[Closed] Smooth vs. Toothed Idler Pulleys

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Omikron

(@omikron)

Estimable Member

Smooth vs. Toothed Idler Pulleys

I've searched around for a good bit now, and I don't seem to have a clear answer on this...

What is the reason that smooth idler pulleys were chosen instead of toothed ones? Beyond cost, is there any potential disadvantage to toothed pulleys?

Posted : 14/10/2016 12:02 am

JohnOCFII

(@johnocfii)

Estimable Member

Re: Smooth vs. Toothed Idler Pulleys

I've searched around for a good bit now, and I don't seem to have a clear answer on this...

What is the reason that smooth idler pulleys were chosen instead of toothed ones? Beyond cost, is there any potential disadvantage to toothed pulleys?

It is the same on my other printer too. My first thought was that the designers didn't want two toothed gears fighting each other, but I guess that doesn't make sense since only one is powered.

Posted : 14/10/2016 5:24 am

David T.

(@david-t)

Noble Member

Re: Smooth vs. Toothed Idler Pulleys

Smooth idler is way easier to manufacture. 😉

Posted : 14/10/2016 7:58 am

Falcon

(@falcon)

Eminent Member

Re: Smooth vs. Toothed Idler Pulleys

What size is the idler pulley on the mk2? The build instructions just say 623 bearing housing.

From what I've seen in previous discussions on this, toothed pulleys potentially give longer life of the belts and do not deform the teeth, but the general thought is that this may be important for an industrial machine that runs around the clock, most printers do not run those kinds of hours in their life, and so it is not a real concern.