Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the Z-axis ball screw and bearing sleeve. Without regular maintenance, this buildup may lead to visible layer lines, reduced print quality, or even mechanical issues like binding or jamming. Routine cleaning and lubrication ensure smooth operation, extend the life of your printer, and improve printing consistency.
In this guide, we'll show you how to properly clean and lubricate the Z-axis components, including the bearing sleeve and lead/ball screw.
Recommended Supplies
- Microfiber cloth
- Non-reactive nitrile gloves
- Lithium-based grease
- Recommended lubricants (see below)
Choosing the Right Lubricant for Your 3D Printer
Consult the list below for further information on which lubricant is most suitable for your printer.
| Printer / Lubricants | WD-40 Specialist® Dry Lube with PTFE | SUPER LUBE® Synthetic Oil with PTFE | Shell_Alvania Grease S 2 | REACH_151 EP Lithium Grease |
| Sonic LS+ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
| Sonic CS+ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
| Lumii | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
| Sonic XL 4K Plus | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||
| Sonic 4K | ⬤ | ⬤ |
Recommended Lubricants
For optimal performance, we recommend the following lubricants, all suitable for Z-axis ball screws and bearing sleeves:
| Lubricant | Description | Notes |
| Shell Alvania Grease S 2 | High-quality lithium grease for ball screws. Provides long-lasting lubrication and reduces friction. | Suitable for high and low temperature applications. |
| REACH_151 EP Lithium Grease | Premium lithium grease designed for wear protection and smooth operation. | Commonly used for ball screws in machinery. |
| WD-40 Specialist® Dry Lube with PTFE | PTFE-based lubricant that reduces friction and leaves no oily residue. | Suitable for T8 lead screws only. |
| SUPER LUBE® Synthetic Oil with PTFE | PTFE-enhanced synthetic oil that protects against wear and rust. | Suitable for T8 lead screws only. |
⚠️ Avoid lubricants with rust removal properties. Do not mix lubricant types (e.g., WD-40 3-in-1 Lube with WD-40 Dry Lube with PTFE) as it can lead to inconsistent performance or damage.
Cleaning and Lubricating the Z-axis
Preparation
- Turn off your printer and unplug it from the power source.
- Remove the resin vat and building plate.
Clean the Ball Screw and Bearing Sleeve
- Use a dry microfiber cloth or paper towel to wipe away dust and debris from the ball screw and bearing sleeve.
- If necessary, use alcohol on the cloth for a deeper clean.
⚠️ Note: Do not spray alcohol directly on components.
Apply Lubricant
- Put on nitrile gloves to avoid contaminating components.
- Apply a small amount of the recommended lubricant evenly onto the z-axis screw.
- Move the z-axis up and down manually to spread the lubricant evenly.
- Wipe away any excess lubricant with a dry cloth.
Reassemble the Printer
- Reinstall the building plate and resin vat.
- Plug in the printer and power it on.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Routine cleaning and lubrication help prevent:
- Layer line artifacts
- Z-axis binding or jamming
- Unnecessary wear on the ball screw and bearing sleeve
This maintenance extends the lifespan of your Sonic LS+ printer and ensures consistent, high-quality prints.
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