Spool Cradle with 3D printed bearing

thingiverse

Having tried lots of the spool cradles and holders, I decided to design my own. The premise was to try to make it: 1. as simple as possible 2. printable without supports 3. printable at 0.30mm layer height resolution 4. capable of handling any sized spool without adjustment In order to do this I had to design a 3D bearing. You can find the standalone bearing here (). I then made a cylinder that connects the two bearings together with an interior axle. Finally, I made two very simple side supports that connect to the bearing. Print two bearings and two supports then assemble. When you print the bearing (vertically), hold the axle at either end and give a little twist on the central cylinder. The bearing should then be free to move. I then spray WD40 or silicone spray in the gap between the axle and the wheel (the circular gap not the cuboid slot for the side panels). The wheel should then spin 10-15 times freely. I was able to print multiple repeatably working bearings using my Prusa Mk3S+ at 0.30mm layer height. I tried it on the same settings on my Tenlog TL-D3 but found it stuck. If you have issues, try lowering the layer height. I'm too impatient so just print them on the Prusa Mk3S+! For those of you wondering why one end of one of my cylinders is silver ... I ran out of filament just before the end. :-)