MPSM Low Filament Sensor holder

thingiverse

Instead of constantly monitoring my printer's filament level near the end of a roll, I opted to install a Low Filament Sensor from EndLessParts.com. This simple device produces a loud buzzing sound when it detects the approaching end of the filament, giving me ample time to pause the print and swap out the old spool for a fresh one. The sensor features two sets of spring-loaded roller bearings that release a contact switch when the last bit of filament passes through, triggering the buzzer. The sensor comes with an on/off switch and operates solely on battery power during the brief period the buzzer is active. It also includes four interchangeable colored covers and two spacers for accommodating different types of filament - mine arrived with the 1.75mm spacer pre-installed. The sensor itself boasts a robust design, crafted using a 3D printer. To integrate this sensor into my setup, I employed the MP Select Mini Filter Bar designed by Jason Jones, utilizing Tinkercad.com to create a custom holder that attaches to the filter bar's flat section. This allows me to easily remove or install the sensor as needed. The holder was designed with extra width in case I choose to secure it using screws. To test the sensor's effectiveness, I used the sample filament provided with my printer and printed a half-cat model. With my setup, the buzzer first sounded 3 minutes and 3 seconds before the filament ran out - a sufficient margin for my needs, considering the sensor's distance from the extruder can be adjusted based on the type of filament holders used. This setup has greatly simplified my end-of-filament experience, freeing me to focus on other tasks while the printer operates autonomously.