Compression Bearings

This design is meant to replace the X-Axis and Y-Axis bearing and pillow blocks on my ANET-A8. I'm also using it on the X-Axis of my RepRap-8 (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2562389).

The design includes both the the bearing and the pillow block. Features include:

• Adjustable tension
• Easily replace worn FDM printed bearing without the need of a complete axis disassembly.
• Drop in alternative for existing bearings/blocks.
• Can work for both X and Y axis (X-belt allowances have been made).
• Printed bearings optional, pillow blocks can be used with existing LM8UU or INGUS bearings.
• Easily try out new and exotic filaments as bearings.

The assembly only requires a single 3mm screw, 3mm lock-nut, a small length of 1.75mm filament and four 4mm nuts. The screw is used for both tension adjustment and for securing the upper and lower halves of the pillow block. The filament is used as the barrel for the hinge.

The best feature of this design is the ease of replacement. For the X-Axis which means your 3 screws away from an exchangeable X carriage.

BTW: The photo with the pile of these bearings are the failure created during development :-p.

Cheers,
-HD