Belt tension gage from different brand PETG?
Has anyone made a bent tension gage from a different brand PETG and compared the results to one made from Prusament PETG?
I'd like to make one, but like many others, don't want to pay the money for Prusament and the shipping cost.
If someone has done some testing with a different brand I'd like to hear about your results, what brand you used and how the gages compared side by side.
Thanks, Ted
Best Answer by Dan Rogers:
Verdict is in. They are different.
I run my X belt at the top line of the "sweet spot" on the meter (anticipating stretch over time). I just checked with my original meter and I'm still at the top end line - right on the line.
With the imposter meter, the same spot same belt measures 3mm from the high line on the sweet spot. I'm afraid you could over tighten if you tried to take it to the top line.
For shits and giggles it's probably alright as long as you know it's going to be off one way or another. My pink tension meter (the imposter) would probably be usable if I re-marked the lines - 3mm. At the low end of the sweet spot it is definitely going to make you feel good when the belts are too loose. But if you shoot for just above middle - such as 3mm (1/8 inch) then you can be in the right ballpark until you can score a print in Prusament.
RE: Belt tension gage from different brand PETG?
Haven't used it, but it does seem rather absurd that it needs to be Prusament PET-G.
This says some interesting stuff (which might or might not be true...)
https://help.prusa3d.com/en/article/adjusting-belt-tension-mk3-s_112380
"For the MK2.5 and MK2.5S, a great way to check whether your belt is at the correct tension is to prints this Tension Meter for the GT2 belts."
So, them there gauges are for the MK2 series. Not for most of us.
"Run the Self-test or the Belt test, from Calibration on the LCD. The check LCD-menu -> Support -> Belt-status. You want the number between 240 and 300 (275~). The lower the number, the tighter the belt is. Imagine it is a fictive count of teeth in circulation."
That's what I did. I was within spec, and got on with life.
Don’t trust forum advice.
RE: Belt tension gage from different brand PETG?
I'll print one from the current pink petg I have loaded (not prusament) and compare that to the real one. The post in the prints library says to only use prusament - which makes sense since it was calibrated for that material. I'll let you know how far off it is.
RE: Belt tension gage from different brand PETG?
Verdict is in. They are different.
I run my X belt at the top line of the "sweet spot" on the meter (anticipating stretch over time). I just checked with my original meter and I'm still at the top end line - right on the line.
With the imposter meter, the same spot same belt measures 3mm from the high line on the sweet spot. I'm afraid you could over tighten if you tried to take it to the top line.
For shits and giggles it's probably alright as long as you know it's going to be off one way or another. My pink tension meter (the imposter) would probably be usable if I re-marked the lines - 3mm. At the low end of the sweet spot it is definitely going to make you feel good when the belts are too loose. But if you shoot for just above middle - such as 3mm (1/8 inch) then you can be in the right ballpark until you can score a print in Prusament.
RE: Belt tension gage from different brand PETG?
@dan-rogers
Thats good to know, I was going to order some PETG and print a belt meter, saved me wasting time, (I noticed very slight ghosting, so maybe my tension is a little bit out)
Probably order some filament and a few spares anyway, so ill just wait for Prusament PETG.
Tank you very much!
RE: Belt tension gage from different brand PETG?
@clarmrrsn
Prusa has a shipping deal - usually can get a sheet, a roll of filament and spare parts for a $14 charge to west coast US
RE: Belt tension gage from different brand PETG?
@dan-rogers
Sounds reasonable, wonder if they do the same deal to the UK?
Probably order a textured sheet, filament and some spares.
Tank you very much!
RE: Belt tension gage from different brand PETG?
Its around £16 postage to the uk for 2 rolls of Filament, a textured sheet and a few spares. suppose that's not too bad.
Tank you very much!