Ender 3 filament guide - bolted end clip and copper/brass ring guide

thingiverse

I have been using the filament guide ring for my Ender 3 since I first printed with it, and I must say it's a must-have accessory. Thanks so much to the designer who created this fantastic design! However, after some time of use, two issues started to arise: -The guide ring is trimmed by the filament, which hasn't broken yet but creates a sharp edge that eventually leads to breakage. -The end clip wears out over time and starts to jiggle, no longer providing a secure fit. I could just reprint it, but why bother? I've come up with some solutions for these problems: -Using a copper or brass ring instead of the original guide ring is a great idea. These materials are smooth and won't damage the filament. I found 16x22x2 rings that work perfectly as seals in plumbing and oil replacement parts, making them very affordable. -Fitting the new ring securely by clipping it in place ensures a snug fit without cracking the PLA. The loose design also allows for better adaptation to spool movements. -Bolting the end clip using spare screws and nuts from my Ender 3 has solved the problem of a wobbly clip. This simple fix has made the entire assembly sturdy and quiet, eliminating any rubbing or crackling noises. Feel free to remix this design and make it look better if you're feeling creative!