HyperCube LM8UU Bearing Clamp

thingiverse

This is a bearing clamp designed specifically for the X Axis of the HyperCube Core XY Printer from Tech2C (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1752766). When used in conjunction with the 8mm XY Joiners (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1768619), these clamps allow you to utilize readily available 8mm linear rods in the X axis. I remixed the "dual_bushing_holder" part of Tech2C's HyperCube Core XY printer, as I was unable to locate a suitable 10mm aluminum tube that was anodized and affordable. In the United States, metric materials can be difficult to find and expensive. The RepRap movement has made it easier for me to source 8mm linear rods. What you need: QTY 6: M3-0.5 x 25mm QTY 6: M3-0.5 nyloc nuts This is a work in progress, as I have not yet finished building the HyperCube printer. I have printed these clamps and used them to secure LM8UU bearings to the X carriage, but further testing with Igus bushings is required. The uploaded pictures are of a hastily cleaned-up part, so they may appear rough. Function was prioritized over aesthetics, as my ALunar printer is currently in disrepair. Once I have a working HyperCube printer, I will reprint and upload higher-quality images. Update 9/15/16: This part requires six 25mm M3 screws in the X axis, whereas the original HyperCube design calls for 20mm M3 screws. Here's why this change was necessary: the mounting tabs had to be thicker than those in the "dual_bushing_holder" part. This is because an LM8UU bearing has a larger diameter than the SF-1 bushing used in the Tech2C design, causing the shell to be closer to the screw holes. Without sufficient clearance for a nut, thinner tabs would be inadequate. From a mechanical perspective, thicker tabs may also provide added strength, which is beneficial since they have increased torque applied due to clamping force required to secure the LM8UU bearing. Update 9/26/16: My 8mm rails and Igus bushings have arrived. I've assembled the X gantry and carriage, and everything lines up perfectly with zero play in the X carriage. Once I receive the remaining parts, I'll post pictures of the completed machine. Print Settings Printer Brand: RepRap Printer: ALunar Prusa Mendel i3 Rafts: Doesn't Matter Supports: Doesn't Matter Resolution: .2 mm Infill: 100% Notes: I printed this in PETG with a brim, but it's likely unnecessary. You'll need to print two of these clamps if you're planning to use an 8mm linear rod for both X axis rails. How I Designed This: I imported Tech2C's STL file of the dual_bushing_holder part into Sketchup and modified it to create this design. I've included my .SKP file, allowing others to modify my design further if desired.