Hi again, I am about to complete my CNC build (WorkBee) and to this end have been considering which lubricant to use on the leadscrews ... Since I will be milling both aluminum, copper etc., and wood, I reckon it would be feasible with a "dry" lubricant - e.g. graphite or PTFE based. Personally I would prefer a graphite based lubricant since - although not large amounts will be used - it will have virtually no environmental impact. Have people here any experience with graphite (or the like) based dry lubes for the lead screws? Cheers & thanks for considering, Jesper
OpenBuilds recommends silicone lubricant. This is what I use: Shop Blaster 11-oz Silicone Lube at Lowes.com
Hi Scotty, Thanks for your feedback & suggestion + link ... Do you by any chance know why it is recommended to use a silicone lubricant and not something like example this: CK TOOLS KASP MICROFINE DRY LUBE GRAPHITE LOCK LUBRICANT POWDER - 50 Grams 616268302161 | eBay This "lubricant" won't accumulate dust or dirt - and has the advantage of being quite environmentally sound ... Cheers, Jesper
I'm not 100% sure why, but I suspect it has something to do with being the least "abrasive" for the delrin nut-block. They also recommend the silicone for lubricating the wheels against the v-slot. I just opted to follow the recommendations, but perhaps others here have tried other lubes with success.
Hi again Scotty, Thanks once more for your feedback ... I will see what is available over here (Denmark) ... The lubricant you suggested is available from the UK - but only if I buy 12 of them ... an amount which probably will outlive me ... Cheers, Jesper
I think that the reason you don't use graphite, besides being abrasive is that it's powder and doesn't lend itself to cover and stay on a screw that turns. I'm 100% sure that you have some kind of silicone spray in Denmark.
I wonder if some of the products designed for bicycle chains would work. seems to me the requirements are similar. many of those include teflon which I avoid using (especially for disposable items) for environmental reasons, but there are also some that don't. some bike chain lubricants dry to a waxy coating which doesn't attract dust but does stay on the part that needs lubrication. I've recently started using this on my bike: Bio Dry Lube it seems fine although I wouldn't go so far as to say it's the best or better than anything else especially.
@JustinTime & halfshavedyaks: Thanks both of you for suggesting & commenting. As it is I would also prefer to not use PTFE containing lubes for environmental reasons ... and I actually would really prefer to use an environmentally friendly lube, however, for some years I used a 100% bio-degradable chain oil (everything about this oil was either bio-degradable or recyclable) and it happened to dry up in rubbery flakes on the chain. It took me quite some hours of work to get it off again ... So I am a bit cautious here ... Currently I am using this chain lube: Pedros Chainj lube Might be it can be used on the lead screws as well ... Any thoughts anyone?? Cheers, Jesper
Is lubrication a requirement? I have never used it since my anti-backlash nuts are Delrin, which is self lubricating. Or is the lubrication to prevent rusting of the screws?
... Hmmm ... good question. In my case I don't think the screw nuts are delrin - looks like aluminum and I would guess that a lubricant would prolong life time ... Cheers, Jesper
yes it hadn't occurred to me that the screws needed lubricating, but I have the delrin nuts and the screws still have their film of oil from new. my 3D printer Z axis has screws and has never seemed to need lubricating - it has brass nuts - but also much less speed and power is applied than on a workbee.
1) The openbuilds ACME lead screw has either Derlin (POM) or brass nuts according to Openbuilds info on website. 2) The silicone lubricant is mentioned on website for V-Slot and PU wheels, not the leadscrew. Quite different things 3) I think for general use the screw could run without lubrication. But in mt case I will use the linear actuator as a Z axis, meaning all the weight attached to moving plate will act as a load at all times (plus the extra load when moving depending on speed). Also, I need to run the actuator at max speed for 1000 mm long actuator version* which allows to run it at max of 8000 mm/min or 133 mm/s. If I move, say, 4 kg of load resulting in ~40N of total force (maximum is 115N according to datasheet), would I need to lubricate the leadscrew and what grease would be best for stock Derlin/POM nut with stainless steel ACME lead screw? *The actuator is this one: C-Beam® Double Wide Gantry Actuator Bundle, 1000 mm long version and is mounted vertically (Z axis)
Use DRY ptfe or silicone spray (NO oil or grease - that traps dust) on your leadscrews. They do need lubrication, about once per week if in regular use. Alex.
Dust is the least of the worries - oils degrade plastic/delrin/acrylic components! Always use Dry/PTFE lubricant Once a week is excessive though - if you need to do that, something else is wrong (leadnut mounted at an angle or without its spacers, preload set incorrectly, etc)
After cleaning and lubing lead screws on my 3D printer, I still hear some squeaking noises when the bed is moving up and down. The printer has brass nuts. The lead screws are 8mm 2 starts. How can I fix the problem?
Search around. Delrin (POM) nuts in the same style as the brass ones are readily available. You'll just have to wait awhile for them to arrive.
If you need round,4-Pack Durable Silent T8 Lead Screw POM nut Lead 4mm Nuts for Ender 5 Pro Plus 3D Printer, CNC (2mm Pitch 4mm Lead): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific If you need anything else, go to the source. Just look for "Pitch 2mm, Lead 4mm"
