Adjustable tension carriage (Max Micron and other Prusa i3)

thingiverse

I'm currently using version 2 of this system, but I've been working on version 3 which has some minor additions. If you encounter any issues, please let me know. Tired of struggling with installing a properly tensioned belt on my Max Micron printer? It's either too tight or too loose. Add-on type adjustable tensioners often break or "lean" the belt, while springs and arch type clip-on tensioners cause vibrations and bind the movement of the belt. So I designed this set-it-and-forget-it tensioner with the ability to be adjusted down the road to counter printer wear and such. Here are some thoughts on benefits: • No vibration or feedback into prints • No loss of travel length like clips or "ziptie" methods that can hit the pulley or motor on extreme travel • Stronger than most pulley adjuster setups I've seen and used • Cleaner belt alignment & movement over "clip-on" tensioners • Set it and forget it (but can still be adjusted later) • All nuts are inset for ease and less tools needed • Belt tension tightens nut to maintain hold, the harder it pulls, the tighter it gets • All mounting and screws stay the same as stock with just the addition of the M5 nut and bolt for the adjuster. Note #1: Tolerances are kinda tight, recommend 0.1 or better resolution and 50% infill for strength. Note #2: Belt tightens with bolt tightening, use caution not to over-tighten belt!