Y Axis linear slider - Ender 3 pro

DIY linear slider for Y axis on Ender 3 pro.

(X axis here)

This fits precisely in the V grooves of the 40x40 extrusion that is on Ender 3 Pro - it may work on other printes as well but I can't guarantee.

EXPERIMENTAL - This piece is currently working very well, I use it on my printer and it has actually exceeded my expectations. I have already used it for many many hours of printing and didn't notice any problem but there is one big potential issue and that is the steel ball bearings runing on the aluminium extrusion - I actually didn't notice any marks on my printer yet but even Exoslide states that the steel bearings on aluminium are rated to around 10 000 cycles until the aluminium will start to wear which is very low for X or Y axis and thus if you want to test it, do at your own risk.

Edit: There are actually MR105 bearings made of nylon and glass balls on the market but currently they are pretty unaccesible at least for me - if you can get hand on these you could be just fine as the nylon will definitely not wear the aluminium extrusion.

If there is anyone going to test the model I really appreciate any feedback.

FEATURES

• Easy print - no supports needed.
• Easy fit - just change it for the stock rollers.
• Adds rigidity to the printer bed - less flex and wobble.
• MR105 Ball bearings running on the 40x40 extrusion - no maintenance/adjustment needed (just keep the extrusion clean).
• Designed with little pretension so it should fit snugly out of the box.
• More precise movement thanks to the ball bearings and overall rigidity.
• Longer lifetime expected if used Nylon/POM bearings.

BAD FEATURES?

• More noise theoretically - I didn't actually notice significant increase in noise but ball bearings on the aluminium extrusions should be transfering more noise.
• No adjustment - shouldn't be needed as it is designed to be printed already with little pretension but maybe for someone some day little pretension possibility would be nice.
• Screws for the ball bearings are screwed directly into plastic - this is strong and usable joint but you have to tigten accodingly.

PRINT RECOMMENDATIONS 

• ASA/ABS/HIPS etc. - don't use PLA or PETG. These would actually work as well but could get warped due to heat from bed.
• 8 perimeters, 10 top and bottom layers, 60% infill

BUILD INFO/TIPS/NEEDED HARDWARE 

• MR105 ball bearing 8pcs - use Nylon/POM bearings if you can. Steel ones only for testing.
• M5x12 12pcs
• M5 nut 4pcs
• M5 washer 2pcs

First clean the print - there are some bridges that don't print perfectly. When installing bearings, screw the screws slowly and carefuly so you don't split the piece but as the screw holes are under 45° to the layer lines it shouldn't split so easily. The 4 screw holes for the carriage plate are slightly smaller as I am testing it screwed down without nuts and it works but I would recommend putting nuts on these screws.

Clean the aluminium extrusion before installing the slider!

After installing check your belt tension, align your bed height and that's it. Happy printing.

PS the photos are not showing the latest version, there have been some slight changes to make it more rigid and better fit.

If you really like the design and/or just want to appreciate my work and time spend, you can buy me a coffee.

But I'm just happy if this makes someone else happy.