Mostly Printed CNC Center Unit

thingiverse

I have designed several 3D printers over the years and I have found that while bearings do work they often create a lot more friction than bushing. So, here it is, 3D printed bushings for the CNC center assembly instead of bearings. I have printed one of these just to get an idea of how well it will slide on the conduit and I must say it slides much better than I thought it would. Anyway let me know what you think and remember this is just an idea and most definitely a work in progress. I have added the SolidWorks file in case anyone else would like to make changes to my design. Update: 1/20/2016 I noticed during extensive testing that there was a fair amount of friction caused by the weight of the tool head pulling on the the z-axis causing the entire assembly to tilt so I added some bottom support in hopes that this will correct that issue. Once it is tested I will update this things status. I have also upload some new files with these changes as well. Update: 1/20/2016 After adding more support for the z-axis sadly it did not correct this problem. Do to the weight of the tool head it causes the entire part to tilt forward and this in turn causes the bottom axis to have more pressure on it. Which means it will not work. Unless someone has an idea how to solve this issue I think this idea is dead in the water. Update: 3/7/2016 - I have ordered 15/16" bunting bushings. Once I get them in hand I will change this design to fit the new bushings and give it a try. 3/16/2016 - I now have the bushing in hand http://www.ebay.com/itm/381483978314?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT and they fit the bars perfectly. I thought I would need to bore these out. Not necessary. Perfect fit. I have posted the untested update to support the bushings. However, I have included the Solidworks part so anyone can make changes to it if needed. $16 dollars for the bushings and a little PLA compared to all of the bearings and screws/nuts and complexity of putting the original center together I think it will be a real winner. Once mine finishes the print I will post the test results. I really think this is going to work based on how smooth these bushing run on the bars. 3/16/2016 - My print finished but I made a mistake in where the nut goes. It was a little off. I have repaired it in the model and if my test print works I will re-post the finished model for testing shortly. 3/18/2016 - Print went fine and bushings fit perfectly and everything lines up correctly. I will post a picture of the completed assembly shortly as well as a video when I get a chance to fully test it out. Print Settings Printer: Razorbot Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: .2mm Infill: 30% or higher