Y belt idler assembly difficulties
I'm having huge difficulties with assembling the MK4 y belt idler (Frame Assembly, step 27). As several people note in the comments, the nut on one side (the face shown in the image) doesn't insert well. The nut doesn't seem to go in all the way, and then the screw can't thread properly or straight (seems to always end up at a slight angle).
I printed two more idlers. In each case, the print looks great, but I still can't get the nut in successfully, despite pressing very hard with screwdriver or Allen wrench. I'll be able to start screwing the bolt in (as a test) but it gets stuck due to not threading correctly. Then I lose the hardware because I can't get it back out.
I don't have a problem with the slot on the other face of the idler. I've assembled the MK3S in the past and am familiar with the process generally. It seems to me there is an issue with this part - just slightly too little tolerance, or something.
Does anyone else have this issue? Any tips?
(Prusa live chat promised to send me a new Prusa part, but hasn't. 🙁 )
RE: Y belt idler assembly difficulties
I have the same issue. One of the nuts wouldnt go in but the screw just barely caught it. Ended up breaking the plastic now the nut freely spins inside of the y-belt idler and I cant get the screw out either. I dont have the ability to print another one so I am going to have to go the live chat route too.
RE: Y belt idler assembly difficulties
Laurel,
As a temporary fix, have you considered printing a mk3 part? you would need to use a screw as the Idler support, but it would get you going
Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Y belt idler assembly difficulties
Hi Joan, I didn't consider that, good idea!
I finally happened upon an idea that worked. I re-printed the MK4 idler yet again, but paused the print and inserted the nut partway through. At the first try the nut got nudged out, but after waiting a couple more layers I tried again and was successful. Needless to say, this wouldn't work for people like dustiestgolf who don't happen to have another printer nearby.
I'm glad this worked as live chat support was very difficult to access - took 30 minutes, constantly terminated the session if I did not move the mouse while waiting, and Prusa never sent the promised parts. This was a very different experience from ~5 years ago when chat was easy to access quickly and very responsive. Maybe there have been some scaling issues.
Having progressed further in the build, I have not had any such problem with any similar nut insertion. I think either there is an error in the sizing of this hole, or it prints differently due to orientation.
RE:
Same problem here, from today--> " I'll be able to start screwing the bolt in (as a test) but it gets stuck due to not threading correctly. Then I lose the hardware because I can't get it back out."
Luckily I have my old MK3S still in operation so hopefully I can print another one.
RE: Y belt idler assembly difficulties
If you have a soldering iron, heat up the iron and then carefully push the screw in with the iron to the proper depth. It will heat the screw and allow it to melt any plastic obstruction. Then cool it in a cup of water.
If the nut spins, I have used a soldering iron or 3D pen to 'Weld' the nut in. Works as long as there is no cross threading.
In manufacturing we often had designers put in a "corner relief" This picture shows the cross section of a pocket needed for a nut, but variations in printing could fill the corners in. The second picture shows a relief in the corners that will allow the nut to slide to depth.
RE: Y belt idler assembly difficulties
Thank you @vhubbard, I did it in a likely manner (with a soldering iron). Unfortunately I had a strong crossthreading, so it was a bit of pain, but at least I could manage this problem. After then I sealed the "a bit wider slot" with some drops of hot filament and everything is ok now.
RE: Y belt idler assembly difficulties
Hello, could you let me know where I can find the .stl file of the y-belt idler? Thanks a lot
I'm having huge difficulties with assembling the MK4 y belt idler (Frame Assembly, step 27). As several people note in the comments, the nut on one side (the face shown in the image) doesn't insert well. The nut doesn't seem to go in all the way, and then the screw can't thread properly or straight (seems to always end up at a slight angle).
I printed two more idlers. In each case, the print looks great, but I still can't get the nut in successfully, despite pressing very hard with screwdriver or Allen wrench. I'll be able to start screwing the bolt in (as a test) but it gets stuck due to not threading correctly. Then I lose the hardware because I can't get it back out.
I don't have a problem with the slot on the other face of the idler. I've assembled the MK3S in the past and am familiar with the process generally. It seems to me there is an issue with this part - just slightly too little tolerance, or something.
Does anyone else have this issue? Any tips?
(Prusa live chat promised to send me a new Prusa part, but hasn't. 🙁 )