X-Axis Smooth Rod - Help
Hi
I was just inspecting my printer ahead of tearing down to install the 2.5 upgrade when i noticed i have some extremely bad grooves on the top smooth rod on the x-axis (there are marks on the lower rod too but no grooves yet that i can feel). I am firstly surprised about it whilst i've had my printer a year the statistics says it has only ran for 20 days, 15 hours and 49 mins as the printer is in the bedroom i tend to only run it at the weekend (mores the pity). It's almost like the top rod was not harden steel. Not sure if prusa would consider this a defective part as it's been in service for a year. I've attached a photo but not sure how well the grooves will show up and wonder what you fine folks think?
Currently i've not noticed a drop in print quality however i think i need to replace them sooner than later and makes sense to do it whilst upgrading to 2.5. I thought about getting another set from Prusa but am concerned the same will happen again, i then thought about misumi rod but i'm in the UK so hard to get hold of. I have found a UK site http://ooznest.co.uk/ that is selling a full set of so called upgraded rod for £37 but i've not heard of them and wondered if anyone else had?
Re: X-Axis Smooth Rod - Help
Hi Martin,
Up in Yorkshire, we are careful with our brass...
have you considered buying new inexpensive LM8uu bearings, and rebuilding using the existing rods, simply turned slightly so that the balls run on undamaged steel?
if the issue is the bearings, which are the cheapest part of the transport mechanism, you could save yourself £30+
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
Re: X-Axis Smooth Rod - Help
Ok so an update.
I just contacted prusa support simply to ask if they sold the smooth rods for the MK2s separately as i couldn't find them on the site as thought i'd just keep the rods stock and place an order with them. They gave me the like for the replacements straight away but then asked to see a picture of the damage. I duly send a picture and told them my printer is a year old and run time etc. They said it was a likely a faulty bearing and have said they'd send me replacement x-axis rods and bearings if they could despatch with any orders i had outstanding. Well i had no orders but was low on PET-G so placed an order for a roll and they are now shipping the rods and bearings free with them. As i was willing to pay for the rods i consider this a result.
Prusa's high standard customer service i have read about but have never had to use to date i can now verify is real. 😀
Re: X-Axis Smooth Rod - Help
The only issue i have had. Involves the need for video evidence. Regards. Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK