16000 - 17000 X-Axis Belt Tensioning Guide

Overview

This document and video provide instructions on utilizing the X-Axis belt tensioning tool. The tool assesses the belt's tightness, allowing us to adjust the idler pulley on the machine's left side accordingly. Incorrect belt tension can lead to drive errors, quality problems, and other unexpected issues.

Required Tools

• 5/32" Hex Driver
• 7/64" Hex Driver
• CS1280 Belt Tensioner

Getting Started

1. Remove the left side panel.

   

2. Power on the machine.

3. Press the Jog Axis button at the bottom of the display panel.

   

4. Move the carriage to the right, and down about halfway.

   

5. Insert the tip of the tensioner tool into the center of the X-axis belt.

   Note: The notches on the tensioner should align with the cutout on the X-axis rail.

   

6. When the tool is seated flush against the X-axis rail, the O-ring on the rear of the shaft will indicate the tension of the belt.

   

   Determining Proper Tension

   • If the O-ring is flush with the body of the tensioner tool, the belt is properly tensioned.
   • If the O-ring is not visible, the belt tension is too low.
   • If there is a gap between the O-ring and the body of the tool, the belt tension is too high.
   

7. To adjust the tension of the X-axis belt first loosen the eight (8) 7/64” Hex screws on the X-axis idler assembly.

   

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8. Evenly turn the two (2) 7/64” hex screws on the end of the X-axis idler assembly.

   Note: Tightening these two screws adds tension to the belt. Loosening, will remove tension.

   

9. Repeat steps 4 and 5, continually checking the belt tension after adjusting the tensioner screws.

10. Once the O-ring is flush with the body of the tool, move to the “Belt Tracking” section of this document.

Belt Tracking

1. Open your preferred illustrating program and create a black, raster box that is roughly two (2) inches smaller than the bed and four (4) inches tall.

2. Set the speed to 100% and the power to 0%.

3. Send the job to the engraver, open the top door, and start the job.

4. The belt should stay in the middle of the idler pulley as the carriage head moves left to right.

   

5. If the x-axis belt is riding against the idler pulley flange, make equal but opposite adjustments to the two (2) 7/64” tensioner screws.

   If the x-axis belt is too high

   • Tighten the top screw 1/4 turn
   • Loosen the bottom screw 1/4 turn

   If the x-axis belt is too low

   • Loosen the top screw 1/4 turn
   • Tighten the bottom screw 1/4 turn
   

6. Once the belt is tracking properly, confirm that the belt tension is still set properly.

7. Once the belt tracking and tension are properly set, you can tighten down the eight (8) 7/64” hex screws to lock the idler pulley in place.

   

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