Summary

Fits on the end of the aluminum platform of a Solidoodle 3 or 4.

Reduces wobble along the X-axis that is caused by a Z-screw that is not perfectly straight and/or off center.

I would say that this change has had the biggest impact on the quality of prints. I recommend this or one of the platform stabilizers that inspired this for any Solidoodle printer.

Instructions

Print Stabilizer parts ( all ) and rod ends from the stl files.

I used ABS with 20% infill, 0.2mm layers for small parts, 0.3mm layers for large parts.

Printed parts:

solidoodle_aluminum_platform_stabilizer_v1.stl
This file contains all the parts that attach to the bed platform. (print with the flat side down)
solidoodle_rod_ends_for_aluminum_platform_stabilizer.stl
This file has parts for one rod end. (so print 2x)

Other parts:

2 x 6mm diameter rod ( 12 cm long) I used aluminum.
8 x M4 bolts (for rod holders)
2 x M4 bolts (for bearings / rod ends )
10 M4 nuts
ABS glue (made from acetone and ABS scraps). Contact Cement would probably work well for ABS too
2 x 608 "Skate" bearings

Assembly, rod ends

Lightly sand the surface that the ball bearings will rest on so they are even
Ensure rods to be glued are clean. Perhaps, a light sanding to give the glue a better surface to adhere to.
Glue rod to rod end parts and clamp and leave to dry overnight
Insert ferrule into bearing
Insert bearing into bearing holder on rod end
Bolt together

Assembly, Bed Platform attachment

Insert nuts into their slots on the bed and add the clips
Use clips and bolts to attach rods to the platform attachment.
Do not tighten the clips yet!
Slide rod ends towards the center so the bed platform attachment can be installed
Slide the Bed Platform attachment on to the end on the aluminum bed platform.
Slide rods outwards evenly until the bearing ear in contact with the printers frame.
Tighten slide rod clamps.

Test:

Use your control software to move the Bed up and Down and check the following
- bearings stay in contact with frame
- bed doesn't move side to side
- nothing impedes the motion of the bed, bearings, rods, etc.
Run some test prints

Solidoodle Aluminum Platform Stabilizer