--- title: Quarterly slug: hardware/m3-maintenance-quarterly description: Quarterly maintenance. Ensure your M3/M3 Max printer operates at peak performance with our essential maintenance guide. Learn the importance of regular upkeep, proper tools, and safe handling practices to prevent hardware damage and reduce downtime. docTags: createdAt: 2025-02-05T18:09:39.964Z --- Perform these maintenance actions every three months: - [Pneumatic Inlet Moisture Check](docId\:I4ZwPQP1_lmxCq4acRCQk) - [Replace Intake Filter](docId\:I4ZwPQP1_lmxCq4acRCQk) *** :::hint{type="info"} Put on CLEAN GLOVES before proceeding. ::: # Prepare Printer for Servicing 1. Power Printer Down 2. Open Service Door 3. Shut Off Air Supply ::::::WorkflowBlock :::::WorkflowBlockItem **Power Printer Down** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem - Press power switch to the **off position** ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-WnYwsQO4SHXPT0LQNEWH3-20240823-093455.jpg) ::: :::: ::::: :::::WorkflowBlockItem **Open Service Door** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem - Locate the access lock hole on the left side of the printer - Insert an **8 mm allen wrench** into the hole and turn an **1/4 of a turn clockwise** - DO NOT turn counter-clockwise - The door will release open ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-snSYJRTI2qHrTpsOms2sT-20240823-093510.gif) ::: :::: ::::: :::::WorkflowBlockItem **Shut Off Air Supply** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem The printer's air supply must be shut off to depressurize the system for servicing related sub-systems. - Engage the quick disconnect fitting and pull off the air hose. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-pBEdjIt5QngovGm7OIFxO-20240823-093629.png) ::: :::: :::hint{type="info"} If you used the minimum clearance printer position, you might need to move your printer forward to reach the air hose. In this case, review the Position and Level Printer section of [M3/M3 Max Printer Startup](docId\:cUc-4ICE6KvrrgvJRfxrJ) to lift the leveling feet for repositioning, replace the printer in position, and re-level the feet after servicing. ::: ::::: :::::: # Pneumatic Inlet Moisture Check Compressed air is essential to the printer's operation to clamp down the cassette and platform as well as operating the tracks that lift the platform up and down. The pneumatic inlet filter captures moisture from the air compressor. Portable air compressors in particular may capture enough moisture to require emptying the filter's compartment. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-fewQjDPL-eedOCdnsiTYm-20240822-121836.png) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem **Locate the Pneumatic Inlet Filter** The filter is located on the left-hand printer frame, about one third down between the deck and floor. *Serviceable parts are denoted with an **orange** sticker.* ::: :::: ::embed[]{url="https://player.vimeo.com/video/654738205?dnt=1"} :::ExpandableHeading{isOpen="true"} **Video Text** 1\. Place a cup below the inlet cylinder 2\. Check the moisture level \- Inlet cylinder contains water 3\. Open drain valve \- Twist valve clockwise to open 4\. Fully drain cylinder of water 5\. Close drain valve \- Twist valve counter-clockwise to close **6. Make sure inlet valve is tightly closed** - Twist valve closed with a blue towel to catch drips and secure tightly ::: ## Troubleshooting Pneumatic Air Inlet Filter If air hissing is heard and / or there are any alerts displayed on the printer screen related to pneumatic system pressure, **check that the drain valve was fully closed**. # Replace Intake Filter ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-vfxptTOo90_gUvejJKCmk-20240822-122157.jpg) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem The intake filter must be replaced every 3 months for the printer to operate efficiently. A [MERV 8 rated filter](https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-merv-rating) is required (14 x 18 x 1 inch). ::: :::: ::::::WorkflowBlock :::::WorkflowBlockItem **Locate the intake filter** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem **The intake filter** is at the bottom of the frame of the printer. *Serviceable parts are denoted with an **orange** sticker.* ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-KAecC_gyuP_kOM5kHQAsW-20240822-122352.jpg) ::: :::: ::::: :::::WorkflowBlockItem **Remove the metal cover** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem Unscrew the bolts with an 8 mm hex wrench. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-NCWE9f8IWdVe8qtRbkRhy-20240822-122535.png) ::: :::: ::::: :::::WorkflowBlockItem **Remove the old filter** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem 1. Remove metal cover and set aside with the screws. 2. Pull out old filter. 3. Discard the dirty filter in the regular waste bin. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO--DzG2T1BCXhs9747wZGJh-20240822-122543.png" size="98" width="1078" height="1080" position="center" caption="3. Remove old filter" alt="3. Remove old filter" showCaption="true"} ::: :::: ::::: :::::WorkflowBlockItem **Insert new filter** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem 1. Note date replaced for reference with a sharpie. 2. Ensure arrow on filter is facing in upward direction. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-7UjonwepoJW2er0ysyRVv-20240822-122652.png) ::: :::: ::::: :::::WorkflowBlockItem **Replace metal cover** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem 1. Replace the metal cover and use the screws to secure it. Tighten the screws to slightly more than hand tight. - Ensure the cover's flanges face inwards (otherwise the service door won't close.) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-Q-xOb43LCgMh4jxsLrmmr-20240822-122701.png) ::: :::: ::::: :::::: :::hint{type="warning"} The printer does not have intake filter detection. The light engine in the printer will fail sooner if a filter is not installed. ::: # Return Printer to Operation 1. Close service door 2. Power printer back on 3. Restore system power 4. Re-connect air supply ::::::WorkflowBlock :::::WorkflowBlockItem **Close service door** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem - **Press door shut firmly**, as you would a car door, until the latch clicks; insufficient force can result in a partial latch. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1738721951/Education/Hardware/M3-M3-Max-printer/maintenance/Service_Door_Close_square_v01.01_800x.gif) ::: :::: ::::: :::::WorkflowBlockItem **Power printer back on** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem - Press power switch to the **on position.** ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-76_CwgY4sDzfUbeUw7XZo-20240823-094636.jpg) ::: :::: ::::: :::::WorkflowBlockItem **Restore system power** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem - Press **Restore system power **on the touchscreen to power on all hardware sub-systems for operation ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-tmnxLOpEogMVoagbZSvnO-20240823-094741.jpg) ::: :::: ::::: :::::WorkflowBlockItem **Re-connect air supply** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem - Engage the quick disconnect fitting and push on the air hose. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/xcOI3p6O5jO0MVhoHv9rO-iFFQOSg-POeOU3ULfCyj4-20240823-094831.png) ::: :::: ::::: ::::::