lead screw (above) and threaded rod (below) Threaded rod is, after all, not made to be used as a precise positioning tool. It is built to fasten and to remain stationary at all times. from ProtoParadigm: If a printer does use threaded rod for motion, the results will generally be better if the rods are suspended from the top of the printer ( as in a common Prusa design ), supporting weight in tension rather than if the motors are on the bottom ( see the now outdated Mendel design ) holding the rods up and supporting weight in compression. Keeping the rods in tension rather than compression will minimize bowing and bending, though a bent rod can still cause problems . While the deflection from compression may not be very visible, you can bet it's playing a role in your accuracy when your carriage is near the top. Many printer designers minimize the compression issue by using very large diameter smooth rods that are mor...