Printable 608 bearings with lubrication channel

3D printable 608 bearings. If you need a different size bearing, the FreeCAD file is included.

Update 2026-04-18: Added a model with half-inch (12.7mm) nominal inner diameter for use with half-inch dowel rods (see photo). It maintains the same 22mm outer diameter and 7mm width dimensions of 608 bearings.

There are a number of bearing models on Printables, so why design another one?

1. I thought that the other ones were not optimized for minimal friction.

2. There was no way to properly lubricate the inside of the bearing.

This design solves these with an inner channel that both reduces the area of the surface of contact between the inner and outer part and provide a natural place for lubrication to settle into. There is also a small opening to help lubricate the bearing.

• I tried these in both PLA and PETG and they work well in either. With that said, the ones in PLA appear to run smoother once broken in. I hypothesize that the higher hardness of PLA has the lowest friction when lubricated.

• I print them with a random seam and 3 perimeters.  With the inner perimeters set to 0.7mm thickness, that results in a solid 608 bearing. Ensure good dimensional accuracy and smooth outer surfaces. I also select "Inner/Outer/Inner" wall ordering and "wipe on loop". 

• There are two versions of the model. If your printer is well calibrated, the standard should work well and have minimal play. After printing, apply a twisting force to the inner part  to break it loose and forcefully rotate the two parts to smooth any imperfections. I then use two drops of mineral oil and it works like a charm (see them in action in my spool holder). If you struggle to get the parts to move, you can try printing the "loose" variant which has slightly looser tolerances. The "loose" ones will work well also but, on a well calibrated printer, you may find they have more lateral give than necessary.