GT2 Belt Tensioner

thingiverse

My second attempt at remixing Microcut's belt tensioner. The idea was to rotate the main body 90 degrees along the Y axis (?). I then tried to streamline the overall design for a smaller foot print as the original design would have continuously gotten clipped by the carriage on my Rostock Mini Pro. I was able to reuse the original loop and tensioning knob from Microcut's design, included for convenience. I have not yet tested the design as I am waiting to replace some other parts on printer, since the new design will require longer belts than are currently on my printer. Overall I am happy with the results of my test prints, which I believe are too tight due to poorly calibrate filament that was over extruding. UPDATE 04-11-2016 Reprinted the design in a silver PLA that I have been having much better success with. Realized that the hole for the belt tightening knob was still too tight, so I reduced the wall thickness on either side from 2mm to 1.5mm, extending the height to 7mm without changing any of the other dimensions. Unfortunately, I am not sure the changes I made from Microcut's original design are going to work however. Adjusting the tensioner knob seems to tighten one end of the model or the other, rather than drawing the ends together to tighten the belt as intended. One end or the other will need to be securely fastened for it to work. I flagged the model as a work in progress, but uploaded v2 of the tensioner body along with a Fusion 360 archive file, IGES file, and STEP file incase anyone else wants to iterate on the design. UPDATE 06-02-2016 Finished the remix, following the function of the original design much closer so the tensioner would work correctly. So far is working great on my printer, allowing my belts to be much tighter. The fit passing my carriage is closer then I would care for, but seems to be working. Will update the design files this weekend. UPDATE 06-04-2016 Final STLs, Fusion360 Archives, IGES files, and STEP files should now be loaded. Smallest hex bolt I could find was 4mm with a 7mm head, so I sized for that. A 20mm length should be more than enough for the tensioner. I just used 3mm x 10mm screws for the side bolts. Originally I was planning to cut down some 3/16" threaded rod, but using screws with a little super glue was easier. Sadly the final design does require support generation. tensioner_body_v3 tensioner_loop_v2 tensioner_knob_v2 belt_loop (need 2x)