Bambu Lab X1C: Best Practices and Products for Maintenance

Bambu Lab X1 Series Bambu Lab X1-Carbon
1

Introduction

In this study, we will cover the essential maintenance practices for the Bambu Lab X1C 3D printer. Regular maintenance of this machine is crucial to ensure optimal performance and extend its lifespan. This document aims to provide a detailed checklist for maintenance tasks and explore the best practices and recommended products for each task. Finally, we will seek feedback from the community to evaluate the effectiveness of the products used and discuss the potential consequences of improper maintenance.

The information presented here is based on the maintenance guidelines provided by Bambu Lab and widely debated community discussions online Bambu Lab X1 Maintenance Recommendation.

Part 1: Inspection Points and Maintenance Procedures
1. Cleaning the Carbon Rod

Procedure:
    Move the print head to clear the carbon rod.
    Use a clean cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to clean the rod.

Frequency:
    Perform this operation monthly or after 100 hours of printing.

Instructions:
    Repeat the cleaning until the cloth shows no more black residues.
    Ensure the isopropyl alcohol has completely dried before turning the printer back on.

2. Lubrication of Chromed Rods

Procedure:
    Apply a drop of sewing machine oil (vaseline oil) on the chromed rods where the ball bearings are located.

Frequency:
    Lubricate every three months or after 200 hours of printing.

Advice:
    Ensure the oil is distributed evenly to avoid excessive accumulation.
    Use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess oil after application.

3. Belt Tensioner Maintenance

Procedure:
    Add a drop of oil to the ball bearings of the belt tensioners.

Frequency:
    Every six months or in case of abnormal noise.

Tip:
    Use a syringe for precise application of the oil.
    Ensure the oil does not come into contact with the belt itself to avoid slipping.

4. Lubrication of Trapezoidal Rods

Procedure:
    Apply (Lucas Oil 10533 White) Lithium Grease on the trapezoidal rods.

Frequency:
    Every six months or when movements become noisy.

Advice:
    Apply a little grease on the trapezoidal rod and move the platform up and down once or twice to spread the grease.
    Caution: Do not use a brush, as it may damage the rod or introduce contaminants.

5. Movement Testing

Procedure:
    Use the printer controls to operate the X, Y, and Z axes.

Objective:
    Ensure that movements are smooth, with no excessive noise or resistance.

Corrective Action:
    If any anomalies are detected, check the lubrication and cleaning points.
    Consult Bambu Lab’s support platform or community forums for further advice if the problem persists.

Part 2: Recommended Products and Lubrication Questions
Lubricant Choices

Sewing Machine Oil (Vaseline Oil):
    Strongly recommended for chromed rods and ball bearings. It provides good wear protection and is easy to apply.

Super Lube 92003 Silicone Lubricating Grease:
    Provided by default for trapezoidal rods. This product offers excellent lubrication and is compatible with many materials. However, using tubes may simplify the application.

Discussion and Feedback (REX)

Objective:
    Gather testimonials on the use of different lubricants and their impact on the machine's longevity.

Key Questions:
    What other products have been tested and recommended by the community?
    Have you observed any negative consequences due to improper lubrication?
    What advice would you give for effective and sustainable maintenance?

Conclusion
Regular and appropriate maintenance of the Bambu Lab X1C 3D printer is essential to ensure its longevity and performance. By following the detailed procedures and using the recommended products, users can minimize wear and maximize the machine’s lifespan. Sharing experiences within the community will contribute to the continuous improvement of maintenance practices.

2 Likes
2

Update.

After discussing with mechanics, the confirmation has been made regarding the choice of greases. I have therefore updated my first post to include this correction.

It is imperative to switch to lithium grease for the trapezoidal rods.

1 Like
3

I like the majority of all the suggested maintenance procedures. I’ve come to notice that the XY Belt tensioners on the other hand can go out of tolerance well before the detection within the sensors and calibration program.

After 3800hrs, what I’ve done to best maintain a quiet and fluid system is to simply perform the tension guidelines on XY if you start hearing any squeaking or abnormal sounds in which they usually go away. If they reappeared after a couple prints then I’d take to the step of lubricating the pulley’s. The belts will naturally wear themselves into a tolerable range of where they won’t squeak or rub from my experience.

I’d differ away from every [six] months as this can also be dependent based on users location [humidity] it’ll all play out on the ambient environment of which the machines located which can change belt tension and pulley bearings quite frequently and faster than anticipated.

  • I also want to add in the fact of checking your Z Belt tensioners. This isn’t viewed as a necessary maintenance step but when it came to VFA’s/Z wobble on print external surfaces, I found out I had a faulty [Z Belt Tensioner Mount] which holds the actual [Adjustable Z Belt Tensioner] from the factory.
  • There’s [1] black M3x4 [I think that’s the size] that holds the tensioner in place by the mount that’s also held with only [3 M2x6] screws which imo were very inadequate for the job of holding the tensioner secure in place with all the motions and vibrations that these machines produce.

The [Frame] that holds the Z Belt Tensioner in place [IS NOT] sold on the store and is not replaceable as stated when contacting support for a replacement - [Customer service WILL offer a purchasable replacement of the Z Belt Tensioner if requested - This item is also not readily available on the Bambu Store front as BL states the item isn’t a worry in regards to maintenance or ever needing to be replaced as of now]

With this please take my advice as you see fit as I’m only stating my opinion. I’ll also add that we’ve worked on a model to supply via MakerWorld that’ll allow users to replace or improve the mounting solution of the [Z Belt Tensioner] and do not have a disclosed timeframe of release.

Not many users look underneath their printers but BL has made changes to the underside of the machines overtime.

1 Like
4

Thank you very much for this feedback.

There are indeed some questionable choices in terms of mechanics. However, I will look into these points during my maintenance checks, even if it means updating the main post to include the particular points you mentioned.

These remarks are important to complete the guide and avoid searching for solutions all over the place. :pray:

For now, on my end, I haven’t been able to continue beyond 70 hours of operation. We don’t know if it’s a sensor drift or a failure of the cooling fan for the cold end of the heating element. I’m waiting for a part in a few days…

I admit that the Bambu store could be better organized. I challenge you to find the right print head, for the right machine, with the right nozzle hardness! A real challenge… :face_with_raised_eyebrow:

Now, I would like to continue maintenance in good conditions, and I will keep documenting my progress.