BigTreeTech Smart Filament Sensor Mount for Lulzbot Taz 6

prusaprinters

Edit: Version 1 collided with the top of the printer on tall prints. Replaced with V2, which also has been strengthened to prevent flex. Version 7 now includes a tube holder so it doesn't rub against the side like in v2.After failing to find any off-the-shelf 2.85mm/3mm sensors that handle stripped filament situations, I bought the inexpensive BigTreeTech Smart Filament Sensor for 1.75mm filament with the hopes it could be modified for thicker filament.I was able to get it working by just boring out the filament hole a bit, and cutting away some of the insides to make a little more room. Not happy with that result, and needing a way to mount it, I combined and modified a basic filament guide for the Taz 6, with BTT mount for another printer. I increased the gap between the wheels by 0.55mm on each side, which lets the filament move relatively smoothly in there. Other modifications were done to make it print without supports.If you have trouble feeding the filament through the modified sensor, make sure the curve of the filament is pushing toward either wheel. If it's angled to the walls, it can snag.Modified from the original part from bigtreetech https://github.com/bigtreetech/smart-filament-detection-module/tree/master/STL.Print SettingsPrinter Brand:LulzBotPrinter: TAZ 6Rafts:NoSupports: NoResolution:.2Infill: 20-40%Filament: Matterhackers Pro PLA Black Post-Printing =============The holes for the hex screws are tight, so you will probably need to ream them out with a small file or drill bit.The filament guides also will need final cleanup with a file or drill bit for smooth flow.You will need to replace the screw for the extruder mount with a longer M3x20 screw.I use this connected to Octoprint using the Smart Filament Sensor plugin. Distance sensing type set to 7mm seems to be the only setting that works. Any higher or shorter distance and it doesn't seem to do anything. I had it actually detect a stripped filament situation once, and haven't had anything else that it should have caught yet (knock on wood).