MakerBot Replicator 2 Filament reel holder

thingiverse

As I continued to explore the capabilities of my MakerBot Replicator 2, I dedicated an hour to designing a high-quality filament reel holder (spool holder) tailored specifically for my MakerBot Replicator 3D printer. The entire project took approximately three hours to complete, including printing and design time. In summary: - To achieve smooth movement without friction, two type 6000 bearings were utilized, securely housed in two bearing holders. The bearing pockets feature carefully designed walls with a small draft to ensure a snug fit for the bearings. - I created interchangeable inserts to accommodate various filament reels, including the 51mm and 53mm diameter models. Additional designs can be added upon request; simply let me know your requirements. - A sturdy M10x100 screw was used to secure the bearings in place and attach the left/right inserts to the reel. To reinforce this attachment, I welded a 1.5mm sheet metal strip, 36mm wide, which was then bent to fit snugly inside the Replicator 2 reel holes. Initially, I considered printing a holder around the screw but found welding to be a faster and more convenient option. The result is a smooth and reliable reel holder that requires minimal effort to maintain.