Clicking Noise from the X-Axis — Mechanical Issues (EP.1) ARTJET 2026

This is a high-usage machine.

It may be largely forgotten now, but this printer was used to produce Covid test kits during the pandemic.

It ran 24 hours a day in two shifts for an entire year at a Tier-1 Samsung vendor producing Covid test kits. Once the pandemic subsided, we repurchased the unit, refurbished it, and sold it to another customer.

The problem occurred 7 months after the refurbished unit was delivered.

Here is a detailed description of the symptom.

• We received two photos from the customer.
• Looking at the first photo, black powder was visible — it appeared the belt had been grinding and shedding debris.

  

• But looking at the second photo, the belt appeared intact.

  

• Yet every time a print job ran, a clicking noise occurred.
• Click the video below to hear the sound.

When an X-axis noise issue occurs, the best approach is to move the head carriage manually and inspect the belt along the full travel path.

• Press the left button to move the head carriage toward the flatbed, releasing the capping position.
• Then power down in order: Software Off → Power button Off → Main switch (rear) Off.
• With all power disconnected, the head carriage and flatbed can be moved by hand.
• Slowly move the head carriage along the X-axis and visually check the belt condition at the point where the noise occurs.
• The customer’s photos showed the X-axis Pully Belt looking intact — but after inspecting the entire length on-site, we found a section where the belt had worn through.

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Belt replacement was required. Below is a step-by-step guide to the replacement process.

1. Loosen the motor block fixing bolts

• The X-axis motor is held by 4 motor block fixing bolts.
• Begin by loosening all 4 bolts.

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2. Loosen the belt tension bolt

• Locate the X-axis motor belt tension bolt.
• Loosen the tension bolt to release the belt tension.
• Tip: Mark the bolt’s tightened position before loosening — this serves as a reference point when re-tensioning after replacement.

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3. Remove the damaged belt

• With both the motor block bolts and tension bolt loosened, there is now play in the motor block.
• Remove the two bolts securing the pulley — this allows the entire pulley to be pulled slightly forward.
• Pulling it forward creates a gap, and through that gap the damaged belt can be removed.

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4. Install the new belt and reassemble in reverse order

• Feed the new belt through the same gap used to remove the old one.
• Use the tension bolt to set the appropriate tension, then tighten the motor block bolts to secure everything in place.

5. Check belt tension and motor level (critical)

• When tightening the motor block bolts, make sure the motor is perfectly level. If it is not, the belt will contact the top or bottom edges of the pulleys — causing noise to return and accelerating wear on the new belt.
• After installation, do not power on yet. Move the head carriage slowly by hand and confirm the new belt is not touching the pulley edges.
• If the belt is contacting a pulley edge, slightly loosen the motor block bolts, adjust the motor level so the belt sits centered on the pulleys, then re-tighten.
• Once the belt runs cleanly without contact, tighten the motor block bolts to their final position.