Hi,
I’m a bit confused since I found conflicting information about lubrication the K1C axis. The manual states to lubricate all 3 axis, however online I’ve found information that says not to lubricate the x-axis since it’s a self-lubricating graphite bearing. Same question goes for the y-axis, I’m not sure if there’s lubrication from the factory or not, so should I lubricate it? Is there any definitive information about this?
When you received your K1C you should’ve received a tube of metal grease (I’m under the impression this is lubrication). In my opinion there’s nothing wrong with greasing the axis and its more an issue of personal preference than actual maintenance guidelines. If you feel as if they need lubrication, then lubricate then, the absolute worst that can happen is there’s extra lubrication? Which lets be real…has that EVER hurt anyone?
Some light lithium grease or even 3in1 oil, sewing machine oil. All good just make sure you remove the build plate when lubricating, anything like that will screw that up and is hard to clean. lubricating the linear rails and z leadscrews, give them a good clean before re-lubricating. I try to do mine once a month.
That’s true for most bearings, unless they self-lubricating. The grease will interact with the graphite which is there to lubricate the axis as far as I understand. And from what I could find online, the x-axis is self-lubricating. You can even order new graphite bushings online for the K1C.
Graphite grease is another useful lubricant, which I don’t think should bother self lubricating bushes.
Personally, I use a Molybond grease for most bearings and such.
Cheers.
Is the metal grease tube the lubricant i can use?
@Radical_Data Good idea actually, adding graphite to graphite should be fine.
@optix For everything but the x-axis
I’m using super lube 21030 for the z-axis and EP2 grease for the y-axis. x-axis just cleaning it should be fine.
излишек смазки на осях x и у приводит к ухудшению качества печати и графика шейпингов
Все давно исследовано, х и у смазывать любым жидким маслом, как для швейных машинок, z-можно комплектной смазкой. Жидкого масла по капле на валы и погонять каретку, предварительно надо удалить старую смазку
I don’t speak russian, as most people here don’t. This is a google translation of @denya35a answers:
Excessive lubricant on the x and y axes leads to deterioration in print quality and shaping graphics.
Everything has been researched for a long time, x and y can be lubricated with any liquid oil, as for sewing machines, z can be lubricated with a complete lubricant. Drop liquid oil onto the shafts and drive the carriage, first remove the old grease.
Интересный. Спасибо. Я этого не знал. Печатаю уже около 3-4 месяцев.
Thank you for the translation. You are a hero
To lubricate a K1C, always use the manufacturer-recommended lubricants and follow the specified intervals. Apply the lubricant evenly to moving parts to reduce friction and wear. Regular lubrication ensures smooth operation, extends service life, and prevents breakdowns.
I am relatively new to owning a printer and have to ask my peers at Leicester hackspace who are far more knowledgeable than I.
I tried using the calibration cube and found the X&Y axis to be out, I took the printer to be looked at by my peers. I had greased the X&Y axis with the supplied grease, this had caused the Y axsis to bind causing the discrepancy, several cleans with cotton buds and Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) freed it a little. This morning I used some sewing machine oil , this has cleaned it more, the axis is now free and the cube is within .08mm square.
Hello! Here is my experience with lubrication: Y axis: lubricate it with the grease Creality provides; X axis: do not lubricate; however, my machine came rom factory (2024) with this axis greased. Recently I cleaned it with isopropil alcohol, then I used a very little drop of PTFE Super Lube on the rods. The ressonances graphic got better with a cleaner ressonance peak. Then I changed the original springs on the toolhead that locks in the upper sleeve by softer springs, by cutting in half some of these cheap pen springs. Then the X axis ressonance was really clean of vibrations. Sharing the graphics so you can check it for yourselfs. Of course, my printer already has the 20t pulley from factory.
Thanks good information. I settled for superlube for the z-axis and ep2 grease for the y-axis. The x-axis should indeed just be cleaned, but not lubricated.
