Outdoor linear bearing
I need some advice. I am finishing up an out gazebo in the northeastern US. The structure has a clear acrylic roof that is UV blocking. The sides are screen material. I am making some linear bearings that will slide along 1/2 EMT conduit to open and close doors that will house a TV. Essentially, I am making a pair of "barn doors" where the doors will hang from the 1/2" conduit with 2 bearing on the top of each door to allow them to slide. Temps here range from 0-100 degrees Fahrenheit. What would the best material for the prints. I had some PLA out in the sun this summer and the heat warped the PLA. The bearings I am making would not really be in direct sunlight nearly as much as the PLA I had previously left outside, but I think in the summer, the bearings would get pretty hot and I think they might deform which would prevent them form sliding along the conduit. Any suggestions?
RE: Outdoor linear bearing
Nylon
RE: Outdoor linear bearing
I would suggest that the PLA wouldn’t last very long and then wouldn’t slide along the conduit, maybe a different filament type would work that is more temperate resistant like ABS or PETG. You may even want to go with something like ASA which is UV resistant.
RE: Outdoor linear bearing
If you would, show us a picture of the bearing. I am having trouble visualizing a linear bearing here.
RE: Outdoor linear bearing
Here is the image
RE: Outdoor linear bearing
Here is the image
Attachment removed
Well - my vote changed - now I'd say even nylon won't work. I was originally thinking a typical barn roller. Now I'd say maybe Delrin (POM) if and only if the rod it is moving on is machined steel - otherwise, good luck. Way too much surface for a loaded non-rolling bearing.
RE: Outdoor linear bearing
I should have mentioned, the "doors" being supported are ~14"x39" and weigh about 2 lbs each (roughly)
RE: Outdoor linear bearing
Does it have to be 3D printed? My suggestion is to buy a block of nylon or Delrin and do some simple machining. You could also try a Trex deck board that is designed to be in the sun all day.
Steve