NOTE: Project was updated on November 3rd 2016 - Please read the project update notes below!
I upgraded my Prusa i3 MK2 with linear bushings (and shafts) from igus.
To be more specifically, the igus drylin RJZM-01-08 bushings with aluminium shell.
Note: When you visit the igus website, you will find the product under the label RJUM-01, also bushings for the 8 mm shaft diameter are called RJZM-01.
http://www.igus.eu/wpck/2292/drylin_r_rjum_01?L=en
I also had a typo in the title and the description, missing the "Z" in the name. Sorry for the confusion!
Btw.: The shafts are called AWMP-08 and are made from aluminium. Way lighter than the stainless steel shafts coming with the MK2. The bushings glide also a bit better on them, but are also very good on stainless steel - my second MK2 uses the original shafts.
Back to the summary...
Being not a big fan of the ziptie mounting principle used for the original ball bearings by Prusa Research, I designed this clips that hold the bushings in place and are screwed directly to the metal frame of the heated bed. I used M3 screws with cylindric heads and there is no interference with the MK42 heated bad.
One big problem of the ziptie system is, that the bearings wiggle around and cant against the shafts, leading to unwanted friction, noise and vibrations. Moreover the original Prusa i3 MK2 assembly guide says, that the two bearings, which are mounted at the same side of the Y carriage, should be as close as possible to each other. But because the notch on the carriage has rounded ends, the bearings can get askew vertically when pushed against the round endings.
My design holds the bushings centrically inside the notch, which is absolutely fine both for the travel distance of the carriage and the end-stop functionality.
Please pay attention that you use the correct clips for the correct carriage side!!!
NOTE: This clips are only suitable for the igus RJZM-01-08 drylin bearings (with aluminium shell) and NOT for the ordinary ball bearings, as the igus bearings are slightly bigger in size.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkKJodZbx5Y
If you like to use the igus drylin RJZM-01-08 bearings also for the X-carriage (aka. the extruder), please take a look at this Thing: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1853471
Please also take a look at my other designs, printer parts and tools.
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Thank you very much.