SmartRap Modified X Plate with embedded bearing mounts

thingiverse

As with other components of SmartRap, I have modified this to embed the LM8UU holders on the plate. I had to do this because the resultant print on my Solidoodle made the bearings sit very loosely even when secured with the top mounted attachment. This ensures absolutely no slop at all. Again, thanks to Serge for coming up with this machine, which I think has enormous potential. UPDATE: 12/25/2013 - I printed and started putting LM8UU bearings into this plate and just as Serge warned, because this was printed with the flat side down, all the forces are along the length of it when you try to jam in the horizontal bearings. Result? The holders break. I repaired mine and it's fine now, but to reinforce the holders, I have added some blocks in the middle. I also added some beefing up on one side and on the side where the Z nut goes, I added 3mm more of plastic. If you are able, print this with 100% infill. BTW, if you use socket cap head screws, they will prevent 2 of the bearings from sliding (not the holders won't do that too, but just in case....). ANOTHER UPDATE: Like you couldn't possibly have had enough....but....I redid this to make the holes for the LM8UU holders wider. That should take some of the strain off and not require you to shoe-horn the bearings in place. Last time I tried it I cracked the plastic with all the force I was applying. I will be asking Serge to for permission to revisit this design to print vertically so that the whole thing is stronger and is less prone to warping (my last version of this warped because I have a spot on my print bed that is colder than the rest of the bed). Ah yes, yet another update: After 5 attempts this version seems to be best (warning, I am still testing as of 12/27/2013). You will need the LM8UU holders from JSpark located here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:86191. Mount your bearings and then mount them to plate. If you open up some of the holes you will have some 'wiggle' room to adjust the alignment. Be sure to print the LM8UU holder VERTICALLY which makes it much stronger than if you print it sitting flat. 12/27/2013: I am happy to report that V4 of this plate was very successful (see photo). Coupled with JSpark's LM8UU holder, the platform is very, very solid with nothing wobbling at all. Next step is to install on the printer Z-Axis. I used M3 hardware throughout. There is just enough room for the fishing line to pass between the bearing mounts. in s straight line and unobstructed. Any inputs, comments, would be appreciated. Instructions Drop in replacement for the existing x_plate.stl