Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? I have been working on re-designing the bearing parts for mendal to accept linear bearings to try and improove accuracy and rigidty. (£20 for 12 off of these bearings!) and wanted to see if anyone has any thoughts or opinions on it? have a look at my work do far in this 3D PDF. Thanks Guys/Girls. https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38077#msg-38077 Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:46:32 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,405221#msg-405221 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,405221#msg-405221
The Mendal that i have written about here has now been running since early 2010 and has been very reliable. Although it has gone though teething troubles, and a few upgrades, all the main mechancical parts have been sound! Its whirring away as i right this, lol

its even still running an old style nichrome nozzle!!!! (4 years and counting on that now.lol)

Any comments are always welcome.]]> sweaving General Mendel Topics Tue, 09 Sep 2014 13:01:40 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,179514#msg-179514 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,179514#msg-179514
am now working on a new nozzle, as im still running old ni chrom wrapped M6 rod (alothough very reliable). is a bit outdated now and i fancy tring one of those barrel heaters off ebay! any tips on there set up?]]> sweaving General Mendel Topics Sat, 26 Jan 2013 11:59:42 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,138392#msg-138392 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,138392#msg-138392
Any thoughts or ideas of what to try would be apreciated..]]> sweaving General Mendel Topics Mon, 18 Jun 2012 03:11:42 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,137930#msg-137930 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,137930#msg-137930 sweaving General Mendel Topics Fri, 15 Jun 2012 03:02:28 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,137752#msg-137752 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,137752#msg-137752
Hopfully this weekend i can make my 1st print...only taken 2 years...not long..lol...i will post up some pics at the weekend for those interested..PS all my linear bearing designed parts can be Retrofitted to an existing Mendel chasis. So anyone who wants to convert to the LM8UU's can do so with minimal parts to print.

Steve]]> sweaving General Mendel Topics Thu, 14 Jun 2012 05:11:46 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,47955#msg-47955 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,47955#msg-47955
For the rigidity needs of a reprap: a printed to accuracy reprap using an interference fit could probably be made on an adjustable fabricated repstrap.

Adjustable means less scrap, but more hassle for the user. Non-adjustable means you're stuck with as good as you get. I think non-adjustable is generally a little bit more rigid.]]> JohnnyCooper General Mendel Topics Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:21:16 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,46655#msg-46655 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,46655#msg-46655
ive actualy purposly put alot of twist into the frame now to test for binding. an the darn thing still runs smoothly..lmao. the only way i can get it to bind is if i purposly make the guide rails not parallel, even this has to be out alot(over 2mm), i think the bearings i have bought must be able to align themselfs somehow.]]> sweaving General Mendel Topics Sat, 29 May 2010 08:26:52 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,46512#msg-46512 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,46512#msg-46512 Wade General Mendel Topics Wed, 26 May 2010 16:35:10 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,46505#msg-46505 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,46505#msg-46505 sweaving General Mendel Topics Wed, 26 May 2010 16:05:08 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,44552#msg-44552 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,44552#msg-44552 sweaving General Mendel Topics Tue, 04 May 2010 14:29:06 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,42299#msg-42299 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,42299#msg-42299 sweaving General Mendel Topics Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:38:04 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,42225#msg-42225 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,42225#msg-42225
Quote
sweaving
with the current Mendal bearings, as you said they are designed and set up for inacurrate rod and alingments, for this very reason i would say they cannot be accurate, due to the design intent of being inacurrate. (if that sentance makes any sense at all..lol).
Thus my design intent is to not have any inacurate rod or missalingnments, and so giving me an opertunaty to use purpose made linear bearings. This will also reduce the overall parts count for mendal, and actually make the RP parts alot simpler from a design perspective.

Not to dampen your efforts because there is value to making mendel cheaper and faster to print like you say, but I would like to correct what you said about the standard bearing setup and accuracy.

