12. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT! Cleaning and lubrication should only be conducted while the extruder and built plate
are cold. Please allow the CraftBot 3D printer to cool down at least 30 minutes before cleaning or
maintenance.
CLEANING
Clean the metal housing of the CraftBot by wiping with a damp cloth.
Cleaning the build plate
Remove the build plate by unscrewing the 2 white screws located in the front of the plate. Clean the
plate with window cleaner. Wipe clean with a dry cloth or paper towel.
LUBRICATING
The CraftBot printer should be lubricated at least once after every 50 hours of use or every 6 months.
Tools needed for lubrication:
• PTFE based spray lubricant or grease
• 2 separate lint-free rags or thicker stronger paper towels
• personal protection such as gloves and safety glasses/goggles
• lighting to see the interior of the CraftBot correctly (lamp)
1. Move the build plate and the extruder to the „Home” position – see chapter 13 for more information.
2. Once the extruder and bed are in the home position, turn the CraftBot printer o and unplug it
from the electrical outlet.
3. If you look beneath the build plate you will see three rods that run vertically in which the build
platform moves up and down on. The two outside rods are smooth and the center rod is threaded.
These three rods are known as the “Z-axis rods”.
4. Place a folded paper towel or a lint-free rag behind the center rod. This rag is used to protect
other areas of the printer from any overspray that may occur.
5. LUBRICATE ONLY THE PARTS RECOMMENDED IN THIS MANUAL!
6. Spray the threaded Z-axis rod at a relatively close distance to reduce overspray. Make sure the
lubricant reaches the inside of every thread (if using grease, spread with hand wearing gloves).
7. Make sure not to overlubricate, spray only the minimum required amount!
8. Do not spray the other two rods directly! Spray the towels and wipe it onto the rods.
9. Remove the rag from the CraftBot interior.
10. Plug in and power up the CraftBot and move the build plate to the lowest point (“Axes” menu,
home position and then go to the directional menu and press the Z down arrow until the bed
reaches the lowest point).
11. Turn the CraftBot printer o and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
12. Place a second clean rag on top of the heated build plate to protect the components and Kapton
from any overspray.
13. Repeat the process for the top side of the Z-axis rods the same as you performed on the bottom
side: protective rag behind threaded rod, spray, wipe excess lubricant on other two outside rods.
14. Power up the CraftBot once again and raise the build plate back up to the highest position (set the
X, Y and Z to the home position).
15. Turn the CraftBot printer o and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
16. Wipe any excess lubricant o from the bottom side of the Z-axis rods.
17. Power up your CraftBot once again and move the build plate back to the lowest point.
18. Turn the CraftBot printer o and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
19. Wipe any excess lubricant o from the top side of the Z-axis rods.
20. Power up the CraftBot once again and raise the build plate back up to the highest position.
21. Turn the CraftBot printer o and unplug it from the electrical outlet. The motors will now disengage
so that you can move the extruder freely by hand.