there are pretty low cost pillow block bearings on the market. I’d like to add such one to the Z drive array to decouple the axial loads from the stepper bearings. Grabcad has a couple of models in various CAD formats available. How can I best align and integrate that into the lower Z-plate? I understand it should be mounted with the flat side down. Subtracting such a body from the existing body is no problem, but the exact coaxial alignment of the bearing is not trivial.
Ryan?
I wanted to attach the stl file taken from here, but it is not possible. It’s just a click away though.
re: lock collar: On my yet old-style machine, I observed several occasions where the downwards movement of the gantry was quicker than the tool, so it dropped a little way after penetrating the surface (hardened aluminium surface of Dibond boards, the lower surface). I just want to get the optimum rigidity in every direction. The pillow block can be fixed on the base with two little bolts. Better than nothing.
There is an integrated locking collar with two grub screws as a part of the inner bearing ring.
If I recall the bearing is not secured from lifting up, not intended to be loaded that way, so with a lock collar below the bearing you might also want some screws in the plastic to hold it down. Or if you have room, maybe a second bearing below, and then the lock collar. Maybe try for axial preload if you’re into that sort of thing.
