Ultimate AM8 X Holders With Tensioner

thingiverse

A further upgraded version of my X holders, now newly installed on my printer. Designed for the Anet A8 idler and LM8UU bearings, these improved blocks feature a more compact design with a tightened fit for the smooth rods. To print the holder blocks, special attention is required when placing supports. For easier removal, supports should ONLY be added to the part of the block where the smooth rod tighteners are located. Please check the 5th screenshot from Cura on this upload to see what I mean. The grayed parts don't need any supports, but the area within them needs. These improved blocks have a more precise fit for the smooth rods. The internal diameter of the holes is 8.3mm, while the rods are 8mm, so keep this in mind when printing in case you need to adjust some tolerance parameters. The tensioner has been redesigned with a more compact design and a tightened fit for the idler pulley. It now features two M4 screws and nuts for tensioning, making it easier to adjust and maintain. To assemble the X carriage, follow these steps: 1. Print out all of the parts and remove supports as needed. Make sure that the smooth rod holes are completely clean of any supports. 2. Push fit the LM8UU bearings into the two bearing holders. It is tight and should be. Use a flat head screw driver to open the fittings apart a bit so it inserts easier. 3. Push the M3x20 hex screws through the two smooth rod tightening holes and add nuts on the other side. Do not tighten them yet, but screw just enough so it doesn't fall apart. 4. Add the leadscrew nuts to the top of the holders. Use M3x16 hex screws with M3 nuts for tightening or use just screws if your nuts are prethreaded like the E3D POM nuts are. I suggest inserting the screws from the bottom. 5. Guide/push the two holders on the leadscrews and smooth rods. Lower their height. 6. Insert the two horizontal smooth rods and thread them through whatever X carriage you are using. They need to be pushed all the way through the idler holder, the carriage and into the motor holder. 7. Balance the height of the two holders. I personally use something like a big plastic block between the holders and the bottom motor brackets to make sure both left and right ones are on the same height. 8. Tighten the smooth rods using the tightening screws on the front. I am not sure if it is possible to overtighten, but maybe it is best not to take your chances. 9. Thread the belt through both of the holders so it is available for the next steps. 10. Add the M4 screws and nuts to the belt tensioner. 11. Thread the belt through the tensioner and loop it around the idler pulley. Finish assembling the tensioner using the M3x20 countersunk screw and nut to fix the pulley. 12. Push the tensioner into the idler holder. 13. Loop the belt around the motor on the other side. Tighten the motor using three M3x22 screw or three M3x25 screws if you are using my Ultimate Hemera A8 / A8 Carriage For LM8UU With Chain. 14. Fixate the X endstop using the wood screws. I hope you enjoy and if you have any questions or found some issues, be sure to comment! I will see what I can do! As usual, I have also included the Blender file in case you want to edit it further.