1 Topic by jooshs

  • jooshs
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  • From: Pittsburgh Pa
  • Registered: 2012-08-07
  • Posts: 387

Topic: Belt Tension and Screw Preloads

I have noticed quite a few posts recently wondering about belt tensions and screw preloads for various parts. Can Solidoodle weigh in on how they teach their techs to assemble the printer with regards to these parts. Have you guys gone through with all the calculations to determine the proper preload and have you found an optimal tension?  I understand that a lot of these parts are printed and alignments aren't consistent enough to give exact across the board answers, but some general guidelines for the community would help. Thanks.

2 Reply by solijohn

  • solijohn
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  • Registered: 2012-08-07
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Re: Belt Tension and Screw Preloads

jooshs wrote:

I have noticed quite a few posts recently wondering about belt tensions and screw preloads for various parts. Can Solidoodle weigh in on how they teach their techs to assemble the printer with regards to these parts. Have you guys gone through with all the calculations to determine the proper preload and have you found an optimal tension?  I understand that a lot of these parts are printed and alignments aren't consistent enough to give exact across the board answers, but some general guidelines for the community would help. Thanks.

I'll see what I can get you Josh. As you may have noticed, Solidoodle can be a bit secretive about our internal processes. You are right to assess that tension cannot be spoken about in absolute terms because of the varying nature of printed parts.
Instead, we "test" the parts into correct tension, but printing and adjusting. Eventually techs get a sense of what the correct tension should be, and how to correct small tension mistakes.
I will look into getting you numbers, but I cannot promise that I can make them available.

Former Solidoodle employee, no longer associated with the company.