Bear - BearExxa 10mm Z-axis

Instead of using a 8mm rod & bearings in the X-ends, the X-ends have been changed to make use of a single LMUW10 (and thus 10mm rods).

No loss of print volume, no custom firmware, it's all fully compatible parts.

Oh. And it's usually actually cheaper then the 8mm Z-axis. The 10mm rods are more expensive; but the 2xLMUW10 bearings are cheaper then 4xLMU8.

It's a modification that shines best when using a Bear with an extended Z-axis, for added rigidity. But it can work just as well with the same goal on printers with a normal Z-height 😄

Recommended bearings/rods:

• 2x Misumi LMUW10
• 2x Misumi PSFU10 / DOLD Mechatronik rods, with a length of:
  • 320mm (For a stock Bear frame)
  • 420mm (For a ‘tall Bear’, 10cm extended Z)

Assembly

Other parts required in comparison to stock Bear: 

• 25mm long screws for the X-end-idler-tensioner (instead of 18mm)
• Potentially a longer X-belt

Follow the steps just like in the original build guide(s) for the Bear & BearExxa. BUT: do use a shorter 12mm screw for “screw pulling” of the hex-nuts into the "bearing clamps” of the X-ends. Otherwise you will damage the X-ends because of slightly altered geometry.

With more rigid & higher precision hardware comes the need for better alignment!

Extra thanks go out to Grégoire, not just for creating the Bear & BearExxa projects, but also for helping me out with feedback and a helping hand while adapting these parts!

If this helps you out, please like, rate and share a picture of the result! Otherwise, please leave a comment with feedback 😉

Changelog

30-03-21 - Moved the “bearing clamps” on the X-ends slightly outward (doesn't impact any functionality)

Credits

It's a remix of both the BearExxa and Bear Upgrade as created by Grégoire Saunier. Based on the 1.0.0 (BearExxa) and 2.1.0 (Bear Upgrade) source files.