How to adjust Belt Tension on a Markforged Composite Printer

This guide will walk you through the basic steps of tensioning the belts on a Markforged Desktop and Industrial 3D Printer. The Desktop and Industrial printers have different specification for the tension, so please be sure to follow the section that corresponds to your printer. 

You will need a device that can measure the frequency of the belts when plucked like a guitar. Using an Apple device, download the Fine Tuner app from the app store. If using an Android, download the Fine Chromatic Tuner app. If you experience issues getting a consistent reading, make sure to put the printer in a quiet informant. It may be beneficial to use a shotgun microphone if you cannot move the printer to a quite space.

Adjust the Belt Tension Desktop Printer

1. Install and open a tuner app on your mobile device.
2. Navigate to the Maintenance Schedule Utility by clicking Menu > Utilities > Maintenance Schedule.
3. Click the "Service" button next to Belt Tension
   
4. Press Next.
   
5. Press Next.
   
6. Place your phone’s microphone close to, but not touching, the back belt. Pluck the front stretch of the belt that is behind the print bed as if it were a guitar string. Using the 3mm hex key, adjust the rear belt tensioner until the app reads a frequency of 46-49Hz.
   
   
   
7. Press Next.
   
8. Press Next.
9. Place your phone’s microphone close to, but not touching, the front belt. Pluck the back stretch of the front belt as if it were a guitar string. Using the 3mm hex key, adjust the front belt tensioner until the app reads a frequency of 61-64Hz.
   
   
   
10. Press Next. 
    
11. Press Done to exit the utility.
    
    

Adjust the Belt Tension Industrial Printer

1. Install and open a tuner app on your mobile device.
2. Navigate to the Maintenance Schedule Utility by clicking Menu > Utilities > Maintenance Schedule.
3. Click the "Service" button next to Belt Tension
   
4. Press Next.
   
5. Press Next.
6. Place your phone’s microphone close to, but not touching, the belt opposite the print head. Pluck the belt as if it were a guitar string and use the 3mm hex key to adjust the belt tensioner until the app reads a frequency of 82Hz–85Hz. 
   
   
7. Press Next.
   
8. Press Done to exit the utility.

For further technical support, please contact Hawk Ridge Systems at 877.266.4469 for the U.S. or 866.587.6803 for Canada and support@hawkridgesys.com.