Y Belt Tensioners suggestions or mods requests
Hi all,
I have recently upgraded my MK3 to a MK3s and was having some problems with the belt tension reading shown in the Support LCD screen. My settings were outside the recommend 240 +-40
i.e X = 276 (after a lot of pulling the belt and using the grub screw) and Y = 297!
the current way to tighten the belts is poor for quick fix. My question does any one have a easyfix, namely a mod that can used. I was thinking of a screw pulling the idler pulley.
thanks in advance
nick
RE: Y Belt Tensioners suggestions or mods requests
the "tension" numbers are really motor torque numbers. Gates only recommends 5-8 lbs of tension on these belts. too much tension can bend the motor shaft, wear out motor bearings and bend the printer frame.
RE: Y Belt Tensioners suggestions or mods requests
I think poking the belt with your finger is a better test than the numbers.
More people seem to mess up by setting the belt too tight. There should be some give.
Just not so loose that the belt jumps cogs. You can see that in the prints. (layer slip)
RE: Y Belt Tensioners suggestions or mods requests
Hi David,
I understand that but you have to either lossen a belt or tighten it, which is a difficult process. I think i have got the X-Axis dialled in but the y-Axis is a little difficult, eventough it is easier to reach. I have reached the limit of the idler and it is tight against te frame so it can't go any tighter, and if i make it loose my number increases.
My thoughts were have a belt tensioner in the middle of the heat bed and the belt cable being feed vertical rather than flat horizontal. it would also mean the y-axis motor being re-arranged. the belt tensioner would have the two sides feed either side of a bondtech gear which hangs down to a screw gear/ turn wheel, and you just keep turning that until you got the correct tension. I'm not very good at describing things and poor at CAD.
if anyone can make a stab at the idea, that would be great.
Nick
RE: Y Belt Tensioners suggestions or mods requests
The test prints are okay and i had to really work on the first layer settings to make it work with these belt readings. I was just thinking wouldn't it be great if the belt tension process was easier to do
nick
RE: Y Belt Tensioners suggestions or mods requests
there are a bunch of tensioners on thingiverse, both replacement front idler mounts that have tension adjustments and replacement bed anchors that are adjustable
RE: Y Belt Tensioners suggestions or mods requests
The belt numbers report motor torque requirements, nothing to do with belt tension. You'll break your printer and destroy your motors if you try to get down from 275 to 240 by increasing belt tension.
RE: Y Belt Tensioners suggestions or mods requests
Hi David,
I understand that but you have to either lossen a belt or tighten it, which is a difficult process. I think i have got the X-Axis dialled in but the y-Axis is a little difficult, eventough it is easier to reach. I have reached the limit of the idler and it is tight against te frame so it can't go any tighter, and if i make it loose my number increases.
My thoughts were have a belt tensioner in the middle of the heat bed and the belt cable being feed vertical rather than flat horizontal. it would also mean the y-axis motor being re-arranged. the belt tensioner would have the two sides feed either side of a bondtech gear which hangs down to a screw gear/ turn wheel, and you just keep turning that until you got the correct tension. I'm not very good at describing things and poor at CAD.
if anyone can make a stab at the idea, that would be great.
Nick
You'll break your printer and destroy your motors if you try to get down from 275 to 240 by increasing belt tension.