Flashforge Finder 3 - Overhead Spool Holder

thingiverse

A snap-on overhead spool holder has been designed for the Flashforge Finder 3. The identical left and right side support structures are attached directly to the left and right edges of the injection molded frame of the printer. The upper and lower sections of each of the two identical support structures are assembled using 1/4-20 stainless steel nuts and bolts. After hand tightening each nut, a small wrench ("wrench.stl") is used to complete the tightening process. A 16.25-inch long spool holder rod (PVC pipe or steel curtain rod) drops into V-shaped retaining pockets at the top of each support structure. The captive rod provides rigidity to the entire structure but can be easily removed for swapping filament spools. Either PVC pipe (20mm schedule 40) or 15 mm diameter steel tubing (repurposed from spring-loaded tension curtain rods) may be used for holding the spools. This design readily accommodates up to three 1 kg filament spools which are elevated well above the travel of the cable harness that attaches to the extruder unit. A swinging-gate filament guide rides on the spool holder rod, maintaining tension and preventing filament coils from "escaping" the spool, especially important for newly commissioned filament spools. In addition, the filament guide serves to reduce the incidence of cross tangles by maintaining tension on the filament. Note that standard-size spools use the file "gate.stl"; mini spools use the file "gate_mini.stl". Also shown are two examples of parts containers ("parts1.stl" and "parts2.stl") that can be press-fit into the support structure and used for keeping tools and accessory items close at hand. Please see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbe6XicgknQ for the installation procedure.