FlashForge Creator Pro Spool Holder

thingiverse

This is a replacement spool holder designed specifically for the FlashForge Creator Pro 2015 Model printer. It incorporates 608ZZ roller skate bearings to minimize friction during the spool's rotation, thereby reducing strain on the extruder motor and ensuring more consistent extrusion. A 5/16" threaded rod and captive nuts are used in this design, as local hardware stores do not carry metric sizes. While I prefer using 8mm rod, 5/16" is only 7.9375mm less, a difference of less than 1%. Print Settings: Printer: FlashForge Creator Pro Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.20 or less Infill: 25% - 100% Notes: When printing the hanger and knurled knob, add a G-code command to pause the print just before covering the captive nut hole with a layer. Insert the nut at this point, ensuring it is flush with or just below the top surface of the layer. Resume the print. This technique works for me, but improper execution may result in extruder-to-nut collision. Responsibility for results rests with the operator. I recommend printing the hanger with its large cylinder facing up to make it visible when mounted and using plenty of support. The spool holder discs can be printed at finer resolutions (0.10mm - 0.15mm) for a sharper appearance. The OpenSCAD scripts are easily modifiable for other sized spools, but you may need to adjust numbers for a tight fit. Post-Printing: Press-fit skate bearings into the appropriate spool holder discs. Cut 5/16" (or 8mm) threaded rod long enough to accommodate your widest spool when flush with the inside of the hanger and allowing for the endcap nut. Thread the rod into the hanger until it is flush with the inner surface of the hanger. Slide a printed washer onto the rod, with its larger diameter facing the hanger. Attach two spool holders to a filament spool. Slide the spool and spool holder assembly over the rod. Screw on a knurled knob until tight, but allowing the spool to turn freely. Thread an endcap nut onto the rod (optional). Mount the assembly on the back of the printer. How I Designed This: I designed the hanger in 123D Design using supplied hangers as models. My initial motivation was to use Hatchbox filament spools with a smaller diameter hole, specifically 32mm. The endcap nut is copied from another design, which I am currently unable to find. I will be glad to give credit to its designer. Custom Section: Spool_Hanger_Base can serve as a starting point for other designs.