MakerFarm i3v Z rod support - Improved

thingiverse

This builds upon kkessler's Z axis protectors by adjusting several factors including hole spacing and sizes, enabling a corner radius that matches the MakerFarm style more accurately and providing options for using a bearing. Only one support bracket design is available that can be used on both Z axis threaded rods. A version with mounting provisions for the MakerFarm top-side spool mount will not be provided. The openSCAD file allows customization of many parameters for the support bracket. Three pre-defined STL files are included: Zrod_support_bearing_none.stl, which has no recess for a bearing; Zrod_support_bearing_top.stl, which has a recess for a 625 bearing on what will be the upper side of the support; and Zrod_support_bearing_bottom.stl, which has a recess for a 625 bearing on what will be the lower side of the support. The knob shown in the gallery picture is available from Grainger as #3GFJ3. Instructions Zrod_support_bearing_none.stl features two 5mm diameter holes. Zrod_support_bearing_top.stl includes a recess for a 5x16x5mm 625 type bearing on the upper side of the support bracket. This file needs to be sliced with support enabled so that the bearing recess prints properly. Zrod_support_bearing_bottom.stl has a recess for a 625 bearing on the lower side of the installed support bracket. No support is needed to print this file. Zrod_support.scad is the openSCAD source for the file, and it offers many tailorable factors for custom dimensioning or different bearings. The same support bracket is designed to be used on both threaded rods. The i3v threaded rods should rotate smoothly without wobbling before these are installed. These protectors aim to prevent the threaded rods from getting bent, not for straightening already bent rods.