Anet A8 Basic Y Axis Upgrade

thingiverse

SInce I upgraded the X axis in a previous project, I figured that the Y axis should be looked at. The Y axis has the same undersized rods and terrible bearings. I upgraded the bearings with the same bearings I used in the last project, (Ina Model KH0824PP) by just disassembling and re-using the existing metal pillow blocks. I'm sure that there are other high quality bearings of this type on Ebay. I upgraded the rods with 400mm long replacement rods from McMaster Carr part number 6112K45. The original rods are 380mm long, the McMaster rods are slightly longer. Because of this, and instead of cutting the hardened linear way rods, I ended up designing new rod end caps that accommodate the additional 10mm on each side of the printer. The STL for this end cap is provided for this project. WARNING, I found out that the screw holes that currently hold the standard acrylic end caps in place are actually in different locations around the printer! As a result you will have to either expand or re-drill new holes to accommodate the screw in either the frame or the end caps. Kind of a pain, but the acrylic with a sharp drill is easy to drill. I used a 5/32" drill in either the frame or the end cap to enlarge the holes to accommodate the different hole locations. One of the holes at the front of the printer was right on the measured distance, but the rest were all over the map. After the upgrade the printer table moves quieter and smoother and the prints are better as the table has way less play in it. I found that the PLA printed endcap flexes less than the acrylic endcaps which adds regidity to the table support structure. Print Settings Printer: Anet A8 Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: .3mm Infill: 80% Notes: I used three layers on all sides. Post-Printing WARNING You will have to make sure that the holes in the frame aligns with the end cap, and if not, you have to enlarge or re-work mounting holes. Someone might want to remix the endcaps to allow for different screw mounting hole locations. If you drill out the hole at the right back side, make sure the drill does not damage the Y axis rear limit switch! How I Designed This Fusion 360