Failing X-Axis? Low belt status but belt is loose.
Hello,
I have a printer that shows a belt status of 213 on the x-axis. By the numbers this would indicate a very tight belt. However, you can tell the x-axis belt is less taught than the Y-axis belt that shows 260 by pinching the belt.
Is the fact that it's showing a lower number (tighter) when it's in fact more lose than a 260 belt status Y-Axis an indication of a failing stepper motor? Lately, I've seened a few more layer shifts.
RE: Failing X-Axis? Low belt status but belt is loose.
Yeah, probably there's something wrong in that X axis. Might be an ailing stepper, although that's rare. Other possible 'culprits' are the bearings. Maybe they're compressed too much by the X carriage (check the screws tightening the X-carriage back). It might be also that one or more bearings are either damaged or in need of lubrication. Do you hear scratching sounds when the extrudes moves along the X axis ?. Does it travels smoothly when you move it by hand or do you feel some kind of uneven resistance ?
RE: Failing X-Axis? Low belt status but belt is loose.
Thanks Artur,
I'll look into these areas. I'll reply back if I find the problem.
The belt tension figure is a measure of the resistance felt by the stepper when moving the axis. On a correctly set up machine this does equate, roughly, to belt tension.
But other things can affect mechanical resistance.
First, with the power off, move the axis by hand; is it smooth? Does the resistance stay the same over the whole range?
Clean and lubricate the smooth rods, check they are not damaged/scratched. Check the idler pulley is not clogged, out of line, or damaged (loosen the belt and try turning it with your fingertip, is it smooth?)
With the belt loose try turning the stepper motor by hand; is it smooth?
Retighten the belt until it just begins to make a low musical note when plucked...
If the printer works, make your next print this:
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/46639-tension-meter-for-the-gt2-belts-of-i3-mk3s-or-prus
It MUST be printed in Prusament PETG or the spring tension will be wrong.
Let us know how you get on.