X Belt Tension System for Max Micron (and some other Prusa i3)

cults3d

Currently very much a work in progress!! August 3rd, 2016 - Added an edited adjuster that accepts 20 tooth idler bearings. This is a Z axis carriage designed for Max Micron and Prusa i3 printers with offset lead screw and rod positions not in line with X axis rods. Images with dimensions are included so you can compare against your printer (I hear the Hictop and others use similar layouts). I may create a template to help determine if this design fits your printer, but for now, measure carefully. My current printer has X rods extending about 20-25mm past the carriage. Some printers have shorter rods that will require modification to make this design work with extra rod length in mind. I'm aiming to design a version for flush rods soon. Many other X belt tensioning Z carriages exist but they all have lead screw and stabilization rod positions parallel to X rods, requiring complete Z carriage system rebuilds for proper alignment. This design is easier and faster if your printer setup matches the current configuration. The design consists of three parts: • The Z Carriage • The Adjuster Bar • The End Cap Add one M4 nut and 25-30mm flat head screw to assemble the components. I strongly recommend using at least a 1.6 to 2.0 shell (with a 0.4 nozzle) for proper strength. Print at 0.1 or better resolution as the fit is tight, and you may need to sand/file parts to achieve smooth movement. Avoid over-tightening, as excessive stress on the belt can cause it to break the tensioner, potentially damaging the printer.