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As with all machines, CO2 laser equipment requires maintenance from time to time. In this article, we will describe how to strain the belts of your machine. And why is it important to do that in the first place?
3M belts
Wattsan machines have 3M belts. They feature larger tooth sizes, ensuring prolonged service life and resistance to abrasion. The high elasticity of the belt ensures its reliability and smooth operation under conditions of alternating motion and varying loads. It maintains excellent performance characteristics at temperatures ranging from -40 to +70 °C.
3M belts effectively prevent coin cuts by eliminating any flapping during stretching.
The main function of those is to provide movement along all of the axes in the machine and lift the table if needed. The quality of the belts determines the smoothness of movement, and for that reason we decided to install the 3M belts specifically.
What if kept not maintained
If you neglect the belts, over time, you may experience dimensional inaccuracies in the cut shapes. This means the product won’t match the design or could even turn out defective. Additionally, as the belts wear out, they may start to crumble, which will negatively affect the machine’s movements.
How to strain belts
There may be three belts that need to be adjusted. It depends on whether or not you have an ST or an LT model.
Belts on the X and Y axes
On the axis Y, straining is provided through the facing side by using two straining screws. These screws rest against the profile wall.
First, you need to slowly tighten them. Then, check the belts’ strain.
Do this step one more time if you’re not satisfied with the result. And if you are, then you need to fixate screws with the adjuster bolts. Tighten them hard.
All of them should not sag, but at the same time, they should not be over-tightened. This can cause problems: it will put too much pressure on the linear bearings. As a result, the belt may damage their mounting seats, which in turn could cause backlash to develop. And this, too, could lead to cutting issues.
On the axis X, the process is quite the same. The difference consists of the placement of the straining screws. You can find them in the special fabrication hole on the side. And again, when you are satisfied with the result, fixate the screws with the adjuster bolts.
Belt on the lifting table
The lifting table’s belt is strained by the movement of the sheaves. You need to loosen the screw holding the screw-nut from the downside. Then move the pulley until you get the required result. And tighten the screw again.
Once more, all of the belts should not sag, but at the same time, they should not be over-tightened. It might result in increased wear, trembling on turns, creaking, or even skipping steps.
For a final check, you may try to cut out a few details with a different scale of difficulty. That would allow you to see if there is any trembling on turns.
To help you out and make the whole process easier, we have a video instruction covering this topic.
Conclusion
- Quality and condition of the 3M belts on your CO2 laser machine determines the result of work.
- If you leave belts neglected, and you may experience dimensional inaccuracies in the cut shapes. Additionally, as the belts wear out, they may start to crumble, which will negatively affect the machine’s movements.
- Straining belts is easy, just don’t forget to do it and check their condition sometimes!
- There are other parts of the CO2 laser machine that need to be maintained, like mirrors or chiller. More about the design of this type of equipment you may find here.
