Parametric linear bushing with low-friction (POM/delrin/nylon) filament inserts

prusaprinters

<p>This is a customizable (OpenSCAD code provided) linear bushing in which the low-friction interface is given by inserts of low friction filament. The sliding interface is composed of four filament sections spiralized 90 degrees in order to provide 4-point support and avoiding uneven wear of the rods. The body of the bushing can be printed on any material; I've been using PLA for the body and POM for the sliding interface with great success.</p> <p>Previously, I've tested with 1.75 mm POM filament inserts (https://www.amazon.com/Gizmo-Dorks-Acetal-Filament-Printers/dp/B074VPZPZ5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1535519776&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=pom+filament+1.75) which have been sliding on the carbon fiber tubes of my hypercube 3d printer with great success for almost 8 months already (see my original design: <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2834026">https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2834026</a>). In this present thing I modified my original hypercube-specific solution so it can be configured to make the more universal LMXUU kind of bushings (or really any size you prefer).</p> <p>To make your own bushing you need to open the provided .scad file on OpenSCAD and set the diameter and length values you need (I included in the code comments some standard values for reference). Then cut small segments of 1.75 low-friction filament (POM, acetal, nylon, igus, etc) and insert them in the four slots. Inserting the filament sections in the slots can be tricky. Since I cannot assume every printer tolerances, you'll have to adjust your bushing to your axes by playing with small changes in the variables 'clearance' (in order to ease adjustment to the axis rod) and 'fildia' (to fine tune the size of the slots for the filament sections). This is a try-and-error procedure. I also had success passing a heated rod very quickly inside an assembled bushing, this created a very tight and smooth fit, with virtually no play.</p> <p>I have not tested these bushing to slide in other materials than carbon fiber, but I would assume these bushing should slide well in every rod material where Igus bushings are reported to work.</p> <p>Enjoy!</p> Category: 3D Printer Parts