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Post by Big Man Black T-Shirt(Patrick) on Apr 22, 2017 22:01:46 GMT
Hey guys, I'm tensioning my Z Axis belt and I made a video showing what I have now. Can someone watch it and advise if it's too loose? (I think it is.) Thanks! Z-Axis Belt Tension Video |
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Post by Derek the Admin on Apr 23, 2017 2:00:43 GMT
Here's what I wrote on your YT video:
It is somewhat loose. Get a good grip on that extra belt and give it a firm pull with the zip tie ready to tighten with your other hand.
It's not the worlds worst tension you have there, but I would work with it a bit now. That, or run it a little bit without cutting off the extra length and move on to the next thing. If you end up unhappy with the amount of tension you can address it then.
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Post by Big Man Black T-Shirt(Patrick) on Apr 23, 2017 4:03:36 GMT
Cool, will do. Is it safe to assume that this advice applies to the other 2 belts also?
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On my phone, forgot my login
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Post by On my phone, forgot my login on Apr 23, 2017 4:58:09 GMT
I'm assembling mine right now and having very little fun with the belts haha. Could you post a video giving an idea of how much tension you run? I tried to estimate 6-7 lbs of pull but mine are about as slack as OP's
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Post by Big Man Black T-Shirt(Patrick) on Apr 23, 2017 5:07:41 GMT
I agree, a video showing how to tension the belts would be awesome. Most everything else related to assembly conveys well via text and photos but belt tensioning would be served best with a video, in my opinion.
Of course I could be biased, because I love shooting and editing video!
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Post by Derek the Admin on Apr 24, 2017 0:55:30 GMT
We'll try to do an in depth video in time, but probably not in the coming days.
When you tension you honestly want to pull it pretty taught because it never fails that you lose tension as you go to tighten everything down. You want to end up with at least 6 or 7, meaning you'll probably have to pull harder than that because you'll lose some as the zip tie sets.... or at least that's how it always seems to work with me.
You will want pretty similar tension on the X and Y. They can be harder than the Z because tracking is more of a concern over the longer run.
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Post by sternman318 on Apr 25, 2017 1:01:07 GMT
You want to end up with at least 6 or 7 Can you expand on this? I ended up just making them what I would consider "taught"... which was about as tight as I could get them. It sounds to me that that's what you want to go for. Only downside is the X axis pull consistently rides high on the idler pulley- is this okay as long as it rides in the same spot? I tried adjusting the angle of the pulley and nothing remedied it. |
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Post by Derek the Admin on Apr 25, 2017 2:37:03 GMT
Sternman: It can be remedied with enough adjusting. Sometimes it seems a bit like a moving target because there are so many variables in play with belt alignment. If it's not slipping off you'll be ok even it it rides high.
6 or 7 lbs of tension is that tension that would be achieved once the belts are set in place and zip tied if you had say 7 lbs of weight dead hanging from a string.... I know that is a pretty abstract concept without any actual measurement tools but we were trying to give some reference point. I wouldn't get wrapped up in the actual figure so much as making sure it's not loose. If you think it's taught, you are probably good.
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Post by Big Man Black T-Shirt(Patrick) on Apr 26, 2017 21:19:32 GMT
I just noticed that in this photo I downloaded from this forum I believe (attached below) the teeth on the belt as it's wrapped around the upper stud on the Z-Axis appears to be pointing outwards. We want the teeth pointing inwards, correct? So as to mesh with each other and aid in the locking together of the two? Attachments:
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gkr
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by gkr on Apr 26, 2017 22:43:29 GMT
Hello clarkdv,
I noticed that too in that some pictures vs what's documented in the assembly guide (page 17).
However, since this is where the belt ends (and is zip-tied), I guess it does not matter. The only difference is.. the flat-side of the belt will be in contact with the screw thread in the case shown in the picture, while the teeth-side of the belt will be in contact with the screw thread in the other. Which one will provide a better grip, I'm not really sure.
I guess there is more of the belt in contact with the screw thread in the first case.
I have it installed as documented in the assembly guide, and so far have not had any issues.
While, I'm not going to mess with it now.. it would be nice to know which is the better way to go. That way, the next time z-axis needs reassembly, the belt can be router the best way.
Regards.
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Post by Big Man Black T-Shirt(Patrick) on Apr 26, 2017 22:59:07 GMT
I think you want the sides of the belt with the teeth to be touching one another, so the teeth will lock together and keep it from slipping. But I wasn't sure, so I thought I'd ask and see if Derek will reply.
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Post by mp4doggie on Apr 27, 2017 1:27:21 GMT
yes in your picture the grooves should mesh together. not flat side to flat side
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Post by Derek the Admin on Apr 27, 2017 17:16:12 GMT
It's best if the grooves to mesh together. I've been "guilty" of not always doing it that way. Haven't popped a belt off yet, however.
For what it's worth, I'd let the assembly instructions prevail anytime you see a conflict between them and website pics. Website pics are of a very very late stage prototype. It's essentially the same except for a couple improvements in the production model such as a countersunk hole for the bolt head of the X idler mount fastener.... that kind of thing.
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