3D Printable 0.5in Hex Bearing Using 4.5mm BB's

From Team 4160..

Sometimes you need a bunch of Hex Bearings to prototype an idea, or have a light use case.  These are very close dimensionaly to the common ones used in FRC, at a fraction of the cost.  They run well enough that they can be used in a pinch even under heavier load.  The main failure is friction and the resultant heat.  So a drop of lube in the raceway (my favorite is “Liquid Bearings”, or PTFE dry lube) does a lot to help them last.

They print well at 0.15 (fast input shaping OK), 100% infill (so small that there really is no infill) with support on the bed (the Inner prints cleaner with that little ring of support.  Work well in PLA and PETG.  Depending on your printer they may start off with a little static friction, but after a little use settle in.  I have found that random seam position tends to produce a better print on these without a “Spot” where there is more friction. 

These cost approx USD $0.07 in Filament, and $0.07 in BB's, and $0.06 in Super Glue (total ~$0.20 YMMV) compared with $6-$6.50 from most FRC Vendors. 

BB's:
https://amzn.to/3OCYBPf

Updates:
V7 changes the Inner Hex and the lid slightly to make it easier to print on beds with poor adhesion.  You can choose from the Inner with Supports or the one without.