ABS, PLA best compatible lubrications.
Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 7:38 am
I have alot of prints with moving parts. I was wondering if anyone else has experiemted with different lubrications for plastic-ON-plastic parts?
I have tried a few.
WD-40 - God awful and generally I do not encourage it's use on ANYTHING. It is more of a solvant based cleaner than fitting well into the lubrication definition.
CandleWax - The type that is fairly soft at room temps. It seemed to be a decent choice and did not seem to react with the plastics (PLA or ABS)
Moovit - I am uncertain of it's long term affect on plastic. I think it is harmful. Great for parts as they move, but not so great overcomming the initial "stick" of plastic before letting go and moving.
Lithium Grease - Untested, supposed to be non-reactive.
Automotive Grade Silicon spray (not grease) - seemed to be entirely useless. Perhaps even counter productive to lubrication.
ID Millenium Glide Silicon lubricant - Yes, that type, bought at adult type stores. NOT THE WATER BASED VARIANT! I was hesitant to list it here, however it is by far the best I have tested so far. PLA-TO-PLA it elminated almost all start stick and movement was dramatically improve and seem to prevent the plastic from heating and therefor melting and seizing up. It however will leave a slippery coating on anything and can only be removed with soap and water.
Graphite dust - Worked nearly as well as the above but has the unfortunate side affect of being a black messy powder that get onto everything and is difficult to remove from every little crack and scratch in your plastic. Ruining it color with dirty dust. For interior moving components never to be seen, sealed gearbox for instance it may be the optimal choice so far however.
Please feel free to contribute anything you may have tested.
I have tried a few.
WD-40 - God awful and generally I do not encourage it's use on ANYTHING. It is more of a solvant based cleaner than fitting well into the lubrication definition.
CandleWax - The type that is fairly soft at room temps. It seemed to be a decent choice and did not seem to react with the plastics (PLA or ABS)
Moovit - I am uncertain of it's long term affect on plastic. I think it is harmful. Great for parts as they move, but not so great overcomming the initial "stick" of plastic before letting go and moving.
Lithium Grease - Untested, supposed to be non-reactive.
Automotive Grade Silicon spray (not grease) - seemed to be entirely useless. Perhaps even counter productive to lubrication.
ID Millenium Glide Silicon lubricant - Yes, that type, bought at adult type stores. NOT THE WATER BASED VARIANT! I was hesitant to list it here, however it is by far the best I have tested so far. PLA-TO-PLA it elminated almost all start stick and movement was dramatically improve and seem to prevent the plastic from heating and therefor melting and seizing up. It however will leave a slippery coating on anything and can only be removed with soap and water.
Graphite dust - Worked nearly as well as the above but has the unfortunate side affect of being a black messy powder that get onto everything and is difficult to remove from every little crack and scratch in your plastic. Ruining it color with dirty dust. For interior moving components never to be seen, sealed gearbox for instance it may be the optimal choice so far however.
Please feel free to contribute anything you may have tested.