Followers for Z Axis screws
Does anyone know where I can get the models for the Z Axis screw followers? I want to reprint these using Nylon.
Senior Life member of IEEE.
RE: Followers for Z Axis screws
I’m not clear on what you’re looking for and you don’t say which printer you have but here is a link to the printable parts page for the MK3S+:
https://www.printables.com/model/57217-original-prusa-i3-mk3s-printable-parts
Cheers
RE: Followers for Z Axis screws (parts printed in black ASA)
The followers are those parts that the Z axis screws drive. They are normally printed using black ASA, and are easy to see if you have an orange I3.
My printer is an MK3/S and the particular part IS NOT in the library you have shown. I have that library, and that part is not in there.
I want to print the part out of nylon, which is not only stronger than ASA, but self-lubricating.
Senior Life member of IEEE.
RE:
Still not clear on what parts you mean . Why don't you go to the online assembly manual and link to a picture/step showing what you mean.
https://help.prusa3d.com/guide/4-z-axis-assembly_27976
The z lead screws directly connect to the stepper motors. At the base they have some cone shaped covers to help with filament debris. Moving up they engage with Trapezoidal nuts that are themselves screwed into the X Axis. At the top they go into the Z axis top parts. Theres not much more to the z axis beyond the motor mounts at the bottom. The only parts printed in black (with an orange prusa) are the 2 z axis screw covers.
RE: Followers for Z Axis screws
The part that I am looking for is the part with the blue arrow pointing to it.
Senior Life member of IEEE.
RE:
These are the trapezoid nuts. They're made from POM/Acetal ( not ASA) and you won't find them among the plastic printable parts but on the list of the hardware spares. I wouldn't advice to print them in nylon but to purchase the part from Prusa. POM is also self-lubricating and, according to most opinions, those nuts have a very long lifespan.
RE: Followers for Z Axis screws
The ones I have are metal and not POM. But yes they aren't a printed part. They have a long lifespan UNLESS you cross thread them and then they are basically useless. Which is why the instructions tell you to be careful 🙂
RE: Followers for Z Axis screws
Where did you get the metal ones? Mine are plastic. I just wanted to get another set in case mine wear out. Shipping from Prusa to the US is horribly expensive.
Senior Life member of IEEE.
RE: Followers for Z Axis screws
I got them from Amazon. A bag of 10 as spares, many years ago. I fitted 2 when I rebuilt my X axis a few years back.
I remember someone at the time posted a link to the specific ones as there's many types and as well as the thread having the match the mounting holes diameter has to be correct too as well as the other outer dimensions. Unfortunately the link is long expired or I'd pass it on.
RE: Followers for Z Axis screws
They can be found here, for example, in various designs:
or here:
You must pay attention to the correct pitch.
wbr,
Karl
Statt zu klagen, dass wir nicht alles haben, was wir wollen, sollten wir lieber dankbar sein, dass wir nicht alles bekommen, was wir verdienen.
RE: Followers for Z Axis screws
That's interesting Karl, thanks for the links. Those brass nuts are way cheaper than Prusa's POM units. I expect that if you use a brass nut on a threaded steel rod you must lube it on a regular basis.
RE: Followers for Z Axis screws
Brass has good running properties under emergency, but I would still add a few drops of oil.
wbr,
Karl
Statt zu klagen, dass wir nicht alles haben, was wir wollen, sollten wir lieber dankbar sein, dass wir nicht alles bekommen, was wir verdienen.
RE: Followers for Z Axis screws
https://www.partsbuilt.com/leadscrew-nut-trapezoid-nut-i3-series-and-mmu2s-prusa-compatible/