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If you are new to the wide world of physical printing, you may wonder how to clean a 3D printer. Some of the best printers, after all, are 3D printers, and these models use resin and various filaments that require cleaning. So why clean the best 3D printers, and what are some tips to ensure a safe and thorough cleaning process? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Once you learn how to fix a 3D printer, you realize just how important cleaning and maintenance are. Learning how to clean a 3D printer bed and related components is crucial for keeping the appliance properly maintained. With a clean printer before you, the world is your oyster, so go ahead and learn how to 3D print on fabric and related materials.
Insider Tip
Make sure to give the various components plenty of time to dry before creating a new 3D model.
Additionally, learning to clean a printer will give you an inside look into how the printer actually works, helping with repairs later on. In other words, you will be better equipped to learn how to change a 3D printer nozzle, among other simple maintenance tasks, once you learn how to clean a printer.
There is no way to sugarcoat this. 3D printers are complicated bits of technology, and no one unit is exactly similar to another. There is no universal cleaning process to handle every printer out there, though some useful tips apply to nearly every printer.
No matter the printer, your first step is to remove any obvious debris and dust. Use a microfiber cloth here to wipe away dust and try to keep it away from other parts of the printer. As for debris, if you can see it, scoop it up and discard it.
STAT: The nozzle is so important because it affects a printer’s extrusion, and if it is not working properly, it can lead to a host of printing problems. (source)
The various nozzles and moving components of your printer make for attractive cleaning targets, but don’t forget the print bed. This surface is where the object rests as it is being built, so the bed attracts all kinds of dirt and grime. Use a bit of isopropyl alcohol to wipe down this bed, but read the instructions first to see if you can use alcohol.
Each printer is unique, so read the manual to find out any exceptions as to what can and cannot be used to clean the appliance.
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