Sample Spool - Beta release

prusaprinters

This is a BETA release of the Sample Spool project.The purpose of this release is to get this printed on many different printers. With different materials, processed on many slicers.This is a fully adjustable sample filament spool and stand. The tension knob on the side of the stand can be used to increase tension on the spool to prevent free wheeling of the spool. Samples don't usually have the benefit of a large spool or weight to help keep the spool from just spinning away. This model fills that need in an interesting way. Using different printing techniques, and materials for their unique properties and finishes. The goal, to accomplish even, smooth filament delivery from random samples or loose ends of old spools.The Sample Spool project was created out of necessity. I have a LOT of filament samples laying around. I want to use them, but I have no good way to feed any of my printers a loose spool of sample filament.This is a press fit, friction based project. The tolerances are very tight. However, I’m trying to ensure it is printable on many machines, in multiple materials. This design was created with the limits or inaccuracy of common 3d printing in mind. In some cases the inaccuracies may even HELP with the fit of the model. Scaling the model up or down will have adverse affects. Some interfaces of parts were designed down to one or two extrusions being in the correct place for the correct thing. The listed print settings will ensure the model goes together correctly.Please note some parts may have optimal printing conditions to better achieve the needed function of the part.Documentation and video are in the works. Until then, this is a quick-n-dirty overview of parts and assembly. Parts:Each part in the image below is printed in a different material color and type. Even a silk PLA was used for the press-on knob. Not a great material for the function, but it’s holding very well so far! These parts all work together despite large swings in quality of material and finish.All parts should be orientated correctly when you open them in your slicer.Spool A: Optimally, this part should be printed in a material with a slightly rough edge texture. To help increase friction on the tension knob with the threads. Additionally, if the threads are not printed perfect, it also improves the end function of the model. The matte type filament works well for this part I've found. Tension knob: This should be printed on a smooth build surface. The smooth bottom of the knob will help reduce friction. The friction of the threaded interface, should be greater than the friction of the bottom of the knob against the side of the stand.IMPORTANT, this is THE PART to the functionality of the spool holder. It can be tightened to produce a little friction against  the stand to help prevent the sample spool from free wheeling under the stress of the coiled material.Side note, I'm experimenting with this part. Different ways of printing to optimally impact both required, but essentially opposite forces. Multi-material maybe even? Let me know if you have any ideas. Or let me know what you try out! Parts needed: 2 skateboard bearings. 608 sized bearings. Here are the ones I have been using.Little rubber sticky feet. Here is what I've used. Anything 1/4 inch wide will work well.Print settings:This was designed around MATTE texture filament such as PolyTerra PLA. PolyTerra was used for the main design and testing of this project.All parts should be printed with a .4 mm nozzle. With a .2mm layer height.I’ve tested everything on SuperSlicer 2.3.57, Cura 4.12.0, and Cura 4.13.1There are differences with how each slicer process some very small model details. I have noticed some slicers will move a single extrusion correctly, and others will guess and sometimes not place extrusions correctly. In those cases, I’ve noticed increasing the flow rate for that part will help tighten up the fit of the parts. Namely with SuperSlicer. At times it can be too accurate and increasing flow of the external parameter can help with fitment.If you decide to print and build this project, please report back any issues, or how you thought the process went. Thank you for your help with testing!