Belt Tension

Bearings/Motors/Belts/Gears/Etc.

Belt Tension

Postby trwalters001 » Thu Jan 27, 2011 1:53 pm

Hi All,

I'm using the 80-pitch MXL belts on my machine. Does anyone know what the tension should be set to for these? And how to go about measuring it?

Because of my design, the Y-axis idlers need to remain stationary (instead of sliding to set belt tension.)

I'm thinking of using something like this idea to adjust belt tension:

Tension Adjuster.jpg


One end of the adjuster would be where it attaches to the X-axis gantry.

Anyone have any advice/suggestions/laughter?

Thanks!

Tim
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Re: Belt Tension

Postby bdring » Thu Jan 27, 2011 3:59 pm

I used a similar method early on with my laser. I cut a toothed pattern into acrylic with a 1/16" end mill. That clamped onto the belt. then the two clamps were drawn together with a long screw. The screws through the side were loose enough to allow sliding until the belt was tight. It worked great, but it required people to tap threads in the acrylic. This was difficult for some people. It would probably be easier in HDPE or other less brittle material.

My current method of movable idler pulley is way easier, but it sounds like that is not an option on your design. What about an additional pulley to deflect the belt to add tension?

Pictures of my original design

belt_tensioner.png

belt_clamps.jpg
Bart
"If you didn't build it, you will never own it."
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Re: Belt Tension

Postby trwalters001 » Thu Jan 27, 2011 7:51 pm

:D Exactly what I was looking for!

I'll make them out of aluminum.

What's the recommended tension & how is it measured?
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Re: Belt Tension

Postby bdring » Thu Jan 27, 2011 7:59 pm

Stock drive has some reference data.

http://www.sdp-si.com/D265/HTML/D265T050.html (go to 2nd page)

They list it as tension per span (2.3 lbs for 1/4" MXL) , so you would probably double it on a normal setup.
Bart
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Re: Belt Tension

Postby trwalters001 » Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:25 pm

Thanks Bart!

Zakly what I was looking for! :D
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