Determining 3D Printed Housing Diameters For Press-Fitting Standard Ball Bearings

Abstract

This research paper considers an experimental approach to determining 3D printed housing diameters for press-fitting standard ball bearings. The housing was 3D printed using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology with DevilDesign PET-G filament. Printed bearing seats were made with a 0.2 mm resolution for two nominal bearing sizes: 13 mm and 26 mm. The bearing seats had three varied nominal measurements: one matching the size of the bearing being installed, another 0.1 mm smaller, and a third 0.2 mm smaller. The experiment was carried out on a series of samples, focusing on analysing both the required compression force and the assembly force between the bearing and the housing. The goal was to evaluate the interaction between the bearing and the 3D printed housing, ensuring proper fit and mechanical stability during the press-fitting process.