Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner  

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

scaled it to 1011.11 yours would fit on a jumbo printer lol

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

scaled it to 1011.11 yours would fit on a jumbo printer lol

Hahaha is there a scaling issue? This is my first upload on thingiverse. I created the parts in inventor With a metric ipt. Then converted to the stl files.

Not sure if there’s another way to create the stl without losing the proper dimensions.

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

I loaded it in s3d and thought that looks large so scaled it the same as the original mk3 parts at first I said that's a long print 15 hours lol all parts print to 9 hours now

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

I loaded it in s3d and thought that looks large so scaled it the same as the original mk3 parts at first I said that's a long print 15 hours lol all parts print to 9 hours now

Not sure why that’s happening. Yeah you can definitely use hole spacing between the two mounting holes or similar to scale it. What layer height are you doing and what type of supports are you using? Using pla, abs or petg? Let me know how it comes out. I have it printed here and am having fun playing with it without the printer lol

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

Hahaha is there a scaling issue? This is my first upload on thingiverse. I created the parts in inventor With a metric ipt. Then converted to the stl files.

Not sure if there’s another way to create the stl without losing the proper dimensions.

STL files don't have any units built in to the file. But by convention, STL files are usually in mm for 3D printing. However, some CAD software uses other units by default. You may want to check the settings in your Inventor preferences.

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

Hahaha is there a scaling issue? This is my first upload on thingiverse. I created the parts in inventor With a metric ipt. Then converted to the stl files.

Not sure if there’s another way to create the stl without losing the proper dimensions.

STL files don't have any units built in to the file. But by convention, STL files are usually in mm for 3D printing. However, some CAD software uses other units by default. You may want to check the settings in your Inventor preferences.

I’ll have to look at the export settings in inventor. If it’s an issue I can also upload step files? This way people can manipulate the model if they’re using a different pulley.

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

I have not checked the details/tolerances etc on this but wouldn't the pulley be attempting to move in a circular path through a straight slot?

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

I have not checked the details/tolerances etc on this but wouldn't the pulley be attempting to move in a circular path through a straight slot?

I should have shown the mechanism in a little more detail. When I get home tomorrow, I will show the side detail to help explain.

The movable side arms also have a slot on either side (much smaller length of slot compared to the one on the mount). The two slots lay on top of each other at an angle therefore giving the proper degree of freedom to allow the pulley to move back and forth in the slot linearly. As soon as you download and inspect the movable arm pieces, you will see what I mean.

Once its all assembled it’s a neat little part to play with. One of the first useful things I’ve designed to have printed.

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

So it turns out I uploaded the STL files incorrectly. I reuploaded them to thingiverse with the proper dimensions associated with them as well as a higher resolution. Those are now available for download. As for the question of how it works. Here is a screenshot of the side with the arm in both positions.

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

use the same link as previous 🙂

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

Do you have to print this with supports? There is a lot of overhang...

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

lay them flat on the bed you can move them about lol

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

I’ll have to look at the export settings in inventor. If it’s an issue I can also upload step files? This way people can manipulate the model if they’re using a different pulley.

Please Upload the STEP files 🙂

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

Hey guys.

Ok to answer any questions on support, we printed these parts on a Monoprice select mini with a low layer height and low print speed (I don't know the actual numbers). We were able to obtain very nice results without supports. When we first tried to print with supports with the MakerGeeks Raptor PLA, we had a really hard time removing the supports. I'm not sure if this was because the material was too strong or not. Not sure what material you guys are using but if you're more comfortable using supports and have good results then by all means give it a try.

The only piece that I foresee having supports as a last result is the adjuster arm. Everything else can be oriented in a way that will not need any supports. The mount can be oriented with the flat side to the bed, the barrel can be printed on its end (I did this so that the layer lines do not interfere with each other therefore making them bind) and the spherical washer (unsure if this is even actually needed) can be printed on the one flat side.

I just reprinted the currently uploaded files and the only thing I might change is the width of where the pulley goes. Only by a little bit. It seems good at one end of its stroke but when its all the way inward, it binds slightly. The other thing I noticed is that the frame mounting holes are a little tight. I believe the printer we are using needs to have its first layer adjusted as there is a slight elephants foot which closes up the holes therefore making the screws not fit. A razor blade did the trick quickly to remove the flashing. the other issue is the the nuts are not fitting into the hexagonal holes. I'm not sure why, they have plenty of clearance in the model(*EDIT* I spoke too soon, I just reexamined the models and it looks like I had in the nominal 5.5 mm width instead of a clearance width like the barrel has) . I will go back and inspect this. If you've already downloaded you might need to re-download this piece if you're having this same issue (once I re-upload it).

I will upload all STEP files before the end of the night.

Once you guys start downloading and printing, let me know what issues you're having or if you like the design.

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

hi Mathew the washer is now over 160 mm on the stl file all the other parts are to scale lol

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

Honestly I have no idea why that is happening. I exported the file the same way I did the others. Just for frame of reference if you want to scale it down, the washer is 7.5 mm in diameter. any input as to why this is happening?

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

not a clue I just took the washer from the earlier stl these things are sent to try us

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

The first 5 people to send me a pic of the printed pieces next to their mk3, I’ll send you the hardware needed to finish the assembly for free, you just have to pay for the postage for it (I’m in the USA). I’m doing this for testing purposes to see if there is any issues with the parts and I can change the thingiverse page from “work in progress”. It’s not a lot of money for the hardware but easier than buying the hardware in bulk and only using one or two pieces.

Re: Upgraded Y axis belt tensioner

this looks really slick.

I was frustrated at that part of the install and just put some extra long bolts onto the pulley holder so I could easily slip the belt on and then use the bolts to tighten it.