Modular Spooless Spool Holder

prusaprinters

<h3>Spooless Spool Holder</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Trying to reduce your filament spend or do better for the environment. Look no further. &nbsp; This modular spool is designed to hold the cheaper spooless filaments being sold by many manufacturers. &nbsp; This design is modular in a way that you can remix your own side wheels to fit your own tastes. &nbsp; I have even had a few use this to roll up sample filaments using old saved tubes from previous spools.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Currently the threading mechanism for the center of the spool is pretty tight and sometimes requires you to work it back and forth a few times. &nbsp;I designed it this way as I did not want my spools spinning apart during usage. &nbsp; So after printing I recommend threading it together and working it back and forth until fully seated. &nbsp;Once this is done the threaded components should stay snug and hold the spool snug.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The center tensioner is to allow for multiple diameters of the cardboard tube that the filament is wrapped around. &nbsp;This design was initially based on Inland filaments I was purchasing from MicroCenter as a starting point. &nbsp;I am curious to hear your feedback on this design and how to make it better with other filament brands. &nbsp; It has worked great for me up to this point but have not experimented on other brands.</p><p>I have included two different designs for the sides.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Star Wheel</li><li>Mag Wheel</li></ul><h5>Printing Instructions:</h5><ul><li>Layer height:&nbsp;<ul><li>.2 mm for most components.&nbsp;</li><li>.1 mm on the threaded components if the threading is just too tight and you can not snug it up after working with it.</li></ul></li><li>Seaming: Normal for all but the threaded components. &nbsp;Random for threaded components</li><li>Filament Type:&nbsp;<ul><li>PLA</li><li>Consider PETG if your going to store this in a hot dryer box</li></ul></li><li>Printer: MK3S+</li><li>Rafts: No</li><li>Supports : No</li><li>Infill: 25%</li></ul><h5>Installation Instructions:</h5><ul><li>Print all the parts<ul><li>2 - Center Tensioners</li><li>2 - Side Wheels</li><li>1 - Inside Threads</li><li>1 - Outside Threads</li></ul></li><li>Once printed start to work the inside thread into the outside threads. &nbsp;As you work this together it might tend to get real tight. &nbsp; Work this back and forth until you work it past the tough point. &nbsp;Eventually you will bottom it out and it will work pretty easily after this. &nbsp;This is probably the most challenging step. &nbsp;I have thrown the side wheels on to assist supplying a little more leverage but be aware that you do not want to put too much pressure on the 3 stop tabs on the side wheels.</li><li>Once you have the threading components loosened up install a side wheel onto each threaded component.</li><li>Grab your spooless filament and work the center tension guide into the inside of the center of the spool</li><li>Install this onto the side with the threads on the inside of the center column</li><li>Once bottomed out install the second inside tensioner into the center of the filament. &nbsp;</li><li>Start to thread on the other side of the spool. &nbsp; Pay particular attention with it start to meet the tensioner and center on the spool side so that it works into the center of it.</li><li>Once this is done snug up the two sides by turning against each other until satisfied with its fit. &nbsp;</li><li>Cut the bands on the filament</li><li>Start printing</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The wheels can be taken back off if needed. &nbsp; It requires a little coordination but while putting backwards pressure against the spring tabs(plastic on side wheel) use a small screwdriver or pointed object to slightly bend the tab outwards. &nbsp; Do not pry it out too much or it will break. &nbsp;It only needs 1 mm or so to be enough to dislodge the wheel. &nbsp;Do this to all three while holding that tension against them. &nbsp;Once you reach the third the wheel should pop loose off of the Threaded component.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>