🔴 Large Parametric 3D-Printed Bearing (Axial + Radial Load)

This is a fully parametric large-diameter bearing, designed to be 3D printable in sections and capable of handling both axial and radial loads.
Perfect for turntables, robotics, camera rigs, rotating platforms, simulators, or custom machinery where standard bearings are either too small or too expensive.

The bearing is built from multiple printable segments that bolt together, making it easy to print on standard-size printers while still achieving a large overall diameter.

⚙️ Key Features

• ✅ Handles axial & radial forces
• ✅ Fully parametric design – adapt it to your needs
• ✅ Segmented construction – print large bearings on small printers
• ✅ 100% 3D-printed structure
• ✅ Uses standard heat-set inserts (M3 & M4)
• ✅ Smooth rolling using printed rollers
• ✅ Strong clamping plates for rigidity

🧩 Construction Overview

• Inner and outer rings are printed in multiple segments
• Segments are joined using connection plates and heat-set inserts
• Printed rollers run between the inner and outer race
• Designed for easy assembly and tuning

Everything structural is 3D printed.
The only required hardware is:

• 🔩 M4 heat-set inserts
• 🔩 M3 heat-set inserts
• Matching screws (length depends on your parameter choices)

🔧 Adjustable Parameters (Fully Parametric)

All key dimensions can be customized, including:

• Number of segments
• Roller diameter
• Outer bearing diameter
• Inner-to-outer offset
• Gap fit (between rollers and housing)
• Gap slide (between rollers)
• Plate thickness
• M3 & M4 heat-set insert hole diameters
• Heat-set insert depths

This allows you to tune:

• Load capacity
• Smoothness
• Print tolerances
• Overall size

➡️ All adjustable parameters are shown in the configuration panel (see image).

🖨️ Printing Recommendations

• Material: PLA+ / PETG / ABS / ASA (PETG or ABS recommended for load)
• Infill: 30–50% (gyroid or cubic)
• Perimeters: 4–6 walls
• Print orientation: as provided (no supports needed)
• Heat-set inserts: install with soldering iron for best strength

🧠 Use Cases

• Large rotary tables
• Camera pan bases
• Robotics joints
• DIY machinery
• Displays & lazy-Susan style platforms
• Experimental mechanical projects

⚠️ Notes

• This is not a replacement for precision steel bearings, but it performs very well for medium-to-high loads when properly tuned.
• Correct gap settings are important for smooth operation.
• Heat-set inserts are mandatory for strength and durability.

🛠️ Assembly Guide

Follow these steps to assemble the large parametric bearing correctly.

1️⃣ Prepare the Printed Parts

• Print all inner ring segments, outer ring segments, rollers, and connection plates.
• Clean up any stringing or burrs, especially around the roller tracks and bolt holes.

2️⃣ Install Heat-Set Inserts

• Install M4 heat-set inserts in all M4 insert holes.
• Install M3 heat-set inserts in all M3 insert holes.
• Use a soldering iron for best results and make sure inserts sit flush with the surface.

⚠️ Heat-set inserts are mandatory for strength and durability.

3️⃣ Assemble the Rings (M4)

• Assemble the inner ring segments using the provided connection plates.
• Assemble the outer ring segments the same way.
• Secure all ring segments using M4 × 6 mm bolts.

➡️ At this stage you should have:

• One fully assembled inner ring
• One fully assembled outer ring

4️⃣ Insert and Cross the Rollers

• Place the rollers evenly around the inner ring.
• Cross the rollers (alternating orientation) as designed to allow the bearing to handle both axial and radial loads.
• Make sure all rollers rotate freely.

5️⃣ Final Assembly (M3)

• Carefully align the inner and outer rings with the rollers in between.
• Bolt the complete bearing together using M3 × 20 mm bolts.
• Tighten gradually in a cross pattern to ensure even clamping.

6️⃣ Final Check

• Rotate the bearing by hand to check for smooth movement.
• If rotation feels tight, slightly loosen the M3 bolts or adjust gap parameters in the model.