Anet A8 X-Axis Tensioner for Toothed Idler and 4mm Bolts

thingiverse

<h2>The Challenge</h2> I acquired a toothed idler wheel for the x-axis belt on my Anet A8, only to discover that the idler was approximately 2mm wider than the existing one already fitted to the model found at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1976767. <h3>The Fix</h3> I decided to recreate this design using parts extracted from https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2451306 as a template, swapping out 3mm bolts for 4mm ones. Be advised that nut sizes can vary significantly! A simple solution is to heat the nut with a flame and then insert or melt it into position using the bolt if the hole is too small. <h3>Redesign Efforts</h3> The initial iteration proved slightly too narrow between the prongs, resulting in a sloppy fit within the x-carriage. It appears that my Anet A8 model does not align with the part as modeled by yonatanorion. I adjusted the spacing between the prongs to widen it slightly, which has resulted in an acceptable fit. This is the STL file I have uploaded for reference. Both versions are also available as Fusion 360 files. <h3>Printing Strategies</h3> To enhance strength, I printed with thin layers - 0.12mm - and gave it a robust infill for the same reason. Although the forces are not ideal, they are not particularly great either. <h2>A Word of Caution!</h2> If you decide to print this, be aware that it may eventually fail, so consider printing another one as a precaution!