Re: X-Axis Belt Tensioner
Is it possible for you to share the belt tensioner design?
I'm upgrading now and this would be awesome!! 🙂
Re: X-Axis Belt Tensioner
Due to the use of non-standard kit provided hardware of 3mm guide rods this will not be posted online.
MK2S kit owner since 8/15/2017
Re: X-Axis Belt Tensioner
My (factory assembled) x-axis belts have always been a little looser than the Y and I have been dreading disassembling the carriage to tighten them. Maybe I'll give the x-axis belt tensioner a try! Looks pretty easy to install.
By the way - does anyone know why the x and y axes use belts instead of rods like the z axis? Is it just for cost savings?
Re: X-Axis Belt Tensioner
Considering the MK belts can be tensioned by user, a dedicated tensioner is unecessary if you just need a tune up (literally E1). If you have an MK3, yeah, tensioner might be nice to have because you have to take the entire wire assembly and X-Carriage Back plate off. MK2 is no problem, slip the stepper onto one screw, pop one side of the belt loop, tick it over a couple teeth. As for myself, it bugged me that I couldn't have a pitch perfect tune so luxuriated in OCD one weekend.
On belt vs. lead screw. Google came up with this article. Screw-Driven vs. Belt-Driven Rodless Actuators. Here is the article's summary.
Many applications make the choice of a linear drive easy. For example, timing belt drives are ideal for long-stroke applications requiring high linear velocity and acceleration. The length of stroke of a timing belt actuator is limited only by the ability to efficiently tension long strands of timing belt. If the application stroke length and speed are moderate, but the axial thrust is high, and (or) if a high positional accuracy is required, then power screw drives are an ideal fit.
MK2S kit owner since 8/15/2017
Re: X-Axis Belt Tensioner
Your design is pretty neat. I had somthing similar in mind. Too sad you not willing to share it!
Re: X-Axis Belt Tensioner
I'm not a fan of belt geometry change tightening, elegant a solution as it is. So, unsatisfied with what I found online, agreed with the most straight forward solution and "swoll'd" it. Makes the printer wider so there is a downside.
Due to the use of non-standard kit provided hardware of 3mm guide rods this will not be posted online.
Hi,
I'm have the same idea, but not sur of the belt size. Do you use the original Belt or a longer one ?
Vince.fr
Re: X-Axis Belt Tensioner
The one posted is the original kit belt trimmed as instructed in the manual for kit. It was for the old MK2S carriage design so there was enough to belt to work with. But if tensioned your belt super tight then clipped as close to carriage as possible, it may be too short.
MK2S kit owner since 8/15/2017