Sidewinder X1 X Belt Tensioner by cybrstorm

Last crawled date: 3 years, 3 months ago

One of the features I like on my Ender 3 V2 is the ability to easily tension the X-axis belt using a thumb screw, and wanted that for my Sidewinder (V4). I also wanted an end cap on the gantry to match the covers I have on the rest of the printer. This model combines them both. I designed this with two considerations in mind :
1.) Keep Y/Z stability as rigid as possible. The only movement should be along the x-axis when tensioning the thumb screw.
2.) Extruder clearance. I didn't want the design to impede X movement on the right side of the gantry. This can be adjusted based on how long you allow your belt to be. Mine by default (still using the original belt) was perfect.
I made 3 designs before I settled on the one I liked. All 3 designs "work" and are available here for download
1.) Original design. The biggest end cap, and the one I thought looked the nicest. My issue with this design was that the ribbon cable would touch the end cap when doing auto leveling at the right-most points. I figure over time it may not be great to have it making contact all the time, but it's here if that isn't a concern of yours.
2.) Slim Version. This version is slimmed down to avoid the ribbon cable, but still sticks out more than the super slim version, so some contact is still possible.
3.) Super Slim Version. This is the design I have been using. Not the prettiest, but still stable and as close to the rail dimensions as possible.
Printer settings I used are below. To secure the pulley plate to the print you can just screw the existing screws in through the bottom or use slightly longer screws to attach the existing T nuts too. These can provide extra stability in the rail, just don't tighten the nuts too much or the thumb screw will not be able to move the cap.
I have used this tensioner over several long prints and it has never become loose - the tension on the screw seems sufficient to keep it in place. Regardless you may want to check your belt tension after several prints to ensure that the belt remains tight.
Feel free to remix and make the design better! As mentioned above, my Sidewinder is the V4 version, but I don't know if there is any difference in the pulley design between versions.
Looking for a Y belt tensioner as well? See my other design at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4711922