Another Spool Holder for the Mendel90

thingiverse

I spent hours searching for a spool holder that met my requirements but was left frustrated with every attempt. Each design I tested lacked something crucial, failing to satisfy my needs. The new spool holder can accommodate spools up to 25cm in diameter and remains functional even after exceeding that limit; use the original one instead. Similarly, it supports widths of up to 96mm and is easily modified to handle larger sizes. Despite having installed "Heavy-duty Vibration Dampeners" (Part 94733), I found that narrow spools do not tip over due to movement in the top section. This motion occurs when moving about 5mm. The spool holder attaches directly to the dibond plate's top edge and remains secure thanks to friction keeping it from sliding to one side. Thing 263242 was the inspiration for this clever design feature. By doing so, the holder minimizes stress on the gantry to a considerable extent. Two rods roll smoothly over ball bearings (6203 - 17x40x12mm), preventing them from becoming detached due to their stable position on stop plates that are easily secured using 3.5 x 10mm screws. However, I chose not to secure mine and instead used hot glue for attachment. Before proceeding with assembly, make sure to thoroughly sand the rod to achieve a seamless fit within the bearings, reducing friction throughout. Keep in mind that achieving a smooth finish can require a considerable amount of effort. As such, you may find it beneficial to use a slightly smaller diameter in the middle section of the rods to decrease necessary sanding time. During my recent 3D printing project, I discovered a need for an updated filament guide; mine lacked dust filtering capabilities so it required the addition of clips attached directly on top of the extruder. One recommended alternative design for this specific problem includes thing 190118, allowing optimal placement of friction within close proximity to the actual extruder. If you end up creating and printing this spool holder or other related parts in the future please share some pictures!