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How to get the PLA Bushing to run smoothly on rods?

anton zedd

How to get the PLA Bushing to run smoothly on rods?
May 16, 2011 06:22AM

Registered: 17 years ago
Posts: 24

Just snapped on the pla bushings on my prusa (first build) and noticed they are very hard to move. Anyone have any advice as to how to make them run smoothly on the rods? I'm using 5/16" rods. Thanks in advance smiling smiley

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rhmorrison

Re: How to get the PLA Bushing to run smoothly on rods?
May 16, 2011 06:34AM

Registered: 16 years ago
Posts: 3,742

Since the bushings are designed for 8 mm smooth rods and yours are only 7.94 mm they should move easily!

Bob Morrison
Wörth am Rhein, Germany
"Luke, use the source!"
BLOG - PHOTOS - Thingiverse

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anton zedd

Re: How to get the PLA Bushing to run smoothly on rods?
May 16, 2011 06:36AM

Registered: 17 years ago
Posts: 24

weird, they are fairly tight moving? Not sure what to do here?

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Greg Frost

Re: How to get the PLA Bushing to run smoothly on rods?
May 16, 2011 07:02AM

Registered: 16 years ago
Posts: 486

Snap them onto the threaded rod and run them up and down.
If you cant move them attack them with a circular file.
Then do the threaded rod thing and then try them on the smooth rod again.

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nophead

Re: How to get the PLA Bushing to run smoothly on rods?
May 16, 2011 07:12AM

Admin
Registered: 19 years ago
Posts: 7,883

Heat one end of a smooth rod to about 80C and slide the bearing up to it to soften it and then back down to the cold end to freeze it to exactly the right diameter.

They are then a perfect interference fit and with a little lithium grease will slide easily.

[www.hydraraptor.blogspot.com]

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anton zedd

Re: How to get the PLA Bushing to run smoothly on rods?
May 16, 2011 07:12AM

Registered: 17 years ago
Posts: 24

ahh, great idea! will try it smiling smiley

- why didn't I think of that? doh!

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chase82

Re: How to get the PLA Bushing to run smoothly on rods?
May 17, 2011 08:29PM

Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 27

Build a heater block for 5/16" rod and heat it up with your electronics. For bonus points!