Shaft F6-14M/F10-18M thrust bearing with preload

What problem does this solve you asked?

Stepper motor shafts/bearings aren't designed to take axial load, but only radial load, so taking the whole weight of the gantry isn't their forte, they will wear down the bearings faster, create slop, and ones that have a preload spring, will have inaccurate z movements due to constant abuse.

How to solve this? add a thrust bearing, they are designed to withstand axial forces. Now that the load goes through the coupler, down to the solid motor face plate, along with thin TPU spacers for preload force on the bearing, making sure they always work and support the full weight.

This preload spacer is different from the motor's shaft preload spring, the shaft preload is there to keep the rotor in place, not taking heavy axial loads.

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Features:
- TPU preload to ensure 24/7 operation (optional)
- Avoids dust by having a downwards lip
- Auto align with the shaft

Recommended print settings:
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
- Layer height: 0.2mm
- Infill: 100%
- Print orientation: as imported
- Supports: none

Recommended materials:
- PETG
- ABS/ASA
- Any heat-resistant materials as the motor can get hot!

Installation requires:
Buy here - F6-14M/F10-18M thrust bearings
- Drown that bearing in lithium grease! (ngli2-3, no solids)
- Make sure to “preload” the bearings by pushing down on the coupler while tightening it!

Changelog: