Printable Ball Bearing

thingiverse

A high-quality printed ball bearing that's incredibly simple. To achieve optimal results, print it with a high-resolution setting using your printer from bed only, and select a fine print resolution. I used 0.06mm layer height and 3000mm/min print speed with 50% underspeed on outlines to get the best possible outcome. A high fill percentage will also help significantly; I had 8 layers top and bottom with 6 perimeter. The goal is to print the balls as smoothly as you can. While it's fairly smooth, keep in mind that it's still a 3D printed plastic ball bearing, so don't expect it to be nearly as smooth as one made from hardened ground steel. I created this for use in printed assemblies requiring rotational moving parts that are too tightly constrained to use a gear bearing. Printed gear bearings are by far the smoothest option for 3D printed rotating parts but can be difficult to print smaller than about 35mm diameter. Printer Settings: Printer: FlashForge Creator Pro Rafts: Yes Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.06 Infill: 65% Notes: Best results achieved with super fine resolution. Attempt to print it as well as possible for smoothest operation. This ball bearing will require 'teasing' into operation, I used the tip of my pen-knife to ease the balls into movement, being very careful not to snap the ball carriage.