--- title: BCN3D Belt tensioner description: The belt tensioner is a printed tool to measure and adjust the belt's tension of the BCN3D printers. This tool offers a good adjustment to keep the printer in good shape and avoid the common printing issues related to the belt's tension --- [Skip to content](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-belt-tensioner#main-content) - [English](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-belt-tensioner) - [Español](https://support.bcn3d.com/es/knowledge/bcn3d-belt-tensioner) English Show submenu for translations [Contact support](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [Customer portal](https://support.bcn3d.com/repair-service?hsLang=en) ![knowledge-base-header-bcn3d-logo.png\]](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Header/knowledge-base-header-bcn3d-logo.png?height=40&name=knowledge-base-header-bcn3d-logo.png) - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://blog.bcn3d.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://blog.bcn3d.com/) - - [English](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-belt-tensioner) - [Español](https://support.bcn3d.com/es/knowledge/bcn3d-belt-tensioner) English Show submenu for translations - [Contact support](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) - [Customer portal](https://support.bcn3d.com/repair-service) - [BCN3D forum](https://www.bcn3d.com/community/) [BCN3D forum](https://www.bcn3d.com/community/) Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Knowledge base - BCN3D](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Tips](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/tips?hsLang=en) 3. [3D printer](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/tips?hsLang=en#3d-printer) # BCN3D Belt tensioner ## The belt tensioner is a printed tool to measure and adjust the belt's tension of the BCN3D printers. This tool offers a good adjustment to keep the printer in good shape and avoid the common printing issues related to the belt's tension   --- | | [**EN**](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-belt-tensioner) | [**ES**](https://support.bcn3d.com/es/knowledge/bcn3d-belt-tensioner?hsLang=en) | | --- | --- | --- | ---     **In this article we will explain how to use the printed belt tensioner**, which you can download in this article, to measure the tension of your printer's belts and to be able to make a correct adjustments of them. - **Note**: This tool is delicate and should be used with care to not affect its proper function. **Content table** [Printing](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-belt-tensioner#printing) [Post-processing](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-belt-tensioner#postprocessing) [Measuring Tensions](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-belt-tensioner#measuring) [Adjusting belt tension](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-belt-tensioner#adjusting)   --- ### How to print the BCN3D Belt tensioner ![movement-bcn3d-epsilon-abs-pipe](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/movement-bcn3d-epsilon-abs-pipe.png?width=688&name=movement-bcn3d-epsilon-abs-pipe.png) | #### **1.** Download the STL file | [![download-button-02](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/download-button-02.png?width=170&name=download-button-02.png)](https://support.bcn3d.com/hubfs/040M02C01.0P19B%20Belt%20Tension%20Flexure%20Device%20(1).stl?hsLang=en) | | --- | --- | #### **2.** Import the STL file into BCN3D Stratos. Leave it at the default orientation ![belt-tensioner-tool](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/belt-tensioner-tool%20Cropped.png?width=688&name=belt-tensioner-tool%20Cropped.png) #### **3.** Make sure you’re using the PLA 0.2mm Standard Quality profile, and the 0.4mm hotend ![profile-1](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/profile-1.png?width=688&name=profile-1.png)![profile-2](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/profile-2.png?width=688&name=profile-2.png) #### **4.** Save the g-code and print it through SD or [BCN3D Cloud](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-cloud?hsLang=en)   --- ### How to prepare the BCN3D Belt Tensioner   #### **1.** Wait for the printing surface to cool down before removing the tool to prevent deformation   #### **2.** Carefully remove the piece, taking extra care to not damage the thin parts specified by arrow ![removing-belt-tensioner](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/removing-belt-tensioner.png?width=688&name=removing-belt-tensioner.png)   #### **3.** Using a felt-tipped marker, color the top of the scale lines for easier reading ![belt-tensioner-tool-paint](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/belt-tensioner-tool-paint.jpg?width=688&name=belt-tensioner-tool-paint.jpg)   --- ### Measuring the tensions with the BCN3D Belt tensioner #### **1.** To hold the device, put your index finger in the hole, and grip the sides with the rest of your fingers #### **2.