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I need to transport my FDM 3D Printer because I am moving.

What are the precautions that one should take?
Should I dismount the motors and axes?
I would definitively unplug the electronics as far as reasonable and fix the motors to the frame so they don't slide during transport.
Should I have a housing to avoid dust and other mechanical issues?

kamuro
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3 Answers3

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Yes, fix the motors and any other loose/movable parts. Remove the bowden tube if it's there, and any other parts that are sticking out. Put the whole thing in a a bag to protect from dust, and put the bag in a box to protect it from getting beat up. Remember to calibrate it when you're ready to set it up again.

Dampmaskin
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Transporting a 3D printer does not require special precautions.

Obviously you should package it to protect it from damage (but this depends on the mode of transportation and how sturdy your printer is; if you are just placing it in the back of your car with no chance of it bumping in to anything, no packaging is required at all).

It might be wise to secure the carriage(s) in place so they can't move around, but I would definitely not bother with unplugging anything (apart from the mains power, naturally). Leaving the motors plugged in means they will provide some holding torque, which might be advantageous to keep your axes from sliding around.

Dust is not too great of a concern, as 3D printers can handle it (to some degree) thanks to the seals included on linear bearings.

Tom van der Zanden
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You just need to take basic security actions. like fixing all movable parts simple as that

Dan Boyko
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