Monthly and Quarterly Maintenance Checks for 3D Printing

Monthly
Check belt tension (should be tight when pressing in the middle, but not too tight. Should be
smooth to move carriage and build plate)
Wipe down smooth rods
Lubricate smooth rods (unless IGUS self-lubricating)
Lubricate threaded rods/rails
Clean fans free of dust (with printer shut down)
Check build surface for cracks/fragmentation/delamination/warping
Clean nozzle and heat block free of plastic
Clean extruder gear free of any filament residue
Check wires are firmly seated

Quarterly
Check set screws on motor pulleys (X, Y, and Z axis)
Check set screws on extruder motor(s)
Check carriage screws
Check frame screws are secure
Check for software/firmware updates
Check wires for any nicks, cuts, tears

~These are only minimum recommendations, and may change with printer heavy printer usage~

Most importantly, don’t forget to tip your favorite 3D designer! It’s not easy, and they work
hard and give away their work for free!