Mendelmax 3.0 X-axis Tensioner

thingiverse

Human: I struggled with the standard X-axis tensioner plate on the Mendelmax 3, finding it difficult to adjust and prone to compressing the bearings, which made them spin poorly. This is a screw-adjustable X-axis tensioner designed specifically for the Mendelmax 3. It separates the fixing to the X-bar and the belt idler bearings into different screws, providing more control over adjustments. The design fits snugly into the gap at the end of the X-axis bar between the Z carriage angle fixings and the cable chain holder. Initially, you must remove the cable chain holder to access the adjustment screw. However, I am considering creating a longer version that would allow for easier access without requiring this removal. As it stands now, the design appears to function adequately. To accommodate a smooth idler pulley for my X belt, I added an adjustable feature to this tensioner. Standard bearings could also be used with suitable washers to guide the belt. Required hardware includes: M3x30 screw and M3 nut to connect the tension arm to the idler A washer at the screw end is recommended 2x M5x8 screws and 2x M5 T-nuts to connect the idler assembly to the X-axis bar 1x M5x16 screw (or however long you want the adjustment distance to be) and 1x M5 nut for the adjustment 1x M5x25 screw and nut, 2x 605XX bearings (or idler pulley kit) for the belt idler UPDATE: In an image, I used a M3x25 as the axle between the two parts due to not having a M3x30. The part is held captive by the x bar. UPDATE: After installation, I realized that reversing/mirroring the original parts would allow them to be installed upside-down without needing to remove the cable chain holder for adjustments. This modification improves the design significantly.