Dry Reel Holder

thingiverse

This reel holder design maintains PLA's dryness, crucial for its proper functioning. PLA is highly sensitive to moisture, hence keeping it dry is vital to prevent issues. I faced extruder blocking, particularly with older filament, but now print without problems for over a week. Upgrades like Mk8 without cutting (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:35810), adding oil (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:103729), and using Surface Finish Calibration Test Shape (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39050) have been highly beneficial. To create this reel holder, acquire a 210x120x280mm container with space for the reel and descant. Attach the reel to the spacer rod using a retainer and tape, ensuring smooth rotation. Mount the assembly inside the container with screws passing through its floor into the reel hanger. Drill an 8mm hole in the corner for the feed unit, which is screwed to the feed bottom. A plug can be used to retain filament and block the feed tube during storage. The reel mount v block is secured at the back of your Replicator 2 using the reel mount plate and existing hole. Use spacers, such as ReelRodSpacer.stl for Makerbot reels or ReelRodSpacerSain.stl for Sainsmart reels, to center thin filaments. A custom hook is available to hold the desiccant and prevent jamming, though testing is pending.