Cracked X idler - reprint Mk2 or Mk3?
After assembling the upgrade to 2.5, I think I must have the tension too high as the there's now a small crack (layer separation) on the back left (belt side, lock-nut side) of the x-axis idler right where the idler shaft goes.
It's still printing decently, so I will reprint that part, but does anyone have any thoughts about going with the Mk3 version instead of Mk2?
It seems ( https://manual.prusa3d.com/Guide/3.+X-axis+assembly/508?lang=en ) that they've abandoned the tension screws that push into the rods, which seems like it might be a disadvantage as they can help fine-tune the tension. On the plus side, after many people reported breaking a lip that supports the lock nut, they redesigned it with a bit of a bump for some extra strength right in the area I broke mine.
Anyone have any thoughts/experience on this part in a (former) Mk2S? Unless someone knows the Mk3 design won't work, I'll probably print one of each and see what happens.
Re: Cracked X idler - reprint Mk2 or Mk3?
Hi David,
all the changes we have made are for a reason, I always recommend using the parts, which are designed for the specific type of the printer. Since yours is MK2S upgraded to MK2.5, you should use MK2S x-end-idler.
Latest parts can be found here: https://www.prusa3d.com/prusa-i3-printable-parts/
/ Knowledge Base
The guy behind Prusa assembly manuals...
Re: Cracked X idler - reprint Mk2 or Mk3?
Apparently there is a known flaw with the design of the MK2 x-idler that causes misalignment of the x-belt. Mine has always shown symptoms of this (slightly twisted belt during motion), but it's never caused print problems. However I just noticed a hairline crack on the X-idler from over tightening during the MK2.5 upgrade. So, I was looking at the design of the X-axis printed Lucky Patcher 9Apps VidMate parts for the MK3 and they've made some small changes to address the alignment issue as well as a different tensioning screw. I don't see any reason why these parts wouldn't be compatible with the MK2 rods and hardware, unless the rods are a different length or some other esoteric problem. Thoughts?