3D Printed Linear Rail

thingiverse

Since deciding to build a Dollo3D for myself, I've been eager to test how far one can get with 3D printed parts. One of the biggest challenges with Dollo has been the Z-axis, so I've had to resort to using metallic lead screws for now. However, I didn't want to buy linear rails, I wanted to print them. Also, I wanted the rail setup to be extensible, even though the lead screw isn't (yet). So I came up with this setup where the slide has a kind of spring mechanism so tolerances don't need to be 100%. Also, it slides quite easily, making it a good option for Z-axis rails as they usually don't move that fast. I've been running four ~50cm beams for something like six months now and the setup is still going strong. Even with not-so-straight lead screws, the prints are coming out great regarding the Z-axis. Lubricant is strongly advised; I use PTFE-based spray. There are of course things to improve, like the joint between the rail parts and maybe making the parts smaller in diameter. Work in progress.