Anet A8 Frame Braces w/Y-Axis Belt Tension Rods by LittleMrJ

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

Matsekberg came up with a cool idea to take Y-axis belt tension off the front frame panel by introducing threaded rods on each side of the belt, similar to X-belt tension transferred to the carriage rods. This thereby reduces the need for frame bracing.
I didn't see this as a REPLACEMENT for frame braces, rather than an ADDITION to them, so I took the idea to it's ultimate conclusion: I refined the parts, then I merged them all together with existing frame braces.
I have printed and installed this system on my printer, everything is aligned & fits snug. There are apparently issues with parts from Anet which were made with holes off-center, but this system functions fine with a properly produced frame. The belt tensioner now works with 8.5mm x 13mm 16 & 20 tooth aluminum idler pulleys, use an M3*18 screw for all idler pulleys. If slicer fails to correctly print recesses in idler tension arm, use a candle to heat nut to melt it in, same with bolt head. If they aren't recessed, the tension rods will interfere... I have reworked this design many times since initially posting it, download latest version before printing.
I used a three foot long 1/4" zinc plated threaded rod from my local hardware store. One meter long of 6mm diameter is the metric equivalent. Add with it 4 corresponding nuts & two washers for this build. Cut short side to 30.5cm, cut longer side to 34.5cm. You're looking at $4 total material cost.
The original concept is found here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2045010
The original frame braces found here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1430727