Anet A8 fillament spool on top holder

thingiverse

I wanted to put the spool on top of my Anet A8 3D printer but couldn't find one that met my requirements so I decided to make a new one. The requirements are for it to be stable, easy to mount without disassembling anything, flexible enough to accommodate different rod lengths, upgradeable, provide mounting holes for additions, easily printable, and immediately usable after printing. Some holders came close to what I wanted, including http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1505075 by DeAtHfOrToLd, its remix http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1743397 by dldesign, but all of them required dismounting the display plate. I designed this holder to meet my needs. Mounting is simple and fast with 3 main parts plus two optional small disks that limit axial movement of the spool rod. The three main parts need to be assembled together by plugging the left and right hooks into the trapezoid pockets of the holder. The pockets are different sizes, so make sure to fit the hooks in their respective places considering the orientation. Apply some force to fully attach them because they fit tightly. This is intentional for a firm connection between the hooks and frame. Carefully mount it on top of the printer pushing down slowly until the hooks click into place. After full insertion, push the bottom of the hooks towards the bottom bolts until they lock. You will have a holder firmly attached to the printer. If desired, print and insert small disks in the pockets to limit spool rod movement. Square holes on the bottom side can be used for attachments like filament guides. The distance from the rod to the bottom of the holder is 115mm requiring the spool to be centered. Print some centering cones like these ones http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:763812 by BJoe, but there are many others available too. A FreeCad file is attached for anyone who wants to improve the design or make additions. It may be adapted to other Prusa clones as well. Just remember to mention the author. Printer settings: Anet A8 Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.1 Infill: 50% Notes: Just print it, nothing special.