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I need to lube the lead screw for my 3D printer. I plan on using this grease. I want to know if this will work. There are several other ones like silicone grease, lithium grease, and synthetic grease with PTFE. I am super confused with the pros and cons of each.

Details:

  • I have a metal lead screw and a metal(brass I believe) nut.
  • I am using a Lotmaxx SC-10 printer(similar to Ender 3)
  • I need it to repel dust.

I think it was dry, to begin with. At least I have never greased it before. If I touch it, I feel something on it, but it is super thin and I can barely feel it.

Criggie
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DragonflyRobotics
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1 Answers1

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Personally I put a drop of light machine oil on the lead screw just above the Y gantry between prints, while the head is down. When it prints, the lead screw raises the gantry and the threads spread the oil.

If I was going to do a really tall print, I'd consider adding a little oil higher up the lead screw too where it rarely goes.

A Y axis lead screw is a low speed, low pressure and low temperature application, so anything "slippery" will do, but the dust repelling attribute is important.

Sewing Machine oil, or 3-in-1 oil would be ideal, as would a white lithium grease. You don't want a petroleum grease like in car wheel bearings because it attracts dust and is viscous/heavy, requiring more force to move around.

Singer brand sewing machine oil

Since your existing lead screw is "dry" a wipe with a clean rag should be enough to remove what was there. I would not use degreaser or solvent, and I would also avoid anything that is in a spray can/aerosol because you want to control where it goes, and avoid overspray.

Your nominated du pont lube looks fine too, though out of stock and it seems expensive.

Criggie
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