Thing-o-matic Automated Build Platform -- conveyor belt too tight

Summary:

finished ABP but conveyor belt is extremely tight

Thing-o-matic Automated Build Platform -- conveyor belt too tight

crescojeff 09 Jun 2012 01:32

Hello,
I just finished building the automated build platform for the Thing-o-Matic and everything looks good, but after inserting the rollers I found the conveyor belt stretched very tigtly over the heat spreader PCB beneath it. I can't move the conveyor belt at all without a pair of pliers to turn the rollers manually. I'm afraid the small motor will burn out if it tries to move the conveyor belt as it is… is the conveyor belt supposed to be stretched almost taught or should there be some play? If it is too tight, what might I do to loosen it?
thanks,
CCJ

Re: Thing-o-matic Automated Build Platform -- conveyor belt too tight

Bluemetal 09 Jun 2012 16:35

It should be set pretty tight. It will be very hard to move by hand as the reduced gearing will prevent you from moving the belt (I was not able to do it in mine). Remember that when heated the belt will also expand a little.

You can try at first and be ready to pull the connector if you see that the belt won't move. Removing the back or/and front nylon bushings from the axis will give you some more leeway if needed.

Be ready for disappointment though if you intend to print anything tall. Many have tried and given up using the ABP for anything other than plastic coins. :)

Re: Thing-o-matic Automated Build Platform -- conveyor belt too tight

artbot 15 Oct 2012 18:17

I still use the APB with Dual extruder's on a Thing-o-matic, but I use a Titanium belt and the printable APB mod for belt tightening - thing:13896. I can get it even tighter with this combination and the motor still copes.

I make my own machine info XML config on ReplicatorG as it doesn't come with this as a preset combination, just finishing this for version 0039 now.

Cheers

Peter