** Confirm that the movement of the tool is smooth and that the device returns to the 0 position If not, it is because of viscoelastic creep. Let the device sit until it returns to the 0 point. Do not pull it back into position, as this will change the device’s home position. - **Note**: Never keep the device on the belt for more than 5 minutes at a time. This viscoelastic creep reduces the accuracy of the device. #### Checking the X-axis belt tension **1. Move the X-carriage to the middle of the printer** ![carriage-parallelism-manual-adjustment-2](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/carriage-parallelism-manual-adjustment-2.png?width=688&name=carriage-parallelism-manual-adjustment-2.png) **2. Move both hotends to either side** ![move-hotend-left-side](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/move-hotend-left-side.jpg?width=688&name=move-hotend-left-side.jpg) - **Note:** Move both hotends to the left to measure the top belt. Both hotends to the right to measure the bottom belt. **3. Pull the tip back and move the device onto the X belt** You may need to use your other hand to guide the belt into the tool ![measure-belt-tension-x-axis Cropped](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/measure-belt-tension-x-axis%20Cropped.jpg?width=688&name=measure-belt-tension-x-axis%20Cropped.jpg) **4. Support the bottom of the tool so the belt doesn’t twist** Once held correctly, it can measure the tension in the belt. ![measure-belt-tension-x-axis-2](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/measure-belt-tension-x-axis-2.jpg?width=688&name=measure-belt-tension-x-axis-2.jpg) **5. Check the alignment of the 3 lines next to the "X" - when they’re aligned, the belt has the correct tension** #### Checking the X-axis belt tension Y-axis **1. Move the X-carriage to the back of your printer** ![move-carriage-backside](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/Dise%C3%B1o%20sin%20t%C3%ADtulo%20(28)%20Cropped.png?width=688&name=Dise%C3%B1o%20sin%20t%C3%ADtulo%20(28)%20Cropped.png) **2. Pull the tip back and move the device onto the belt** You might need to use your other hand to guide the belt into the tool. ![measure-belt-tension-y-axis-2](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/measure-belt-tension-y-axis-2.jpg?width=688&name=measure-belt-tension-y-axis-2.jpg) **3. Let the device hang from the belt, without twisting**  You can use a hand to stabilize it, but for reading it you shouldn’t touch it. ![measure-belt-tension-y-axis](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Draft/measure-belt-tension-y-axis.jpg?width=688&name=measure-belt-tension-y-axis.jpg) **4. Check the alignment of the 3 lines next to the "Y" - when they’re aligned, the belt has the correct tension**   --- ### Adjusting the belt tension ![belts-tension-test](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/belts-tension-test.png?width=688&name=belts-tension-test.png) - Click on the picture corresponding to your printer to learn how to adjust the belts: | **How to adjust the tension of the belts** | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [![w27-epsilon-series-bcn3d](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/w27-epsilon-series-bcn3d.png?width=125&name=w27-epsilon-series-bcn3d.png)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/tighten-belts-bcn3d-epsilon-series?hsLang=en) | [![printers-sigma-d25-icon](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Packaging/printers-sigma-d25-icon.png?width=107&name=printers-sigma-d25-icon.png)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/tighten-belts-bcn3d-sigma-series?hsLang=en) | [![Sigmax-header-3-prints](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Materials/Sigmax-header-3-prints.jpg?width=125&name=Sigmax-header-3-prints.jpg)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/adjust-tension-belts-bcn3d-sigmax?hsLang=en) | [![Sigma-header-3prints](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Materials/Sigma-header-3prints.jpg?width=125&name=Sigma-header-3prints.jpg)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/adjust-tension-belts-bcn3d-sigma?hsLang=en) |   ### Conclusions - Print the belt tensioner with PLA to avoid modifying the mechanical resistance of the part and getting the wrong measures. - Be careful when using the tensioner, it can be deformed during the manipulation if you apply a lot of force to it. - Check and adjust the belt's tension regularly to prevent issues like [layer shiting](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/layer-shifting?hsLang=en) or [ghosting](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/ghosting?hsLang=en). - It's recommended to do this process every 1000 printing hours or when you need to remove the belts or any component that is connected with them.   | **Send us your comments about this article** | [![feedback-button](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Button/feedback-button.png?width=179&name=feedback-button.png)](https://share.hsforms.com/1F7t1sBuOQyWlAeRwwFSjgQ3fec5) | | --- | --- | | **RELATED ARTICLES** | | | [![print quality issues EN](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Related%20Articles%20English/print%20quality%20issues%20EN.png?width=600&name=print%20quality%20issues%20EN.png)](https://support.bcn3d.com/en/knowledge/solve-quality-issues?hsLang=en) | [![maintenance eng](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Related%20Articles%20English/maintenance%20eng.png?width=600&name=maintenance%20eng.png)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/maintenance-guide-bcn3d-epsilon-series?hsLang=en) |   - 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