Are z-axis reinforcements helpful?
Hello, first of: sorry if this has already been discussed, but I couldn't find any adequate information when I googled on the matter. My question is if bracers/stiffeners/reinforcements, whatever they are called, for the z-axis are actually helpful. If they really provide any improvements, in what manner and to what extent?
I have a Prusa i3 MK3S and I've seen a lot of different models to download. If they are helpful, I'm also curious to why Prusa wouldn't implement them on their stock printers. Any answers are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
RE: Are z-axis reinforcements helpful?
I don't know that they really help. If you look at the old Rep-Rap printers they were usually made of threaded rod and 3d printed parts and needed the support. The Prusa frame is very sturdy and the threaded rods of the earlier generation were very stiff and the aluminum extrusions of the more recent printers is even more stiff.
If you want to experiment and see if reinforcements improve your prints that might be something to report if they do, but for me it wouldn't be worth the effort.
Cheers
-Bob
Prusa I3 Mk2 kit upgraded to Mk2.5s, Ender3 with many mods, Prusa Mini kit with Bondtech heat break, Prusa I3 Mk3s+ kit
RE:
Prusa themselves seemed to think there was room for improvement, given that they upsized to 10mm smooth rods for the Z axis on the Mk4. I am running 10mm Z rods on my Bear upgraded Mk3 with 310mm Z, and I have been pretty happy with that.
RE: Are z-axis reinforcements helpful?
For me biggest issue with Z are trapezoid nuts. They wear out quickly and I can see how extruded filament is lifting whole X gantry. So I have replaced them with antibacklash nuts and gantry is always pushed up by springs. That helped with print quality and I dont have to change nuts so offten.
I am also thinking about trying Taurus alternative for Prusa parts https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3308841