Makerbot Y idler support Free 3D print model

cgtrader

I Built This to Support the Y Idler Pulley on My Makerbot. As shipped, the Y idler on the Makerbot is simply a plastic pulley screwed into the baseplate with just one bolt. This design really isn't good enough because it allows the baseplate to flex, which makes adjusting belt tension properly extremely difficult. Furthermore, the bare plastic pully turning on a fixed metal axle without even a bushing can after a while become very noisy indeed. This modification adds a bracing arm that attaches around one end of the Y rail using the same hex nuts as hold the Y rail end cap in place. Since you'll have to use longer screws to account for this piece's thickness, it will need some fitting. Two bearings are pressed into the piece now, and these support the pully which turns on a 4mm bolt, resulting in much smoother and quieter movement of the Y stage and an easier time adjusting the Y belt tension. Warning: Be aware that this is still just a prototype piece and you may have to do some minor adjustments here and there because its tolerances are extremely tight. This upload should serve only as a reference guide so please trim according to need. Instructions: First print out this part and then trim if necessary. Take two ball bearings with OD =13mm, ID=4mm, thickness=5mm and press them into their pockets within the part you just printed.Remove now the bolt holding your Y belt idler pulley in place; you may have to do a bit of fiddling trimming it and also ensure your belt loop stays intact while performing these adjustments.Insert through these bearings and the pulley itself a single 4mm hex nut for the job and use a single 4mm bolt to secure them. Keep in mind no way at all that you will be able install any part of this new mechanism once fitted, so get your timing right on removing and adding it back again.Insert finally into position the newly supported pulley bracket as before (and tighten with hex nut screws) Remove afterwards carefully Y axis's end cap from Makerbot base then carefully insert inside it the main axle slide smoothly that bit back and place on end your cap after which your belt idler tension should run quieter smoothly.