165mm Smart Spool (with Bearing & Spindle)

thingiverse

SMART SPOOL with Built-in Bearings When assembled, these components form a standard size 1KG Filament spool measuring 165mm (w) x 84mm (h), featuring an innovative built-in bearing mechanism that ensures smooth spinning when installed inside a printer like the Tiko! All parts are compact at 125mm x 84mm or smaller in size, making them easily printable on a Tiko printer with its internal bay for filament spools of this dimension. The (optional) bearing mechanism and spindle can be inserted into the lower section of the hub, allowing the spool to spin freely when mounted inside a 3D printer like the Tiko. An optional extender increases the size of the spool to 84mm high - matching the exact height of a standard 165mm 1KG spool. To assemble: 1) Locate the upper hub marked with LL(eft) and R(ight), T(op) and B(ottom), then secure the corresponding rims in place using Super Glue, Krazy Glue or similar adhesive. 2) The lower hub and rims are labeled with L and T only; attach these rims to the corresponding sections of the lower hub. It's not necessary to glue the screw-together parts. Visit http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:352657 for detailed instructions on how to wind filament onto this spool. 2016-12-21 update: I've posted the uncut top and bottom spool components for those with access to printers featuring a print bed size of at least 165mm x 165mm. Users with Tiko printers do not require these "uncut" files. 2016-12-23 update: Currently, the file Smart_Spool-bearing.stl is proving challenging to print on Tiko. Until Tiko provides a functional method for adding support or improves its raft, I've provided an alternative file SS_Bearing_w_Helper_Ring.stl that includes a .4mm "artificial raft" ring designed to hold the bearings in place while they are printed on a Tiko. Users of other printers do not need this file, and Tiko should not require it either! When using this file, you'll have to manually remove the support material from below the bearing cylinders for them to spin as intended. If Tiko owners encounter models that don't stay put (Rocketz by muzz64 comes to mind) on the raft, they can use a similar technique by adding one or more "Helper Disks" (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:346319) below the parts you want to hold in place for printing on a Tiko. Good luck with your project!