Flux Delta external filament spool holder

thingiverse

Flux Delta printers have a space reserved specifically for smaller spools, but one kg spools just won't fit snugly in that spot. This spool holder was designed on the fly to accommodate larger spools and it clips over the front of the cover hinge. The back side is slightly angled so as not to interfere with the extruder carriage. It fits precisely over the cover latch on the back side, and also works equally well on top of the printer. There's very little movement or play in this clip section. You might even add a layer of masking tape for an even tighter fit. The SCAD files are included here, but be aware that they're not perfect. I'm still learning OpenSCAD with each new model and trying to implement standard practices in my code. There may be duplicate code in these files, and there could be references from one part to another. There's no automation to ensure that when a value is changed in one place, it will also change in the other. I can assure you that such changes won't happen accidentally. This model was created specifically for my printer and its settings. To get this far, I frequently removed sections of the model in OpenSCAD to print and test fit them. Three or four partial prints were needed for the top clip, two partial prints for the "socket" for the spindle, and three prints to ensure that the spindle would fit snugly into my scrap aluminum. I cut the tubing to six inches long so I could drill holes in it for clips or pins to retain the spool. The tubing used in this model is 1.125 inches in diameter, although the code doesn't reflect that exact figure. This was a result of one of the test prints, and I relied on a lot of "that looks about right" (TLAR) when creating the model. You might be able to make some modifications to the model to use with other printers. The design isn't perfect, but it seems like it should work. If not, I'll just change something and build a variation. I can see in the published version that the preview portion of OpenSCAD is showing some artifacts where none actually exist. I didn't use the common "fudge" figure to make larger the difference actions, so there are "shadows" in these photos here that have no impact on the print or the rendered model in OpenSCAD. It's my first contribution to Thingiverse and I hope others will find it useful. Printer Settings: Printer: Flux Delta Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.250 Infill: 20% (arbitrary) Notes: Print two copies of the spindle, unless you're using your own variation to retain the spool. Post-Printing: I'll be adding epoxy to secure the tubing on the clip end. I'll be drilling holes at the opposite end of the tubing to accept retention clips. I could certainly build something via 3d printing, but why bother? Update to this build: I've found that the feed tube for the Flux Delta likes to "wander about" when connected to the external spool. There's insufficient height to the clip to drill a guide hole for the feed tube. One option is to increase the wall thickness and subtract a cylinder for the guide tube if desired. I routed the feed tube over the clip and stuck it in place with push-pins. Adhesive tape didn't stick well enough.