I have installed the Vesconite Superlube bushings on my machine. After a small amount of testing with these bushings, I have to say I am very pleased with the outcome. The Vesconite bushings are doing a fantastic job! I would certainly recommend them to others in the industry.
Essentials for your printer
Vesconite bushings are a great choice for 3D printers due to their exceptional wear resistance, low friction, and dimensional stability. Unlike traditional metal or plastic bushings, Vesconite bushings are self-lubricating, which means they require no additional lubrication and won’t attract dust or debris, ensuring a longer service life for your printer. They also help to reduce noise levels, vibration, and heat buildup, resulting in smoother, quieter, and more accurate 3D printing. Overall, Vesconite bushings offer reliable performance, reduced maintenance, and enhanced print quality, making them an ideal choice for any 3D printer.
Prusa Mini printings with Vesconite Bushings (Loudest thing is the extruder motor!)
Prusa MK3S+ Printing with Vesconite Bushings. Amazingly quiet!
BENEFITS FOR 3D PRINTERS
- Noise reduction
- Tight running clearance for improved printed parts
- Self-lubricating
- Low friction
- Shaft friendly
- Layering improves
- Quick & Simple swap
There’s little to no torsional play in the bed of my printer since fitting the Vesconite Hilube bushings and I cannot see any deficiencies or print ... Read more
There’s little to no torsional play in the bed of my printer since fitting the Vesconite Hilube bushings and I cannot see any deficiencies or print problems in my parts. They’re as good or better than what I was getting before. Square parts are square and surface finish is very good. My ears are also very happy! I was printing in power mode the other day and it was only the actual motors themselves (and fans) that were audible. If I ever run into Z axis issues, I now know what I’m going to buy to replace those bearings.
So quiet!
I have installed the Vesconite Superlube bushings on my machine After a small amount of testing with these bushings, I have to say I am very pleased w... Read more
FANTASTIC
The Vesconite Hilube bushings ran smoothly with slight clearance when I tested them on the rods I have now re-built the extruder with printed spacers... Read more
The Vesconite Hilube bushings ran smoothly with slight clearance when I tested them on the rods. I have now re-built the extruder with printed spacers to move the bearings 0.2mm further apart so they match the spacing at the rod end fittings. This setup is running extremely well so far.
Smooth
I have installed the Vesconite Superlube bushings on my MK3 with stock rails and the Vesconite Hilube on my Bear with MK3 stock rails I also installed... Read more
I have installed the Vesconite Superlube bushings on my MK3 with stock rails and the Vesconite Hilube on my Bear with MK3 stock rails. I also installed both Superlube and Hilube on hardened rods and have had brilliant results. These bushings are remarkable and were shipped to me in the USA without any trouble.
Remarkable!
We have been running trials with Vesconite Hilube sleeve bushings on 3D printers in Norway, to create more robust, reliable and smoother-operating mac... Read more
We have been running trials with Vesconite Hilube sleeve bushings on 3D printers in Norway, to create more robust, reliable and smoother-operating machines. The current Vesconite Hilube bushings fitted to our test printer, have now exceeded 6000 hours of use and, on inspection, show no signs of wear. It is amazing how incredibly durable this material is. We are now looking at standardising printer bushing sizes and will certainly be using Vesconite Hilube in the future.
NO SIGNS OF WEAR
I have finally installed my Vesconite bushes All I hear now is stepper motors and fans! Other movements depending on bushings are quite silent Most of... Read more
I have finally installed my Vesconite bushes. All I hear now is stepper motors and fans! Other movements depending on bushings are quite silent. Most of all, without any rattling sound at all. Plus, the print quality has improved. I’m very satisfied.
Is it running?
The major concern with competitors is that they do not work well due to massive amounts of slop Well, the Vesconite bearings don’t have that, whic... Read more
The major concern with competitors is that they do not work well due to massive amounts of slop. Well, the Vesconite bearings don’t have that, which is amazing. The bearings aren’t as tight on the rods, but are far superior tolerance wise than competing bushings…by a lot. Whoever pointed me in the direction of Vesconite, thank you!
NO SLOP
I recently installed Vesconite Hilube bushes to my Bear printer in the USA The bushes and printer have been performing faultlessly I then removed the... Read more
I recently installed Vesconite Hilube bushes to my Bear printer in the USA. The bushes and printer have been performing faultlessly. I then removed the metal linear ball bearings from my Prusa MK3 and installed the Vesconite Superlube bushings. They are also spot on with no deviation on that set of rods. I believe you have a great product!
