How to tune your timing belt
| My Printer | Axis | Shaft to shaft Distance S (mm) | Belt Mass Constant | Belt Width(mm) | Minimum Tension(lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Y |
|
|
|
|
|
Axis |
Optimum Tension(lb) |
Frequency(Hz) |
|---|---|---|
|
X |
0 |
0 |
|
Y |
0 |
0 |
Step1 Find the optimum belt frequency
First, check the My Printer selection to see if your machine is there. If so, simply select your machine to get the optimum tension and frequency for each axis. Then proceed to the next step.
If your machine is not on the list but you know what is the optimum tension for your printer. Then select Other and type in all the necessary data and optimum tension to get the frequency you should adjust to. You will need to select other machines first and then select Other to access the inputs. After you enter all the inputs, the frequency corresponding to the optimum tensions will be automatically calculated. Then proceed to the next step.
If you do not know what is the optimum tension for your printer and want to find out the answer, please check the How do I find the best tension for my 3D printer section.
Step2 Measure the current belt tension
Use the mobile app to analyze the frequency, this can be easily obtained in various app stores, here we use Spectrum, you can use any other similar phone app.
Select the side of the timing belt that is free to vibrate (no belt mount, tensioner, etc.)
To measure, slightly plunk the middle of the timing belt by hand or tool and determine the sound frequency of the belt through the app. Make sure the sound comes from the vibration of the timing belt not the sound of the belt colliding with other structures. Also you should try to avoid any environmental noise if possible.
Repeat several times to make sure the measurement is accurate.
Step3 Adjust the belt
Adjust the tension according to the measurement.Before measurement and after each tighting or loosing the belt, you should move the corresponding axis to make sure the belt tension is settel and does not shift. Repeat the measurement and get as close as possible to the optimum tension.
After you are done, print the test piece to check the result.
How do I find the best tension for my 3D printer
Step1 Check and Confirm Parameters
First you need to measure the center distance S between the axes of the printer's Y-axis . Try to choose the distance between the two fixed shafts instead of the pulleys that can be moved.
After that, please make sure that you are using the original Gates GT2 6mm wide timing belt, which is the default parameter in the calculator. In other cases you will need to determine the following data. If you are not sure how to get these data, please refer to the FAQ.
Additional measurements required:
The width of the timing belt W (in mm), the mass of the timing belt (in gram) and the length (in mm) to determine M
Step2 Tension Calculator
| Shaft to shaft Distance S (mm) | Belt Mass Constant | Belt Width(mm) | Minimum Tension(lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tension(%) |
Frequency(Hz) |
|---|---|
|
100% |
|
| 112.5% | |
| 125% | |
| 137.5% | |
| 150% | |
| 162.5% | |
| 175% | |
| 187.5% | |
| 200% | |
| 212.5% | |
| 225% | |
| 237.5% | |
| 250% | |
| 262.5% | |
| 275% | |
| 287.5% | |
| 300% |
Step3 Measure the belt frequency and perform the test
Use the mobile app to analyze the frequency, this can be easily obtained in various app stores, here we use Spectrum, you can use any other similar phone app.
Use fft mode, turn the fft size to the highest
Select the side of the timing belt that is free to vibrate (no belt mount, tensioner, etc.)
To measure, slightly plunk the middle of the timing belt by hand or tool and determine the sound frequency of the belt through the app. Make sure the sound comes from the vibration of the timing belt not the sound of the belt colliding with other structures. Also you should try to avoid any environmental noise if possible. If your machine has a guide on how to measure the frequency of the timing belt already, please follow the official guide
Repeat several times to make sure the measurement is accurate.
You can test with 50% interval first to see the general tendency. Then narrow down to 25% and 12.5% to get a precise tension value.
Step4 Adjust belt tension according to the test
Adjust the frequency according to the table to complete the test. Note that after adjusting the timing belt, you should move the corresponding movement structure to make sure the belt is fully settled. Make sure the belt frequency will not shift when you repeat the test.
To ensure print accuracy, the timing belt tension should normally be kept within the range of 100%-300% of the minimum tension.
The vibration is different under different tension, and the resonance frequency distribution is different for different machines, so in order to get the best print, the optium tension value needs to be tested for different machines. Adjust the timing belt tension according to the table and print the test piece, finally compare the surface quality of the test piece under each tension. You can focus on comparing on the Motor Resonance Rippling and Belt Rippling.
Sharing platform
You can share your findings on the most suitable tension for your machine and timing belt with everyone on this platform:https://github.com/Prorifi3D-Official/Belt-tension-data-sharing-platform
Further improve the print quality
To further improve the print quality, a more effective method than just adjusting the timing belt is to upgrade to low-vibration motors
FAQ
How to measure the distance S
Note that S is the distance from the center of the shaft to the center
How to measure the width W
Use calipers to measure the synchronous belt width at multiple points and take an average value
How do we calculate the frequency of the timing belt under the corresponding tension?
According to the official Gates formulas we can invert the frequency of synchronous belt vibration for the corresponding tension.These formulas are essentially a variation of Mersenne's equation
How to calculate the quality constant M of a timing belt
The mass constant M directly determines the frequency of the timing belt. For the various types of timing belts on the market from different companies, the mass factor is likely to vary, so please measure the relevant data required as accurately as possible and calculate the corresponding quality constant of the timing belt.
Use the following formula:
M= belt mass(g)/ belt length (m) / belt width(mm)
Note: If you happen to have a 6mm wide GT2 from Gates, the M should be around 1.4, and similarly sized timing belts should have an M of the same order of magnitude. If you cannot calculate the M of your timing belt, please ask the manufacturer for help.