You finally did it! Whether that is unboxing a Creality K1, setting it up and printing your first Benchy or upgrading to a Bootycall Jones linear rail gantry! You log countless hours (good thing these machines have a way to show you that data) on your K1 and before you hit print you wonder, "Is there anything else that I need to do to keep the machine running well?"
Maybe it's your first time performing a maintenance or maybe you haven't developed a method just yet. For reference, a 3D printer should receive maintenance/service between 250-500 hours or whenever an unusual symptom occurs to prevent outright failure.
No worries, I've been there and I'll run back to that point to meet you so that we can jump that hurdle together.
Since I needed to perform a maintenance on my personal machine, I decided it was best to cover it as a lot of users are approaching the mark where I would typically perform a maintenance. If not, at least any new K1 owners, new to 3D printing can gather the information necessary for when that time arrives.
This machine has been upgraded to the Bootycall Jones linear rail gantry so this will apply to both stock and modified machines. It isn't exactly the Creality method and it isn't entirely dependent on other guides but it is tried and true and has kept my machines in the shape they deserve to be in.
If you have other methods or additional maintenance items/inspections (some users may want to remove the bottom panel and inspect their Z belts and mainboard connections), feel free to leave a comment below to help educate others.
In this video, I detail my personal preference and approach to performing a routine maintenance on a Creality K1. Covering the inspections, tools/materials, cleaning/lubrication, consumable items and maintenance processes.
With the goal of helping you perform your first K1 maintenance or your tenth, this has been a method that works well for my machines and provides great performance and reliable output.
What you'll need:
- Handheld vacuum (Optional but helpful - $30-50)
- Duster & dust pan (Cheapest option to clean material scraps - $3-7)
- Q tips (Great for hard to reach places - $2-5)
- Need It Make It Rod Sloth (Cleans lead screws more efficiently - less than $0.50 for most materials)
https://www.printables.com/model/605305-rod-sloth-fits-most-3d-printers-prusa-bambu-creali
- Paper towel (Any make or brand - $2)
- Microfiber towel (Amazon special, grabbed out of my car detailing supplies, 50 pack - $16)
- Ball-end allen driver set (This is my preference for hard-to-reach hardware - $16)
- West 3D/PF Makes belt tension meter (Optional, Hardware or fully assembled - $10-30)
- Hotend nozzle wrench (Wrenches from your personal toolbox, a 3D printing tool kit or even a manufacturer supplied option for specific hardware - $9-30)
- Mobil 1 Mobilux EP2 grease (For the Bootycall Jones linear rail gantry ONLY, do not apply to your factory linear rods - $11)
- Graphite powder (WARNING: I have not personally used this but due to the graphite bearings, graphite powder is the best option, try at your own discretion - $4)
- Super Lube (Great for lead screws, Y and Z rods in factory/modified application, Mobil 1 Mobilux EP2 was specifically used as I packed my LM8LUU bearings with it prior to install - $12)
- Hobby syringes (Optional but helpful - $9)
- E Z Lube 3D printed adapter for Super Lube tube (Helpful for lead screw application - less than $0.25 for most materials)
https://makerworld.com/en/models/481393#profileId-393165
- Nozzles (Specific to your hotend and preference - $16.50-$30 for a kit in most cases, we're not considering upper echelon nozzles like a Ruby or Diamond tip)
- Derrick Darrell's printhead cover (Best if printed in a high temperature/quality material and if you do not print beyond that material - less than $1 for most materials)
https://makerworld.com/en/models/179297
- PTFE (Dependent on your preference, although a larger ID is intended, I experience no drag with Creality's Ultra Smooth PTFE - $13)
Tuning your belts on a Bootycall Jones linear rail gantry: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7FIkqhcDX6U
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