3D Printer belt tension measuring tool for small 3D printers like Renkforce RF100

thingiverse

This tool is based on an idea by user calviniba https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2230598 <h5>Update 07.21.2017: I remade all STL files because Thingiview won't render them for a 3D view. I also included SketchUp files.</h5> I designed and created a completely new, compact tool that fits the Renkforce RF100's steel body before the belt. Measuring the belt tension is difficult with this printer, so I made one. This tool should work with other printers as well. The biggest difference between this tool and others is that it uses a standard ball pen spring with a 3mm diameter. I tried to print a 2.4mm shaft but it broke down, so I used the ball pen mine itself as the shaft instead. First, place the spring on the other side of the mine. Then cut it according to the pictures shown. Be careful not to get ink on yourself; better use an empty ball pen mine. Use super glue or plastic cement to assemble the parts together. Lastly, you need 3 M3 screws. I glued them into my model, so no hex nut is needed. Each ball pen spring is different. Before disassembling your printer, measure the old tension and mark the positions on the tool with a pen. Both sides should have nearly the same tension; if not, use different colors to mark the position.