Precise and resilient bearing technology for 3D printers at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences

At Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve, students at the Faculty of Technology and Bionics experience how rapid prototyping is used to optimise product solutions in the early development phase. To do this, they need a 3D printing mechanism that is compatible with the open source offerings available on the market. For cost reasons, the 3D printer should also be built as independently as possible and largely without ready-made components. This meant that linear guides had to be designed in-house to meet the special requirements of 3D printers. These requirements include dynamic load capacity, precision, wear resistance and the elimination of lubricants in the area of the print bed in order to avoid contamination of the filament.

The 3D printer, designed in a minimalist style for university purposes with a focus on the actual printing mechanics, could be constructed with just a few components. The most effective solution for the faculty was iglidur ® J bearings and screw drives from the drylin® product family.
In addition to the required freedom from lubricants, the systems are also highly resilient, precise and wear-resistant and thus suitable for long-term use. In the student project, this enabled the planned design to be realised quickly and successfully.
The design also allows for easy subsequent modifications to the mechanics, as well as the replacement of individual components in the event of damage.