The maker of low-co-efficient-of-friction polymers, Vesconite, Vesconite Hilube and Superlube, has introduced 3D printer bushings as stock items.
Printer users can now replace bronze sleeve bushings or linear ball bearings with polymer sleeve bushings produced by Vesconite Bearings.
These are supplied in Vesconite Hilube (a low-friction polymer) or in Superlube (an ultra-low-friction polymer).
AVAILABLE IN THREE COMMON SIZES |
LM8UU – 15mm (OD) x 8mm (ID) x 24mm (length) LM8LUU – 15mm (OD) x 8mm (ID) x 45mm (length) LM12UU – 21mm (OD) x 12mm (ID) x 30mm (length) |
“We chose these bushings, since these are the most common bushings used globally,” says marketing, sales and mechanical development engineer Juan van Wyk.
“However, we were cognisant of the fact that there are many different printer models on the market,” he adds, noting that, while Vesconite Hilube and Superlube are self lubricating, the stock bearings are supplied with a dual radial internal groove design to allow for a grease reservoir if preferred.
While other sizes are not kept as stock items, custom bushings can quickly and easily be made with a choice of axial, radial or spiral internal grooves, as well as custom lengths and diameters to accommodate unique housings and shafts.
CASE STUDY :
Over 6000 printing hours and no signs of wear
Norwegian innovator Kent Thoresen is trialling Vesconite Hilube sleeve bushings as part of his creation of robust, reliable and less-noisy 3D printers.
Thoresen became aware of weaknesses in open-source 3D printer designs and began refining his own unit. His designs soon gained traction and he has rolled them out on 200 printers for acquaintances.
His current 3D printer is a vast improvement on many of the low-cost units available. With almost 6000 hours of testing completed, this technically solid design does not require recalibration if the plates are moved.
Vesconite Hilube bushings add greatly to the robustness of the printer and are currently undergoing their final leg of testing in the trial unit.
Besides making the printer design available, Thoresen intends to start manufacturing 3D printer kits from various sites globally.
“We want to create a printer that is cheap and dependable and on which you don’t have to worry about wear,” he says.