Filament Width Sensor

thingiverse

This text describes a real-time filament width measuring sensor for 3D printers as a proof of concept. The prototype uses an LED, linear sensor array and 8-bit processor to calculate the width every 0.1 seconds. It features a 2.85mm filament, with minimal variability (1-2 pixels). However, improvements are needed for keeping moving filament in a stationary view, filtering width measurements, incorporating a light-proof case, and suitable interface to a 3D printer controller like Printrboard. The sensor's line sensor board is modified from an open-source version found here: https://github.com/kbellve/TSL1401CL-Adapter. Prototype #2 is in progress, available at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:89044.