The maker of low-co-efficient-of-friction polymers, Vesconite, Vesconite Hilube and Superlube, has introduced 3D printer bushings as stock items.

Printer users can now replace bronze sleeve bushings or linear ball bearings with polymer sleeve bushings produced by Vesconite Bearings.

These are supplied in Vesconite Hilube (a low-friction polymer) or in Superlube (an low-friction polymer).

Initially three of the most common 3D bushing sizes will be available, namely:

• LM8UU – 15mm (OD) x 8mm (ID) x 24mm (length);
• LML8UU – 15mm (OD) x 8mm (ID) x 45mm (length); and
• LM12UU – 21mm (OD) x 12mm (ID) x 30mm (length).

“We chose these bushings, since these are the most common bushings used globally,” says marketing, sales and mechanical development engineer Juan van Wyk.

“However, we were cognisant of the fact that there are many different printer models on the market,” he adds, noting that, while Vesconite Hilube and Superlube are self-lubricating, the stock bearings are supplied with a dual radial internal groove design to allow for a grease reservoir if preferred.

While other sizes are not kept as stock items, custom bushings can quickly and easily be made with a choice of axial, radial or spiral internal grooves, as well as custom lengths and diameters to accommodate unique housings and shafts.

7 reasons why Vesconite Hilube and Superlube bushings are the better choice for 3D printers

1. Dimpling and pimpling occurs when a rod becomes non-uniform and the rod lifts slightly on one side and tilts on the other side as the extruder head moves from one side to another. This non-uniformity is caused by wear caused by metal-on-metal contact and grit in the greasing mixture. However, with the introduction of a polymer bushing that requires no greasing, these problems are overcome.

2. Vesconite Hilube and Superlube are lighter weight than many metals. This makes the extruder head lighter and the movement of this easier.

3. Bronze bushings are sometimes impregnated with oil or require external lubrication. Vesconite Hilube and Superlube are self-lubricating, so grit-containing lubrication that wears away at the shaft is a thing of the past, as is the jamming of balls in the linear ball bearings, since the polymer sleeve bushings contain no balls.

4. Vesconite Hilube and Superlube 3D bushings are easy to replace and are now stock items that can be ordered quickly.

5. Vesconite Hilube and Superlube 3D bushings are shaft-friendly and will not cause wear, unlike their metal counterparts.

6. Slip stick occurs when dynamic and static co-efficients of friction are significantly different, and this results in the bushing having a jerky motion on the shaft. Since Vesconite Hilube and Superlube have low and fairly close co-efficients of dynamic and static friction slip stick is reduced.

7. Vesconite Hilube and Superlube bushings are compounded from an advanced engineering thermoplastic. The lack of metal-on-metal contact results in less noise. In an industry where printing can last many hours or days, this is a significant benefit for users.

Vesconite
www.vesconite.com