Printed ball bearing

I can’t wait to try printing out this ball bearing from RayRayWasHere and see how smooth I can get this to work.   There’s a lot of great things about this seemingly simple object.  First, it’s a multi-part print with parts that break off from one another as you use the object.  And, it appears that it becomes more and more useful the more you use it.  There aren’t many mechanical parts that get better as you use them. ¹

Just think how much simpler a printable MakerBot would be if you could print all of the ball bears as well?  Look back at the first printable upgrade for the MakerBot, the humble Idler Pulley.  Does this give you any ideas?  What if instead of an idler pulley you just printed out a consolidated ball bearing idler pulley instead?

Perhaps what I like best about RayRayWasHere’s ball bearing was that he designed it to prove a point – that he could actually print it with his MakerBot. ²

Update: Great video of the bearing in action by tbuser!

1. Of course, there is undoubtedly more wear and tear possible on this ball bearing versus a metal variety. [↩]
2. I really truly believe that your imagination is the only limitation on what you can build with a MakerBot.  This is not the official position of MakerBot, just my personal belief.  When I tell people about my trusty Cupcake, I tell them I can make anything.  They are welcome to try to prove me wrong. [↩]

At Maker Faire NYC, people were universally in awe of DIY 3-D printing machines. MakerBot Industries celebrated the release of the brand new Thing-O-Matic by printing and giving away objects, frosting bread, making drawings and playing music with MakerBots. Check out how citizens reacted in this video.

In short? Their minds were blown.