i3 y axis to threaded leadscrew with radial bearings 'nut'

thingiverse

I'll continue working on this project once I've uploaded all the source files, but it won't be anytime soon due to its complex array of OpenSCAD scripts combined together in one go. Perhaps the easiest way out is just zipping the entire folder. My aim with this project was to convert my Y axis from a large i3 printer, which measures 1m in its Y dimension, into a leadscrew setup. I had initially wanted to opt for a strong enough belt but it proved too expensive so I decided to go the leadscrew route instead. My inspiration came from threadless ball-screw designs, however I needed to use threaded screws for this particular project, which required modifying the bearings accordingly. This setup is designed specifically for six 3-id and 10-od by 4-height bearings (I couldn't quite find out their ID). The instructions are straightforward. First print two "8mm threaded rod_675_24.stl" files and assemble them together using six of the above-mentioned bearings along with another part called "y-ballscrew_imitation.stl". You'll also need ten 10mm rods, commonly found in the i3 printer parts section. You must print out one more file named "idler_y_bearing_mount.stl" which acts as an additional center post to keep everything firmly in place. Mount this new rod part just between two of the ten mm threaded rod parts where you'll locate your motor, a pair of 7200 bearings measuring ten by thirty by nine in dimensions, and the aforementioned nuts that serve as bearings mounts. Attach the motor to the lead screw assembly with coupler after finishing the process. For those who may be wondering why this Y leadscrew uses such a strong motor, my reasoning was straightforward: nema23 high speed motors are needed to achieve reasonable printing speeds, especially when it comes down to finer details.