Traditional bushing 8x15x45mm (LM8LUU) with grease traps

thingiverse

Traditional 8mm bushings are the way to go for a long-lasting setup. With internal grease traps, they're a must-have for any serious DIY project. Don't even think about using MoS2 grease for printed bushings - it's a total fail. PTFE spray can oil is where it's at when it comes to PETG bushings. Just be sure to wipe them dry after saturation, and you'll be good to go. I've tried silicon-based and lithium-based lubricants, but I haven't tested them extensively yet. I initially used MoS2 dark grey grease for my Y-axis, and it worked out okay for the linear ball bearings. However, when I tried using it on printed bushings, disaster struck - they got stuck to the rods after just one day or less! Needless to say, MoS2 grease is a no-go for printed bushings. I've since printed new PETG bushings and gave them a go with PTFE oil. Here's what I did: I used a threaded rod to grind the bushings to tolerance, slowly rotating them while applying pressure. It's essential to check the bushing against the bearing rod regularly to ensure it's not too tight. When I was satisfied with the tolerance, I saturated both the rods and the bushings with PTFE spray can oil, then wiped them dry thoroughly with toilet paper. The result? A smooth-running PETG bushing heatbed that's quiet as a mouse! Lesson 1: MoS2 dark grey grease works wonders for linear ball bearings if applied inside the bearings. Lesson 2: MoS2 grease is completely useless when it comes to printed bushings - neither PLA nor PETG can handle it. Lesson 3: It's possible that PLA might be partially dissolved by MoS2 and refined oils, which could explain why it loses its smoothness over time. PETG, on the other hand, seems to resist oils and greases like a pro. Lesson 4: PTFE spray can oil is your best bet for PETG bushings - just remember to saturate them thoroughly, move them around rapidly by hand, and then wipe them dry completely before reassembling. It's a bit of a process, but trust me, it's worth it!