Machine Maintenance
Digital fabrication practice unfolds across manuals, datasheets, forums, and other community resources. The decreasing cost of machines like fused filament fabrication (FFF, synonymous with FDM) 3D printers has resulted in an increasing
number of practitioners purchasing commercial equipment for personal use. Consequently, machine owners are
independently responsible for performing maintenance routines historically performed by technicians and process
experts. Machine maintenance stands as a critical yet understudied site of fabrication practice.
Abbreviated findings from a qualitative study of 3D printer maintenance is presented in p5.fab-- extended discussion of these concepts is ongoing!