Filament Spool Feeder System

thingiverse

I was looking for a fresh way to manage my filament spools that were cluttering up my worktable enclosure, and not being satisfied with most of what I found, I redesigned some of the features I liked into this setup.\r\n\r\nThis design is mounted onto a Lack table enclosure https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2864118, which has been extended with leg supports https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3358702 to provide ample space for the Prusa MMU.\r\n\r\nThe pass-through components are designed to fit snugly on a 2" thick surface. I've also included a drill guide to help you precision-drill a 3/8" hole perpendicular through the surface. There are two versions available: one with a break in the middle for the ptfe tube and uses magnets to connect a second tube coming from above, while the other allows the ptfe tube to pass all the way through for uninterrupted filament flow.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, there's a part labeled "tube cap" that can be attached to the tube end using a magnet. This feature is also available on the box pass-through component outside, but it may cause kinking and isn't suitable for all filaments.\r\n\r\nOne minor issue I've encountered is that the spool holders roll too smoothly >.> and some filaments are springy enough to unwind from the spools, especially when combined with the mmu feeding back onto the rolls... So, I'm experimenting with designing a ball bearing hub for these with an integral spring to potentially make it wind itself back up, but unfortunately, this will add tension to the entire system...\r\n\r\nThe central ball-bearing spool holder is based on https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1426106, while the mount for it was inspired by https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2778707.\r\n\r\nParts required (quantity for a single spool container):\r\n1 x Rubbermaid 21-Cup Dry Food Container - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011CP3KDU\r\n2 x PC4-M10 Male Straight Pneumatic PTFE Tube Push To Connect Tube Fitting - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MQDI4TM\r\n1 x PC4-M6 Male Straight Pneumatic PTFE Tube Push To Connect Tube Fitting - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MQYJ9T6\r\n1 x Hygrometer Thermometer Digital LCD Monitor - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BLY177S\r\n4 x Round Neodymium Magnets, 10 x 2 mm - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0753ZPBLQ\r\n6mm Airsoft BBs - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001L1W4B0\r\n4mm OD PTFE tube, approx 300mm long\r\n\r\n8 x #4 x 3/8" Flat Head Wood Screws\r\n4 x #8 x 3/4" Flat Head Wood Screws