also be used for plastic or rubber on metal contact. The silicone lubricant by Super Lube seen here: Super Lube silicone lubricating grease, is also a good choice. Greases are available, but oil-based silicone lubricants are by far the most popular. Most silicone lubricants are silicone oils. Silicone lubricants are a popular choice as they are readily available, non-toxic, and easy-to-use. It is generally made with lithium soap and some other mixture of oil and additives. Lithium grease, referred to as white lithium grease, is another lubricant commonly applied to 3D printer rods and guide rails. The Super Lube we use on our printers, seen here: Super Lube with PTFE, is usually quite affordable and also contains PTFE.Īnother type of lubricant often containing PTFE is Lithium Grease lubricant. The particles helps to prevent corrosion (rust) and wear from friction. The PTFE particle containing in Super Lube adheres to any surface the oil comes into contact with.
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The most popular brand of PTFE lubricant that is often used amongst the 3D printing industry is known as Super Lube, an ISO grade synthetic lubricant with multi-purpose applications. Drag coefficients is a measure of how high or low the surface friction of a compound is. PTFE has one of the lowest drag coefficients of all the available lubricants and is suitable for both plastic-on-metal as well as metal-on-metal contacts. PTFE lubricants are available in oil,ĭepending on the particular requirements, any or all of the above 3 form lubricants can be used. Such as threaded rods for X, Y or Z axis. PTFE lubricantĪlso known as TEFLON) lubricants are the ideal lubricant for 3D printer parts Best lubricants to use and the parts of the 3D printer to use them on: 1. Of the way, let’s look at the different types of lubricants that do work. Use on 3D printers has been known to cause irreparable damage to rods beingĮaten away over time due to excessive misuse of this multi-product. It is designed to eat through rust and inhibit further rusting. WD-40 is more akin to a solvent, and NOT a proper lubricant. The ideal choice shouldīend towards lightness for smooth movement under load. Printers then, a goldilocks solution becomes necessary. Whereas a light lubricant is great for movement, but itĭoes not provide the same sort of protection as a heavy lube does. However, heavier lubricants also have a tendency Lubricant would create a thicker barrier between the contact layers and would How it affects smooth movement of the parts.
The other lubricant hungry parts are the X-Y guide-rails for the print-head and print bed, as well as the bearings fastened along the railings for movement.Īlmost all consumer 3D printers have a metal-on-metal contact on the Z-axis between the rod itself and the nut. Most important of all, is the Z-axis threaded rod and nut used to move the print-head in terms of height from the print bed.