Tiny Tensioner

prusaprinters

Creality_Ender_3 Tiny Tensioner I needed a low-profile tensioning solution for the X-axis so an enclosure could fit around the printer without a large protrusion on the side. Also, I hadn't ever used Onshape so I thought this would be a good first project. It turned out well, I think and results in a tensioner that portrudes no further than the bearings. You'll Need: 3 printed parts (see below) An M4x25mm Countersunk Head Screw A matching M4 locking nut. Version History Anchor V2: Added clearance for M4 Mounting screw at end of extrusion. Allows fitment on Ender 3/3 Pro without removal/fitment of the mounting screw. Allows replacement of screw on 3v2. Print Settings Printer Brand: Creality Printer: Ender 3 Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.16mm Layer Height Infill: 50%+ Filament: Any PLA Any Notes: Print Settings: * The Bearing Keeper can be printed with either flat side down. 50% or greater infill. (I used 80%) No supports. * The Tensioning Nut should be printed with the flat side of the handle end down (smooth bearing surface up) 50% or greater infill. (I used 80%) No supports. * The Anchor should be printed with the square side down. use a 5mm brim to keep the small profiles from scooting off the print surface. The edges of this part are chamfered to counter any elephant foot that might cause interference with the 20x20 extrusion. Print this with 100% infill; the posts that prevent the Bearing Keeper from spinning need the added strength. You'll need decent accuracy to get these to fit together. I used a 0.16 layer height. Post-Printing Installing on your Ender 3/Pro/v2 The fit between the threaded parts is close; after printing, use something in the bearing area to hold the bearing holder still while you thread the tensioning nut all the way through in both directions. If they're too stiff, you can use some white lithium grease or dry lock lubricant. Disassembly Ender 3/3Pro Remove whatever tensioning solution you currently have and disconnect the belt from the right side of the nozzle carriage leaving the end of the X-Gantry bare and the belt free. Disassemble the bearing holder and retain the bearings. Ender 3v2 Remove the blue knob from the tensioner. Remove the two screws holding the tensioning block to the extrusion. Retain the M4 cap head screw. Disassemble the bearing fork and retain the bearings. Disconnect the belt from the right side of the nozzle carriage leaving the end of the X-Gantry bare and the belt free. Assembly Slip the two bearings into the Bearing Keeper and insert the screw into the side with the tapered recess. Push the locknut in the other end. Tighten. Thread the belt through the Anchor starting on the square end, exiting the round. Thread the belt through the Bearing Keeper and around the bearings through the other side. Ensure the belt is not twisted. Thread the belt back through the Anchor towards the nozzle carriage. Slide the Bearing Keeper onto the anchor (orientation does not matter) Slip the Anchor over the extrusion. On an Ender 3v2, replace the M4 cap head screw. Re-connect the belt to the nozzle carriage. There should be plenty of slack. Thread the Tensioning Nut onto the Bearing Keeper, with the flat bearer side toward the Anchor. (Refer to the illustrations to verify orientation) Tighten the Tensioning Nut until the belt is tensioned to your satisfaction.NOTE the leverage available on the belt is significant; take care not to over-tighten the belt. How I Designed This Onshape I designed this part in Onshape as a "how do I use this software" kind of project. It required significant research, since I had never used the software prior. I have training in 2D drafting and have used Sketchup for some time but found it lacking in designing the parts I wanted. Onshape was easy to get started with and proved to be up to the task. You can find my Onshape model here: Tiny Tensioner for Creality_Ender_3,_3_Pro_or_v2. Category: 3D Printer Accessories