Externally Accessable Y axis belt tensioner for Taz 3-5 Printers

thingiverse

The Taz 3D printer needs an easier way to adjust the Y axis belt tension, plus a provision for adding a Y maximum endstop. This project addresses both of these issues. Please note: this project requires drilling a single hole in your Taz Y idler endplate. You should only proceed if you're comfortable drilling holes in printers. The tensioner works fine, but I haven't tested the endstop alignment yet, so be aware that portion may change. Build thread is here: https://forum.lulzbot.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=4773&p=28402 Update 1 - The belt mount holes are for M3 bolts, not M5. Make sure to use the correct Heat Set Inserts. Update 2: new tensioner version and belt block uploaded. This version is a bit stronger and easier to add the lower heat set inserts into. The new tension block allows you to structurally tie the front and rear tower together since you're adjusting the tension at the front anyway. Printer Settings Printer Brand: LulzBot Printer: TAZ 5 Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.5mm Nozzle Infill: 85% or better Notes: Printed in ABS, the bed portions may get warm depending on your setup so PLA is not recommended. Post-Printing Instructions: You will need 1 M4 bolt (12-14mm), 1 M4 washer and 1 m4 Nylock nut. You'll also need a m4 bolt sized drillbit, 4 1/4" spacers, 4 bolts to fit said spacers. I think I used 6-32 x 1/4 x 1" nylon spacers and 6-32 cap bolts. But really anything similar will work. You may also want to get longer bolts and add a washer and a nut to the end to secure the idler assembly in case the m4 bolt fails. You'll also need 2 m2 heat set inserts and 8 short M3 inserts for the replacement Y max endstop target. To install, bolt the drill guide to the idler plate with it and the attached hardware removed from your Taz. Drill the hole and clean any aluminum swarf. Install 2 m2 heat set inserts in the Y maximum endstop plate, and the m3 heat set inserts into the Y max endstop target. Next thread the 6-32 bolts through the idler plate (note the position of the plate should have the offset side to the right when viewed from the front) and through the Y maximum endstop adaptor plate, then tighten the spacers. Now install the M4 nut into the tensioner, then the stock Taz M8 bolt idler hardware set (2 m8 washers, 2 608zz bearings, 1 M8 bolt and nut) into the idler body and place on the posts as shown in the pictures. Now you can reinstall this on your Taz. To start, adjust the M4 bolt so you have a 3mm or so gap between the back of the idler assembly and the front of the Y maximum endstop plate where the posts attach. Now re-attach the belt using the stock lulzbot plates and hardware and get hand tight. Now turn the bolt to adjust tension as needed. Enjoy! More pictures and better instructions will follow. Also, why didn't someone tell me I had Y and Z swapped?