In....On....printing 1000% better....Thanks for all the help with figuring this out....

I think that .15 number is the suggested minimum for printing the part, not the minimum layer height you can print at after.  My threadless ballscrew has a 5mm pitch working out to 640 steps/mm.  Works just fine for .1 mm prints.  I have a number of issues to deal with regarding my printer but I'm confident that layer height is not one of them anymore.

However, blarz has already stated that this looks like too much mod for him right now so let's get back to trying to help him out.

I've been ordering small lots metric screws from Chinese suppliers on ebay.  If you're not in a hurry they come right to your mailbox.  I'm not sure how economical it is but it's the most convenient way I've found.  McMaster won't sell to me in Canada and though kind folks here have offered to re-ship, that would add to the cost and wait.

so far my old SD2 is getting things done just looking to do it better, faster etc.

justsomeguy wrote:

Check out the threadless ballscrew thread (just search for it).  This is the most accurate z mod I have tried and I have tried pretty much all of them.

this setup is not ideal for most 3D printing due to reasons posted in my last post above.

also we need to understand that while all these roller type bearing mods reduce friction etc. they also create several times more places for mechanical failure if even 1 ball or needle bearing ware down it magnifies the loss of tolerances on those build plains associated with said bearing. which is detrimental to 3D print quality goals.

While this may all be true in theory, the best prints to come out of my printer have been since I did this mod.  I'm just sharing my personal experience.  Is there anyone in this forum who tried the threadless ballscrew and went back?

justsomeguy wrote:

Check out the threadless ballscrew thread (just search for it).  This is the most accurate z mod I have tried and I have tried pretty much all of them.

this setup is not ideal for most 3D printing due to reasons posted in my last post above.

also we need to understand that while all these roller type bearing mods reduce friction etc. they also create several times more places for mechanical failure if even 1 ball or needle bearing ware down it magnifies the loss of tolerances on those build plains associated with said bearing. which is detrimental to 3D print quality goals.

Ummmm.... Never mind.

Check out the threadless ballscrew thread (just search for it).  This is the most accurate z mod I have tried and I have tried pretty much all of them.

this setup is not ideal for most 3D printing due to reasons posted in my last post above.

also we need to understand that while all these roller type bearing mods reduce friction etc. they also create several times more places for mechanical failure if even 1 ball or needle bearing ware down it magnifies the loss of tolerances on those build plains associated with said bearing. which is detrimental to 3D print quality goals.

n2ri wrote:

what about fine thread 5mm?

M5x0.5mm (metric fine) is the same pitch as M3 so would take the sane steps-per-mm, but a fatter rod. Lesser availability of the rod and nuts would be the only drawback.

Also, 10,000 (or for imperial fans playing at home only 2267.716535) apologies for getting the stock rod size wrong. Totally 5/16" UNC. Haven't had it around in a while.... DUH.

yep, Im saying its stronger support than 3mm, also more fine steps/layers than the non-threaded ball type setup posted above. I looked up that topic. not impressed with that style for ultra fine quality on layers as it only goes down to .15mm thin layers which is not even as low as slicer settings used. plus its very likely to be bumped/moved up or down rod mid print. so I do not think its a good use for 3D printing with consistent accuracy. maybe some other application.

3D printing has way finer tolerances required unless your just making bulky toys using 3mm filament and large nozzles/layers for fast medium quality prints not needing high resolution details or accuracy like most R&D etc need.

what about fine thread 5mm?

M5x0.5mm (metric fine) is the same pitch as M3 so would take the sane steps-per-mm, but a fatter rod. Lesser availability of the rod and nuts would be the only drawback.

Also, 10,000 (or for imperial fans playing at home only 2267.716535) apologies for getting the stock rod size wrong. Totally 5/16" UNC. Haven't had it around in a while.... DUH.

You are right it is 5/16" 18tpi.

According to the lady at the hardware store the regular thread is 18tpi, the fine thread is 24tpi and according to her you can even order a 36tpi 5/16 threaded rod. She told me that they're special order and that not one carries them anymore so that's why they're a bit pricey.

Check out the threadless ballscrew thread (just search for it).  This is the most accurate z mod I have tried and I have tried pretty much all of them.

At this point in time that's a bit above me....lol