I’m working on designs for MakerBot printable bearings. The proof of concept tests so far have been very promising. I’ve printed one that’s a little larger than a 608 bearing and turns quite well.
The secret is that I’m not using printed ball bearings, just the printed casing. :)
My final proof of this part will be to install it in place of one of the bearings holding the Z axis in place.
What are you using for ball bearings, real metal ones? Airsoft BBs? I had an idea a while ago to cut bits of 3mm filament stock to make cylindrical roller bearings, but I never got around to trying it.
@Whosawhatsis: Plastic beads. ;) http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4665 I think someone tried bits of 3mm filament stock and even posted a video of it in action.