Printrbot Simple Metal Spool Holder and Handle (UPDATED)

thingiverse

Update 2015-07-12: Discover my new filament spool wall hangers; they work flawlessly with my spool spacers. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:923016. Here' s a spool holder for the Printrbot Metal Simple, using 1/2" PVC pipe to perform the primary tasks. It supports 1kg spools and smaller. It also works nicely as a handle, with or without a spool of plastic attached. For various holding options, check out the images. Also, don't forget my Simple Metal Base and Fan Shroud: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:366324; https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:412395. Update 2014/10/09. I uploaded a spool spacer for Monoprice filament, with a spool diameter of approximately 38.15mm. Update 2014/06/30. The previous version of the holder was too narrow to fit broader rolls of plastic, like those offered by BuMart. I widened the holder so that it can accommodate spools up to 95 millimeters wide. I also uploaded spacers to fit in the center of the spools so they'll rest nicely on the PVC pipe axle. These spacers print much faster than the previous tower spacer. Check out the images to determine which spacers you need. If you have spools with other inside diameters, let me know and I'll make a version for your spool. Update 2014/05/13. I removed the body with custom supports because users reported difficulties with it. Use Slic3r or Cura to add support structures. I also uploaded a version of the axle holder with the Printrbot logo engraved in. This logo version requires support structures. The logo-less axle holder does not. Update 2014/05/18. I wanted to center the spool on the axle, so I made a spool spacer, designed for the 1kg spools Printrbot sells. [They may have since changed manufacturers. Measure before printing.] If your spool inner diameter is around 51mm, this spacer will fit. See Instructions for more info. Parts list: - 5 foot or 10 foot stick of 1/2" PVC pipe. - Qty 2: #10-24 5/8" flathead (countersunk) screws. - Qty 2: #10-24 nuts. - Qty 1: Simple Metal Spool body. - Qty 2: Simple Metal Spool axle holders. Optional: 2 Spool Spacers. Note: All stl files have already been run through cloud.netfabb.com. Step 1: Run M503 in Repetier and make sure M212 has X=0.00. If X=20.00, the printer will grind the x motor when it reaches the end of the build plate. Print 1 Simple Metal Spool Body with support structures. I highly recommend InTheGarage's Slic3r settings here: http://www.camwatt.com/printrbot-simple-metal-slic3r-settings.html. The frame will test the limits of your Simple Metal. It is sized to "just" fit the 6" by 6" bed. In order to stay within bed size, put your skirt 0mm to the model. Once printed, remove the support material and clean up with sandpaper. Step 2: Print 2 Simple Metal Spool axle holders, same Splic3r settings as above. You can print both of them on the same run. Choose between the regular version (SimpleSpoolHolderAxle) and the version with the Printrbot logo (SimpleSpoolHolderAxleLogo). The regular version does not require support structures. The logo version DOES. Step 3: Cut the following lengths of 1/2" PVC pipe: Qty 1 at 5 & 1/2 inches. Qty 4 at 4 & 3/4 inches. Use the 5 & 1/2 inch piece as the spool axle and the others as legs. Step 4: Secure on the two metal rods atop your Simple Metal with two #10 24 5/8" flat head (countersunk) screws and nuts. I printed holes for the screws and nuts so it should appear flush. (In the pictures above, I used 1" screws, which are longer than needed.) Step 5: If you want the spool to turn centered, print 2 of the proper-diameter spacer for your spool: Printrbot Brand or 51.75mm inside diameter (http://amzn.to/1lrdfB0): SimpleSpacerPrintrbot.stl BuMat or 57mm inside diameter (http://amzn.to/1q85iH0): SimpleSpool