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Lubricant for PLA bushings?

Posted by Rook

Rook

Lubricant for PLA bushings?
June 20, 2011 04:04PM

Registered: 12 years ago
Posts: 37

So far I have tried attaching some PLA bushings to a smooth rod that arrived lightly oiled, but unfortunately this is insufficient to allow the bushings to move freely. I've read that certain kinds of lubrication are ineffective for PLA/PTFE/ABS, but I wondered if anyone could recommend any types of lubricant for PLA bushings?

Thanks!

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nophead

Re: Lubricant for PLA bushings?
June 20, 2011 06:02PM

Admin
Registered: 17 years ago
Posts: 7,879

The bushing should slide freely before you lubricate them. I heat one end of a rod with a hot air gun and then slide the bearing up to the hot and and then back down to the cold end. That leaves it exactly the right size.

I think lithium grease is the recommended lubricant for plastics. Petroleum based grease can denature some plastic.

[www.hydraraptor.blogspot.com]

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robsbots

Re: Lubricant for PLA bushings?
June 22, 2011 01:08AM

Registered: 12 years ago
Posts: 21

If you have some handy you might try furniture polish. Thats what I used to use on Lego when I was a kid.

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mlagana

Re: Lubricant for PLA bushings?
June 22, 2011 05:53AM

Registered: 14 years ago
Posts: 323

silicone grease is good for plastics on metal maybe otherwise known as silicone spray or ezy-glide in australia

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VDX

Re: Lubricant for PLA bushings?
June 22, 2011 08:15AM

Admin
Registered: 16 years ago
Posts: 13,888

... for plastics i use vaseline (petroleum jelly?) if no other proper lubricant at hand ...

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Rook

Re: Lubricant for PLA bushings?
June 22, 2011 01:57PM

Registered: 12 years ago
Posts: 37

Thanks for all the feedback!

In the end I went with lithium based "Carlube Multi-Purpose Grease" from B&Q. The bushings seem to be moving much more freely now.