Although the ball bearing design is made for less accurate parts like you say, and although bent rods will affect accuracy (vs. binding for linear bearings) I don't think bearing alignment effects accuracy at all. This is because the precision of the plastic holes for each bearing is a static concern which does not change during movement on each axis and so can be ignored from what I've seen. My Mendel uses this setup and I haven't noticed any problems (mind you I made sure not to buy any noticeably deformed bars).

tl;dr linear bearings should be cheaper using your source but a slightly increased accuracy is probably not going to increase build quality by any noticeable amount IMHO

PS. Sweaving if you could post the info on your linear bearing mendel + stl files on the wiki when you get a chance I'm sure it'd be greatly appreciated by everyone who wants to build one, best of luck :)]]> theOtherRob General Mendel Topics Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:00:44 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,42010#msg-42010 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,42010#msg-42010 sweaving General Mendel Topics Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:07:20 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,41426#msg-41426 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,41426#msg-41426
All of the bearing housings i have drawn up can be retrofitted into an existing medal, except for the X-Carrage that has to be totaly replaced. i will be selling sets of the printed bits as soon as i have proof of concept and its built and moving smoothly.(only selling sets to fund Build costs, electronics etc)

i am in the UK

have you any pics/models of your bearing design? as i would be interested to see it from some one elses eyes..if that makes sense..lol

[cgi.ebay.co.uk]

Cheers Guys
Steve]]> sweaving General Mendel Topics Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:22:48 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,41420#msg-41420 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,41420#msg-41420 Idaholion General Mendel Topics Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:03:35 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,41414#msg-41414 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,41414#msg-41414 bfleming General Mendel Topics Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:06:18 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,41408#msg-41408 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,41408#msg-41408 sweaving General Mendel Topics Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:28:02 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,39215#msg-39215 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,39215#msg-39215
Basically, if you are dismissing the Mendal bearing design without testing it, I think you are making a mistake.

Josh]]> jupdyke General Mendel Topics Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:50:05 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38183#msg-38183 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38183#msg-38183 with the current Mendal bearings, as you said they are designed and set up for inacurrate rod and alingments, for this very reason i would say they cannot be accurate, due to the design intent of being inacurrate. (if that sentance makes any sense at all..lol).
Thus my design intent is to not have any inacurate rod or missalingnments, and so giving me an opertunaty to use purpose made linear bearings. This will also reduce the overall parts count for mendal, and actually make the RP parts alot simpler from a design perspective.

Thats my theory anyway, it may all end up as a good looking door stop.lol]]> sweaving General Mendel Topics Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:52:32 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38182#msg-38182 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38182#msg-38182 I have only done the 'X' axis carrage and 'Z' axis ends so far as shown in the PDF but i am starting to work on designs for the 'Y' axis now.
I will put another PDF up of the 'Y' axis when it is done. and then hopfully i can crack on with a build!
Any thoughts and ideas are always apreciated!

Steve]]> sweaving General Mendel Topics Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:39:34 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38151#msg-38151 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38151#msg-38151
It's generally dangerous to over-constrain anything, unless your tolerances are extremely tight.]]> jbayless General Mendel Topics Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:34:59 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38112#msg-38112 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38112#msg-38112 Idaholion General Mendel Topics Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:50:38 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38094#msg-38094 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38094#msg-38094
But its a suck it and see, i geuss. It may turn out to be a white elephant.lol.

[myt-bearing.com]]]> sweaving General Mendel Topics Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:59:08 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38087#msg-38087 Re: Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38087#msg-38087
What makes you think the Mendel bearings are lacking in accuracy and rigidity?

What sort of linear bearings do you get for £20/12? If they are just sleeve bearings then don't you need some slack in them in order for them to move freely? The Mendel bearings are under tension so there is no slack.]]> nophead General Mendel Topics Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:31:29 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38077#msg-38077 Linear Bearing Mendal, any Thoughts? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?151,38077,38077#msg-38077
Thanks Guys/Girls.]]> sweaving General Mendel Topics Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:40:37 -0500