The Machifit linear rail was used as one of the few alternatives to the 3D printed linear rail as its motion along the rail is much smoother as compared to the 3D printed rail. This linear rail was attached to the 3D printed backing which we have designed, which is in turn attached to the brass nut and lead screw.
Image source: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Machifit-HGR25-Linear-Rail-Guide-with-HGH25CA-Linear-Rail-Slide-Block-CNC-Parts-/293202389251
The pros and cons of using the Machifit linear rail are as follow:
➕ Lighter as the backing is 3D printed hence it does not add as much load to the stepper motor on the 3D printer, especially the Z axis stepper motor
➖ Less stable as the backing is 3D printed
➖ As the parts such as the 3D printed backing, stepper motor, lead screw and brass nut, as well as the linear rail are assembled manually, it is relatively difficult to assemble the parts perfectly, which consequently causes a less smooth motion of the thread and additional load on the stepper motor