FLsun Q5 ball joint tensioner

thingiverse

Simple clip on ball joint tensioner to remove all backlash and ensure quiet operation. This unique design requires no additional springs or rubber bands etc etc. Utilises the natural elastic/memory properties of the TPU material to maintain adequate tension between the effector rod ends. One piece print design. The device can be installed without any need to disassemble the printer due to the split clip on end cylinders. Needs supports to the central 'spring' rod. May be just possible to print without supports, if you are really good at bridging? I used supports to bed set on the slicer anyway. The supports don’t add much time or material usage. Naturally you will want to print 6 of these tensioners. UPDATE August 18 2022: I just added an improved version of the file (V1.2). I discovered that the original version whilst working ok would sometimes slide up and down the effector leg ends a couple of mm. This caused an audible click sound with large effector excursions. So the V1.2 has increased boss height from 10mm to 12mm. This eliminates the sliding movement completely and is the preferred file to use now. I may leave the original file just for historical reference.