Disposable filament spool to refill adaper

prusaprinters

<p>I like the idea of buying spool less filament. &nbsp;Less materials in packaging. &nbsp;Less waste. &nbsp;Less weight to ship (There is a relationship between weight transported and fuel used). &nbsp;I was going to print some master spools and start ordering refills when I had an idea. &nbsp;Why not try and reuse the empty spools I already have to avoid throwing them out and save on the amount filament used to make spools. &nbsp;I have a bunch of spools from flashforge filament as well as some of the ones from d3d (they seem to have more then one spool they use). &nbsp;My idea was to cut and then rejoin the spool. &nbsp;In the end I came up with this. &nbsp;</p><p>I am using it with D3D sigma PETG refills on a combination of D3D and Flashforge spools. &nbsp;You may need to modify the parts for other spools. &nbsp;Also I don't think the master spool is actually a standard size and different brands of refill filament may require different centre adapters. &nbsp;I have included the FreeCAD file if you want to try and modify it to your requirements or feel free to just use the concept to make your own. &nbsp;The two tips I have is if you make it hollow then it will work with both centre pin and rim spool holders. &nbsp;Secondly, don't integrate the wrench part on to the centre and it makes storage much more difficult (Why the file is V2). &nbsp;Definitely lots of room to cut back on the printed material required too.</p><p>You will need three parts for each spool plus one wrench that can be used on all of them. &nbsp;After cutting the spool in half carefully, glue the part with the inner threads in to one half of the spool holder. &nbsp;This will keep it from turning when tightening the other threaded part. &nbsp;Insert the centre adapter on to the spool centre. &nbsp;The flats are to make room for the zip ties or banding on the refill. &nbsp;Place the refill on to the centre adapter making sure to sling the ties with the flats and rotate them outwards if necessary to alow removal after the other side is on. &nbsp;Place the other half of the spool in place, making sure that you align it however it was before cutting (unless it's perfectly strait and square cut). &nbsp;Screw the other printed part in with the wrench and just snug it slightly. &nbsp;Remove the ties/bands being careful to not let the end go. &nbsp;Finish tightening down the centre.</p><p>Happy printing and good luck on making this dirty hobby just a little bit cleaner.</p>