How to Clean Linear Rails

When you buy linear rails you should always wash them in a solvent to remove dried grease or anti-rust compounds that the factory applies.

Using a small bath is an easy, quick and effective way to clean the rails.

Full demo on YouTube

Supplies

• 3D printed bath, the STLs are on Printables at https://www.printables.com/model/252814-linear-rail-bath-clean-your-linear-rails This bath is sized for 150mm MGN7 linear rails but it can be scaled up for larger rails.
• Isopropyl alcohol (or other degreaser)
• Paper towel

The bath is sized for 150mm MGN7 linear rails, typically fitted to Voron 0.1 3D printers, but it can be scaled up for larger rails. You can scale up the length of the bath in a slicer if you have a longer rail. Or even scale it up in both dimensions for wider rails too.

Step 1: Print the Bath

Instructions for printing are on Printables https://www.printables.com/model/252814-linear-rail-bath-clean-your-linear-rails

There's also a small funnel in the files that you can print out if you need to pour the isopropyl alcohol into a bottle afterways.

The bath fits 150mm MGN7 rails typically fitted to Voron 0.1 3D printers.

Step 2: Wash the Rail

Put rail in the bath, add IPA, then slide the carriage back and forth at least 10 times. It's amazing how smooth rails are afterwards.

Step 3: Lubricate the Carriage

Be careful taking the rail out of the bath, the carriage can now very easily slide off the end of the rail. Easiest is to tip the carriage out sideways onto paper towel as you see in the picture.

Dry off the rail and carriage. Any remaining isopropyl alcohol will evaporate off after a short while.

Apply your preferred lubricant to the carriage. This is important as all grease will have been removed and it'll be thirsty for some nice clean grease!