Hi Everyone,

I'm currently printing out all the PLA parts and trying to source the additional items for this amazing design. Really that so impressed with this machine and cant wait to have mine up and running.

The issue i have found is trying to source the trapezoidal threaded screws. The leadtime, cost and restrictions on length (I plan to make one 1500mm x 1500mm) are the current barriers.

I have seen threadless ballscrew deisgns online (included a pic of the basic idea below) and wondered if anyone had attempted using them on this design? The main advantages i see are NO Backlash, easier to source parts and the cost will significantly reduced (steel rods, bearings and pla) . I assume the downsides will be that there is a bigger risk of slippage and therefore reduced accuracy but i also assume this can be addressed with high clamping forces of the 'nut' arrangement and increasing the coefficient of friction between the rod and the bearings (not too high that the motors or bearings can't turn though ha).

I would be interested to hear anyone's thoughts or experiences. Do enjoy a good engineering discussion haha. 

I never see this kind of guidance, seem to be interesting !

If i got some time a day, I will print a test