GREAT PRODUCT!
A company that sells South African computer components and accessories chose Vesconite Hilube bushings when the brass bushings on one of the owner’s... Read more
A company that sells South African computer components and accessories chose Vesconite Hilube bushings when the brass bushings on one of the owner’s 3D printers needed to be replaced. The owner, Deon Eksteen, has three 3D printers he uses to make components for local businesses and factories, as well as toys he sells.
When one of his printers’ bronze bushings wore out from a combination of use and the abrasive paste of lubricant and particles which formed between it and the shaft, he searched for a polymer bushing replacement for his XYZ Da Vinci 1.0A printer.
This was difficult in South Africa, where 3D printing is still establishing itself and where 3D printing stores and filament importers do not supply replacement components for that printer due to a lack of demand and support from 3D printer distributors.
Eksteen sought in vain through an online shopping app known for supplying the latest electronics, fashion, phone accessories, computer electronics and toys, but did not find replacement brass bushings of the correct size. Approaching various brass bushings suppliers was also unsuccessful as he was asked to place orders for more than 1,000 units.
Armed with the dimensions supplied by a globally-recognized blog specializing in 3D printer conversions, Eksteen approached Vesconite Bearings and ordered 8 mm long bushings with the correct specification.
Within five days of finalizing the order and verifying that Vesconite Hilube was appropriate for his needs, a courier dropped off the bushings, which were exactly made to specification. Eksteen’s 3D printer was fitted with the bushings and, in June 2018, had printed for 7,253 hours with no signs of wear on the bushings and the rods are still “super-smooth.” His previous bronze bushings had a life of 2,000 hours.
Forever Bushing!
| Type of Bushing : | HiLube, SuperLube |
|---|
FAQ’S – VESCONITE 3D PRINTER BUSHINGS
I noticed you have two different versions. What is the difference between them?
We have two different grades available: Vesconite Hilube (white), the standard grade, and Vesconite Superlube (pink), the advanced grade.
Which is better suited for my printer? Hilube or Superlube?
Vesconite Hilube and Vesconite Superlube both have self-lubricating properties, reduce noise and have a low coefficient of friction. As such, both versions are suited for 3D printers and can provide benefits for 3D printer users.
Vesconite Superlube is the advanced grade. It has a significantly lower coefficient of friction and also comes at a higher price. However, depending on the customer’s personal preference and budget, it might be preferred since its lower friction will result in less strain on the stepper motors and result in an extended wear life.
Do I need to use any lubrication?
No, Vesconite is self lubricating and does not require any grease. However, any form of lubrication will extend the wear life of a component and reduce the overall friction. As a result, double recess grooves were incorporated in our stock bushings to act as either a grease and lubrication reservoir, or a dust and grime trap, should this be required.
Securing of Bushings
- Regardless of what housing or securing method is used to install these bushings, one should always be careful of over-clamping or over-tightening as this may cause bore closure or some shaft gripping due to the very tight running clearance.
- Vesconite bushings do not require a predetermined, equally distributed clamp loading to achieve the desired running clearance.
What rods to you recommend?
- These bushings have been designed to fit standard precision machined / smooth steel rods. They have a designed running clearance of 0.05mm (0.002”) for a snug fit without any shaft gripping.
- Different shaft tolerances will have different effects on the fit.
- Carbon fiber rods are also perfectly suited.
br> What are the main benefits of Vesconite over standard linear roller bearings?
- Significant reduction in noise.
- Self-lubricating: elimination or reduction of greasing cycles.
- Shaft friendly and will not cause any damage to the shaft surface.
- No stick-slip / stiction.
What if I encounter excessive stiction or the “crash detection” error flags?
- 1. Misalignment
- We have had multiple users experience this phenomena. These bushings are designed with a very tight running clearance as to eliminate any sloppy movement by both the printer bed and the extruder head. Experience had proven that a little bit of tinkering can work miracles. Due to the tolerance and inconsistency of mainly 3D printed housings, misalignment can play a big role in getting everything assembled. Some users have disabled the crash detection and have been printing without any issues whatsoever.
- Another option is to print a different extruder support housing design that accommodates the longer LM8LUU (45 mm long) bushing. This also reduces the effect of misalignment.
- 2. Over Clamping / Over tightening
- The key is not to over clamp or over tighten these bushings when securing them. Vesconite bushings do not need any pre-loading to achieve the desired running clearance. The bushings have been designed with a standard 0.05 mm (0.002”) running clearance.
