PTFE 'Bowden' bearings

thingiverse

100% tool-less PTFE bearings snap seamlessly into place with a firm press. They can be aligned vertically along the rail or positioned horizontally. Their design allows for solid, hollow, or semi-hollow configurations. They can store lubricants under pressure if necessary and dyes to detect service failures. Even intricate spiral patterns are feasible, with coolant flowing through them. A single 1/4" insert costs less than a penny, effortlessly sliding into place without tools. Solid-state bearings may not be new, but their affordability and ease of use have never been more accessible. I highly recommend using solid PTFE in high-wear applications like 3D printers and CNC routers. The more inserts used, the lesser deflection will occur. It would be fascinating to see this technology applied to metal if anyone with the capability is willing to take on the challenge. I currently have a CNC router kit, but it's presently in disarray. Further updates will follow! Each insert remains securely in place due to at least 50% of the insert being recessed within the housing. Hollow PTFE can function as both a damper and fluidic dispenser. This versatility extends to nylon, PEEK, phenolics, acetal (Delrin), UHMWPE, Polyimide, polysulfone, and polyphenylene sulfide materials. The round profile of the bearings was chosen due to its widespread manufacture, affordability, and ability to be retained in place without fasteners.