Hi all, what do you use/recommend as smooth rod lubrificant ? How often ?

3D Printing
, , ,
1

Hi all, what do you use/recommend as smooth rod lubrificant ? How often ?

Thanks again.

2

It depends on what runs on those rods. If it’s linear bearings, machine oil. If it’s metal bushings, lithium grease.

They shouldn’t need lubricating very often really, basically do it once and then not again until something happens to remove your lubricant or it sounds/moves like it needs additional lubricating.

3

We use PTFE-containing light oil (Tri-Flow, specifically) and reapply whenever the rods look dry, or after a really long print job. Every now and then they need to have the dust and lint wiped off of them, too.

4

Ultimaker recommend sewing machine oil for their bots. I use a dry Teflon based spray lubricant.

5

I second super lube think i read the same thing as @Matt_Bordoni

6

Lithium grease will last much longer than oils, but unlike PTFE-based lubricants, it’ll hold on to dirt and worn-off particles to some extent.
But generally, anything is better than no lube at all. Unless you’re using WD40, that is. That stuff is a rust remover, not a lubricant.

7

Triple-Flow and wipe the bars after … Say once a month. Ymmv

8

@Tim_Rastall For your information some manufacturers use sewing machine oil in cheap bearings

9

I use white lithium and wipe the bars each month…

10

Super lube ptfe sounds good though, might try it.