Adjusting the X and Y belts on a Falcon Laser Machine

The Falcon has 3M belts with larger tooth sizes known for their long service life and abrasion properties. The laser uses the same 3M open-ended timing belt for the X and Y axes.  The width of the belt is 3M 20mm with a 3mm pitch and roughly 2.4mm thickness. 

For the Falcon, you have the x belt riding on the x rails and then two Y belts for the left and right-hand side rails.  This makes a total of 3 different belts that are used by the Falcon CO2 machine. 

Note: The belt is cut to order. Therefore, the customer will need to know how long of a strip to order.

Reasons why a user would need to replace the laser timing belt:

1. Signs the pitch is worn out. 

2. Signs the pitch is worn out.  

3. The belt overall is worn.    

4. Gear replacement requires a different belt pitch. 

Over time the Falcon laser or any other laser driven by belts will need the belts replacement as they get worn out.  However, before you replace your belts it is important that you try tightening the belts of your laser to try to correct the belt issue affecting your laser. 

Reasons why the belt needs to be taken a closer look at;

1. Laser starts and ends at a different point at the end of a job. 
2. Axis calibration for X and Y axis mismatching provides no solution. 
3. You just replaced the motor gear, and you are using your old belts. 
4. The tension on the belt is too loose. 

How do I know how much tension the belts should have? 

1. The rule of thumb should be that the user shouldn’t be able to twist the belt more than 45-60 degrees from its resting axis. 

How do I tighten my belt on my Falcon laser? 

1. You will need a set of Allan wrenches and flat-nose pliers. 
2. You have to identify clamps holding and putting tension to the belts. For this example, I will be talking about the x-axis belt since this is one the most common ones needing replacement as it is the one most in use. 
3. If you are just looking to tighten the belt, pick any side of the x belt where the clamp is holding onto the belt.  If you have room, decide to play with the tension screws by the holding clamps to increase the tension of the belt. 
4. If you need to lose the clamp because applying the tension using the tension got you nowhere, then lose the clamps just enough that the belt can freely move back and forward. Once this is done use the flat-nose plier to pull the belt in to increase the tension and then tighten the clamps to hold the belt in place. Use the tension screws for further tension if needed. 

Conclusion:

1. Quality and the right type of belts on your CO2 laser determine performance. 
2.  If you try to twist your belt, you shouldn’t be able to twitch past the 60-degree mark. If you twist a full 180 degrees, please tighten the belt.  
3. Inspecting the belt and pitch status is important to maintain a healthy machine.