Replacement Bushing for Flux 3d Printer

thingiverse

As I struggled with the existing bushings on my Flux 3D printer, I decided to replace them using the same material from which the printer is made. The problem lies in the details, but you can read more about it here: http://forum.flux3dp.com/t/something-wrong-with-first-layer/1448. Getting this right requires a lot of trial and error, so proceed with caution and be aware that voiding your warranty might occur. I was tired of waiting for a solution, so I took matters into my own hands to get my printer working better. Fortunately, my efforts paid off, and now my printer is working much better than before. It's not perfect yet, but at least it can print again. Make sure the new bushings are snugly fitted after printing; otherwise, you'll encounter the same issues as with the originals. If they're too loose, scale the design file by 99% or so until you get one that fits tightly on an 8mm rod. Next, sand the outside of the new bushings to smooth out any rough edges and ensure a snug fit inside the existing housing. To achieve a tight yet smooth fit on the 8mm rod, try this: heat up an old piece of 8mm steel rod with boiling water, then slide the bushing onto it. As it cools or slides off, you should get a nice fit. If that doesn't work, apply some whitening toothpaste and water to the rod - not the bleachy kind, but the gritty one that polishes well. Next, either manually or with a cordless drill, polish the inside of the bushing using the toothpaste-covered rod until it runs smoothly. Be sure to remove part of the printer's top cover and belts to swap out the old bushing for the new one. However, before reassembling everything, make sure each bearing runs smoothly individually. Also, test them together without any belt attached to ensure a smooth pairing. Sometimes, giving the rod a slight twist can help them nestle together better. If you print with PLA, you won't need lubricant; stiction and friction are minimal enough. But if you do want to add some, silicone lubes or lithium grease might be helpful - just be aware that some products like bicycle spray may dry up and increase friction in the long run.