Prusa MK3S+ Z-Axis top ball bearing vibration/noise FIX

Hello you!

(This is not a remix.)

After increased noisiness with 2+ years use of my MK3S+ I looked around to reduce vibration noises and found some ball bearing z-axis top upgrades. None worked for me, the initial model did not allow for z-axis calibration as it shortened the entire travel length of z.

Remixes that supposedly solved this issue did not work for me as the bearings would touch machine screws effectively shortening the entire movement range of the z-axis, thus resulting in calibration failure.

As I'd already bought bearings and was looking forward to reducing vibration noise I decided I had to put in some work so I drew the z-axis top from scratch based on measurements of the original and allowing for a bearing to be fitted.

some important notes:

I replaced the pictured machine screws with M3x18 pan head screws, in order for this build to work so should you! 

Included are two spacers which come in 1mm height. I decided to alter my version to allow for these spacers as I thought tolerances on printers or perhaps older makes might vary. You'll have to use these spacers and manually adjust their thickness using prusaslicer, depending on what works for you! 2.5mm is the thickness that worked for me so I suggest you start with that, assembly and mount, have a look - measure and adjust accordingly!

I included two dust caps to press on to the top of the assembly to keep your bearings clean!

This make, for me at least, works perfectly and I do hope it does for you too!

IMPORTANT: in the calibration settings choose calibrate xyz before then calibrate z!

Included is a PDF with all relevant mearurements.

Please leave a like if this one solved your issues and post a make, I'd be very curious to know if this one actually works for all of you who might have previously attempted this upgrade.

thank you!

Pictured without spacers installed, with a 2.5mm spacer the bearing will sit flush with  the z-rod ‘C’.

PS: Concerning model origin, this is in a sense a remix of the original Prusa although built from ground up quick & dirty!