Silicone Idler Springs
thingiverse
These spring replacements have been tested on Greg Frost's Hinged Extruder (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8252) as an alternative to idler springs and might be useful for other springs too. They also work well as dampeners for z motors, providing play while keeping them firm and steady. The silicone pieces are ellipsoid-shaped cuts from a $2 shop pot holder with a hole for a bolt. Temperature durability has not been tested yet in high heat applications. To make the springs, drill a 4mm hole into an ellipsoid silicon piece using a drill bit (or use a punch as an alternative). Place the spring on bolts with washers on each side, or slide it under motors for adjustable z motor support without pushing against the motor mounts.
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