QIDI X-Max - filament backlash preventer

thingiverse

<b>UPDATED:</b> A newer version (v2) of the support arm has been designed, featuring an attachment system that eliminates the need for screws. This updated design tightly fits around the spool rod. Additionally, the upper rod has been reinforced with extra support and length. The front flap, initially intended to be a crucial component, was found to be largely ineffective and has been replaced by a spool guard with a full-width connection point. Users of the QIDI X-Max have reported an issue where the head's rapid movement from front to back causes the filament to move backward through the bowden tube, resulting in the filament unspooling and tangling on the spool support arm. A simple gravity flap design has been created to address this problem. The flaps are specifically designed to fit the width of a Hatchbox spool, which is exclusively used by the creator. However, users with different brand spools may need to modify the design to accommodate their specific needs. The flaps remain in contact with the filament on the spool regardless of the amount left on the spool. To print the Spool Guard, simply print it twice (one for the front and one for the back) or use the single "Spool Guard_single" model for the rear flap. Since the front flap is not essential, it can be omitted. The creator recommends using a metal 5MM bolt to secure the spool guard in place, as opposed to the original screw design used in their initial Thingiverse upload (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2749041). To further improve the performance of the spool guard, adding small self-adhesive lead weights to the lower edges of the flaps has proven to be effective, as demonstrated by a provided image.