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To make sure that your print head and build plate can move smoothly at all times, it is advised to lubricate the axles regularly. The smooth axles are lubricated with (sewing machine) oil, and the lead screw of the Z motor must be lubricated with grease.
If the axles feel dry, this can show in your prints as small ridges on surfaces. For optimal performance of your Ultimaker Original, apply some oil to the axles once a month. You can use sewing machine oil for this. This oil was not included in the Ultimaker Original kit, but can be acquired from most hardware stores or from your local Ultimaker reseller.
Apply a small drop of oil to each of the X and Y axles as well as both print head shafts. Manually move the print head around to evenly distribute the oil.
Caution: Do not apply too much oil to the axles, as it might drip from the axles onto the build plate, which will affect print adhesion. If a drop of oil does fall on the build plate, make sure to clean it thoroughly or replace the blue tape before printing.
Tip: The same oil can be applied to the two smooth Z axles at the back of the printer when they feel dry. This is not necessary as frequently as the X and Y axles.
The lead screw is connected to the Z motor and controls the movements of the Z stage. To ensure smooth movement of the Z stage, it is recommended to periodically apply grease to the lead screw.
It is recommended to check the lead screw every six months to a year, depending on the number of printing hours. A small tube of grease was included in the Ultimaker Original kit.
First, wipe the lead screw with a cloth or paper towel to remove as much of the old grease as possible. When the build plate is positioned at the bottom of the printer, apply a small amount of grease to the lead screw, above the build plate cover.
You can move the build plate via the UltiController menu, or simply start a new print. When the build plate moves up, the grease will be distributed over the entire lead screw.
Note: The grease should only be applied to the Z trapezoidal lead screw. Never use grease on the smooth axles of your printer.
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