In this guide we will show you the individual steps for regular maintenance of the Prusa XL.
Introduction
Prusa has already published a guide on this. However, I’ll post my own overview here.
Cleaning
It’s important to keep the moving parts clean. Wipe the linear rails with a clean microfiber cloth every few weeks. Don’t use any cleaning agents. The Z-spindle should also be cleaned regularly. Every few months is sufficient. To do this, you can press a microfiber cloth against the spindle with your hand, then simply lower the heated bed and then raise it again. Just be careful not to squeeze your hand.
The nozzle seals, fans, brushes (mods), and of course the print sheet should also be cleaned regularly.
Use IPA, a vacuum cleaner, or a compressor to clean them. However, remember not to let the fans spin up with airflow. This will create a generator that can damage SMD electronics.
You should also clean the filament sensors from time to time, to prevent false triggering. You can simply blow this out with compressed air or use a small bottle brush.
Greasing and Oiling
First of all, the Prusa XL doesn’t require any oiling. It only requires lubrication.
The grease supplied by Prusa is only used for 2-3 things on the printer:
Greasing the Z-Spindle
The Z-axis leadscrews don’t actually need to be lubricated. I would only do this if it causes the printer to make loud noises. Lower the heatbed all the way down and then back up again. If it doesn’t make any unpleasant noises, you don’t need to grease it. If it does, and as in my case, it squeaks quite loudly, apply some Prusa grease. You can also use a similar grease such as Superlube. There is a printable adapter for the Prusa Tubes for this, but it’s really not necessary. Just put a drop of grease on your finger and then rub the Z-axis leadscrews with it. Then raise and lower the bed a few times. If it still squeaks, repeat the process.
Greasing the Tool-Changer
There are three docking pins on the tool changer on the tool heads. These should also be lightly greased. There’s also a printable part available for this that can be screwed onto the Prusa Tube. This also works with your finger. Just follow this official Prusa guide.
Greasing the Planetary Gear
Prusa claims it’s not necessary to grease it, but it’s already greased by the box. So, after 1-2 years, it’s definitely worth opening it up, cleaning it, and re-lubricating it. You can use this Prusa Mk4 Guide for this, since its basiclly the same. For this you need a printable part called “PG-assembly-adapter.stl”. You can find it here.
While you’re at it, it’s also worth replacing the Nextruder main plate. This is available as a mod and prevents flexible filaments from wrapping around the gears.
Lubricating the Linear Rails
This is a bit special. You can’t use regular lubricant like the one included or Superlube for greasing.
For this, you need MicroLube GL 261. You also need a syringe with a suitable needle. Prusa provides a kit for this.
Perform the lubrication according to this official Prusa guide.
Check the Belt Tension and Alignment
The belt tension and Y-carriage alignment should be checked once or twice a year.
I’ve written a detailed guide on this:
Check Electronics
It’s a good idea to check the electronics for damage every 1-2 years. Especially the connections that carry a lot of current due to heating should be checked for tightness.
If anything is burnt or scorched, do not use the printer until the problem is resolved.
Software & Firmware
Last but not least, regularly check to make sure you’re up to date with the printer’s firmware and the slicer you’re using. There are always bug fixes and improvements for your printer.
