Filament Enclosure Tap (1.75mm)

thingiverse

This design was inspired by the many filament cleaners that employ a hollow chamber filled with some pliable porous material. However, my intention was to allow the spool and spool holder to remain in a moisture-resistant container while being used by the printer. This is my second rendition so far, and I'm still working out some of the kinks. Instructions: Your container that holds the spool and spool holder must have a 22mm hole drilled out to fit the threaded portion through. Then an equal-sized O-Ring or gasket should be placed between the NUT and inner side of the case. Tighten the Nut until the Tap is firmly in place. The inside of the Tap will allow any soft sponge or foam material and the filament to punch through, creating a semi-moisture-resistant seal as well as cleaning the filament. This model allows for 1.75mm filament. For all other Non-Bowden Taps: Your tap (when mounted to a case) must be in a relatively parallel position to the extruder's path or it will snag and cause some drag on the extruder motor. For Bowden Tap: The bowden version, which uses PTFE tubing from Tap to extruder, can follow relatively radical paths (within reason) as the tube and pneumatic fittings help guide the filament. New Bowden Style Fitting (4mm, M6): Please use the following pneumatic fittings for the new Tap: https://www.amazon.com/TOOTO-Straight-Pneumatic-Connect-Extruder/dp/B019RQ5EYE/ref=pd_sim_328_32?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B019RQ5EYE&pd_rd_r=8A6CF1XWP8R05W7GZTW3&pd_rd_w=NASUx&pd_rd_wg=uru9m&psc=1&refRID=8A6CF1XWP8R05W7GZTW3 The port on the front of the tap is designed so the threads of the fitting "bite" into the plastic. Thus far, it hasn't given me issues when attaching one. Construction Tips: I used a thin sheet of craft foam to make my own gasket. Be careful when cutting the hole out of the box as it cracks easily. I used an exacto knife. Trouble Notes: When the filament pulls through the tap, it may feel snug. That's because the tolerances are .25mm. However, I have never had a snagging issue or problems with the extruder not getting enough filament. If however the filament is TOO snug and hard to pull through due to the hole not printing perfectly round, recommend using a small Needle File (The rat tail style, looks like the pointy end of a chopstick) and gently spinning it in the opening. Then test a piece of filament. Don't do it too much or you'll lose the Tap's ability to keep a seal from outside moisture. Update Log: 3/12/17 - I have added two new NUT files. One that is 98% and one that is 96% the size of the tap. If your printer is NOT precise and has issues with accurate prints, use the 98%. If your printer is precise and can print tight tolerances, print the 96% nut for a snug-fitting part. 3/3/17 - I have added a new version that accepts the 5mm PTFE fitting for "Bowden" style systems. Fitting can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/TOOTO-Straight-Pneumatic-Connect-Extruder/dp/B019RQ5EYE/ref=pd_sim_328_32?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B019RQ5EYE&pd_rd_r=8A6CF1XWP8R05W7GZTW3&pd_rd_w=NASUx&pd_rd_wg=uru9m&psc=1&refRID=8A6CF1XWP8R05W7GZTW3 The port on the front is friction or tension-based so it depends on the threads cutting into the plastic to hold tight. It works so far, but let me know if you all have issues. Print Settings: Printer: Anet A8 Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: .2mm Infill: 20% Notes: Matterhacker PLA 195c on Nozzle 60c on Bed 40mm p/s print speed Post-Printing How I Designed This