Direct Sample Dispenser

thingiverse

Filament samples are often transported without spools, which can be frustrating to rewind onto an empty spool. This device allows users to print directly from the bag. A brief cut in the middle of the bag is sufficient. The filament remains protected from dust and moisture within the bag. Silica gel bags can also remain inside. After printing a strip of painter's tape seals the package and secures the end in place. The bag spins freely, preventing the filament from winding up. The movement of the print head induces constant random rotation of the bag, which prevents the filament from jamming within the bag. The coil inside the bag must be unwound from the inside to avoid jamming. For those interested in concealing this topic, there is now a Group Filament Carousel on Thingiverse. All who are interested are invited to join! Related videos can be found on YouTube: Concept video (available in German). Assembly instructions (explanations are in German but can still be understood). Preparation of the coil (also in German but easy to comprehend). What is needed: Three bearings 608. Three countersink screws M5x20. Three nuts M5. Two countersink screws M5x25 (M5x20 also work). Two to four binder clips. Printing and Assembly: The base is printed upside down, containing all required support. The clamp is printed on one side for ideal layer orientation. After removing the small support brackets from the shafts inside the base, the bearings are pushed onto the shafts and secured with M5x20 countersink screws and nuts. The hub is simply pushed in from the top, snapping into place and held by the lower portions of the bearings while riding on its perimeters. The carrier is connected to the hub using four pins from 1.75mm filament. To ensure a secure fit, the holes are drilled with a 2mm drill bit. The device rides on the printer's frame, utilizing the provided clamps which fit either 9mm (such as my wooden one) or 6mm (Prusa) frames. For thinner frames, a piece of cardboard can be used instead. Some binder clips may help secure the bag if it becomes lighter. Update history: 04/12/2019: Clamp for Prusa printers added. 04/12/2019: New version available at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3559323