MPSM Low Filament Sensor holder

pinshape

Instead of keeping a close eye on my printer while nearing the end of the roll of filament, I decided to install a Low Filament Sensor from EndLessParts.com. This device is relatively simple and lets out a loud buzzing sound when the end of the filament has passed by it, giving me enough time to pause the print and switch to a fresh spool. The sensor features two sets of roller bearings that are spring loaded so that when the last of the filament passes through the roller bearings, a contact switch is released by the spring and the buzzer is activated. An on/off switch allows me to control when the sensor uses battery power, which is only when the buzzer sounds. The sensor comes with four different colored covers and two spacers, one for 1.75mm filament and one for 3mm filament. Mine came equipped with the 1.75mm spacer installed. The sensor was manufactured by a 3D printer and is very durable. Double-sided foam tape is attached to the back of the sensor, as well as a couple of ears for using screws, depending on how I choose to attach it to my printer. Using the MP Select Mini Filter Bar by Jason Jones, I designed a holder for the sensor with Tinkercad.com that slips onto the flat part of the filter bar. This allows me to easily take the sensor off or put it back on as needed. The holder is wide enough so that I can use screws if necessary. For testing purposes, I decided to use the sample filament that came with my printer and create a half cat design to see how long it would be between the first sound of the buzzer and when the end of the filament hits the extruder. My test revealed a time of 3 minutes and 3 seconds with my setup. The length of time can be increased by positioning the sensor further away from the extruder, depending on my choice of filament holders. Three minutes is more than enough time for my needs given where I sit in relation to the printer. This sensor has greatly simplified my end-of-filament experience, allowing me to do other things while my printer runs without interruption. Video footage of the sensor in action can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXJPpmCalHo.