Replacement Z-Axis Assembly for Monoprice Select Mini V1

myminifactory

After splurging on a used MPSM for $100, I swiftly discovered why it was such a steal. The Z-Axis bearings had imploded and fused themselves to the guide rods. Upon completely disassembling the mess, I realized that I couldn't budge the bearings from their stuck position - no surprise, really. It was time to design a replacement, one that would utilize PLA spiral bearings to minimize noise and make future replacements a breeze. I turned to a handy online tool created by aeropic on Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2537701. This nifty hand customizer allowed me to get the sizing just right. This time around, I opted to create an endstop bracket instead of repurposing the existing x-axis shield. It was a deliberate choice, one that would ultimately pay off in terms of simplicity and ease of use. As a bonus, the Z-Axis coupler I designed proved to be a game-changer - my stock coupler had been wobbling like crazy, but this new design put an end to those woes. To assemble it, you'll need two M3 screws and two M3 nuts - a small price to pay for improved performance. For now, this will have to suffice as I wait patiently for the arrival of a proper lead screw and Nema 17 motor - upgrades that are sure to take my MPSM to the next level.