Gigabot Maintenance Schedule

Overview

With proper upkeep (using the filament cleaning cloth, cleaning stray plastic off of the nozzle and heater block, etc) the all-metal hot ends can print for thousands of hours without replacement. The part most likely to wear out is the nozzle. If you are printing abrasive materials such as carbon fiber, the nozzle can last up to 30 hours or so before needing replacement. We recommended purchasing our hardened steel nozzle if you are using abrasive materials. Follow this maintenance schedule to ensure a long, productive life for your Gigabot. 

Each time you use your Gigabot:

1. Perform a general inspection of the wiring, belts, print head and print surface.

After the initial 20 hours of print time:

1. Inspect the X and Y belts for proper tension. Belts are, in general, rated to yield a minimum of 3000 hours of useful life.
2. Inspect V-groove wheels for proper tension, and verify there is no slack between the trolley, gantry, or bed platform and the Makerslide rails. (excludes GBX and Terabot)

Once per week:

1. Inspect the X and Y-axis Makerslide and roller wheels for dirt and debris. Wipe with a clean cloth and isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt build-up. (excludes linear rails for Gigabot X and Terabot)
2. Inspect the Z-Axis motor pulleys and threaded rods to ensure that no plastic is caught in them.
3. Verify the Z-axis threaded rods have plenty of grease lubricant.

Every 500 hours / four weeks: 

1. Replace the hot end (GB2 J-Head only).
2. Inspect the belt and V-groove wheel tension. Link
3. Inspect the extruder gears for wear (GB2 only). 
4. Use compressed air to remove dust from the components in the electrical box.

Expected lifetime of moving / wearable items:

1. Extruder= 2500-3000 hrs (GB2 only) Printed Part Files
2. Belts = >9000 hrs
3. Wheel bearings:
   • X and Y-axis = 6000 hrs
   • Z-axis components= >6000 hrs
4. Linear rail guides: indefinite, no lubricating needed
5. Nozzles and all-metal hot end: >2000 hours
   • Cold pulls are useful for clean hot ends and nozzles.

Questions or concerns? Reach out to our support team at support@re:3D.org or open a support ticket.