--- title: Maintenance slug: hardware/m3-maintenance description: 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: 2024-07-02T16:28:07.614Z --- # Overview Like all equipment, the **M3 / M3 Max printer **needs regular maintenance to remain in good working condition. :::hint{type="warning"} Adjusting, removing, reconfiguring, or otherwise tampering with any printer components that are not explicitly flagged for user maintenance in this course is strongly discouraged, as it can lead to hardware damage and prolonged and costly periods of machine downtime. If you have any questions about what is and is not off-limits, please contact [Carbon Support.](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com) ::: Click the links below to see the maintenance information for each time period. - [As Needed](docId:95v1V7wPbn-4G9ueU-LyH) - [Weekly](docId\:iMUK_y8KlPC7qPxkU6YyK) - [Monthly](docId\:ZfgT6dGBrGDUsj0_ZsWUk) - [Quarterly](docId\:I4ZwPQP1_lmxCq4acRCQk) ## Tool and Supplies Needed for Maintenance - Plan on a **clean change of gloves** to begin all maintenance tasks. - Reference the [Accessories & Supplies](docId:95TwE3ttL-5ihI6dNl4XI) page for sourcing options of items | **Weekly** | **Monthly** | **Quarterly** | **As Needed** | | --------------------------------------------------------- | ----------- | ----------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | Foam Insert
*`or aluminum foil`* | | 8 mm allen wrench | 8 mm allen wrench | | IPA
*`99% Isopropanol`* | | Cup
*`to capture water`* | Silicone spatula | | Large swabs | | Intake filter | Brillianize
*`or other anti-static acrylic cleaner`* | | 8 mm allen wrench | | 3 mm allen wrench | Polyester polishing cloths | | Blue shop towels | | Sharpie | Novus polishing kit | | Brillianize
*`or other anti-static acrylic cleaner`* | | | IPA
*`99% Isopropanol`* | | Polyester polishing cloths | | | Blue shop towels | :::hint{type="info"} You will need some items from the **M3 / M3 Max PM Parts Kit **that was included with the initial printer delivery. The items in the PM Parts Kit are listed below. - Apply the [touchscreen protector](docId\:cUc-4ICE6KvrrgvJRfxrJ) during installation and setup. - Use the provided [intake filter](docId\:I4ZwPQP1_lmxCq4acRCQk) for your first quarterly maintenance. You will be responsible for purchasing new filters every 3 months. - Set aside and store the remaining items for Carbon's Field Service Engineers to replace in your next preventive maintenance (PM) visit. Carbon will also ship these items ahead of subsequent PM visits. ::: ![M3 / M3 Max PM Spare Parts Kit](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Site_Prep/General_Site_Prep/Equipment-Accessories/Included-Subscription/M3-PM-Spare-parts-kit.png) | **#** | **Item** | **Quantity** | | ----- | -------------------------- | ------------ | | 1 | Particulate filter | 1 | | 2 | Touchscreen protector kit | 1 | | 3 | Pneumatic inlet filter | 1 | | 4 | Kit box | 1 | | 5 | Intake filter (MERV 8) | 1 | :::hint{type="info"} The printer should be in a **Ready to Print **state, in the homed position for all maintenance. :::