Spool Cuff for MMU2. Buffer Replacement (Discontinued)

prusaprinters

<p>Discontinued. This didn’t work well.<br/> This is an experimental idea. It may or may not actually work. I welcome testers and feedback and that is why I have posted this thing so early. If you want to test a Custom size spool cuff let me know in the comments. If you are interested in following this thing then I suggest you click the "watch" button.</p> <p>This is a cuff that will clip onto a spool of filament in order to replace a buffer or wallet. The basic idea is that when the filament is retracted from a device like the MMU2(s) the filament will unwind on the spool. The cuff will prevent the filament from escaping or causing a tangle. See pictures for examples.</p> <h3>Print instructions</h3><p>Unassociated tags: Filament Buffer, spool cuff</p> <h3>Category: 3D Printer Parts How this works</h3> <p><strong>A basic demonstration of how this should work.</strong></p> <p><strong>Design Goals</strong></p> <p>Spool cuff should:<br/> Work as a reliable filament buffer without causing tangles<br/> Work with spools of various dimensions. (Most common sizes)<br/> Work with a full or new spool.<br/> Work with 1.75 and 3 mm filament.<br/> Work with most types of filament. (TPU and ninja flex may be a problem)<br/> Work with other versions of spool holders</p> <p>I hope to test as many of these as I can. I may need help with some testing.</p> <p><strong>DEVELOPMENT UPDATE 1/9/2020:</strong></p> <p>First version is posted to Thingiverse. (Version 1.2)<br/> I am using OnShape.com to model this here is the link if you have an account and want to remix it or change the size parameters for your own. <a href="https://cad.onshape.com/documents/4e7410be5e85860e588a4f12/w/7cbb38a16dd2beb2a2690ab6/e/9162dfe13c10d5c5dacb2e91">https://cad.onshape.com/documents/4e7410be5e85860e588a4f12/w/7cbb38a16dd2beb2a2690ab6/e/9162dfe13c10d5c5dacb2e91</a></p> <p>Added the PTFE Hook pictured below. Designed the Cuff to allow some space for the filament to go from spool to PTFE tube.</p> <p><strong>The PTFE hook is mounted to the rear smooth rod. It can be mounted several different ways and the PTFE tube can pass all the way through the hook if you choose to have extra slack. The Pass-through connector is optional.</strong></p> <p><strong>The Spool Cuff has a notch to allow filament to easily get to the PTFE hook.</strong></p> <p><strong>DEVELOPMENT UPDATE 1/10/2020:</strong></p> <p>PTFE Hook Changes V1.2<br/> Had some trouble with the PTFE tube hooks. They kept falling off of the 8 mm Smooth Rod and the threads were a mess after they printed. The new version should allow the Hook to freely slide along the smooth rod but not fall off. The threads should also print cleaner. FYI the Pass through Connector is Optional. You don't need it.</p> <p>Spool Cuff Changes V1.3<br/> Changed the cuff to cover more of the spool that it did previously. SC Version 1.2 covered 255 Degrees of the round. Version 1.3 covers 270 Degrees of the full round.</p> <p>Changed the cuff to arch out more giving new filament spools more room unwind inside of the cuff.</p> <p><strong>Update 1/12/2020</strong></p> <p>PTFE hook V1.3: Widened the Hole for the Optional Threaded Pass through PTFE connector.<br/> Changed the hook so it won't hold onto the 8 mm smooth rod as tight.</p> <p><strong>Update 2/14/2020</strong></p> <p>Added another version of the PTFE hook. Version 1.4 is even wider for the pass through. I have used both and printed it with different filaments. PETG work better with the V1.4 and PLA works better with the V1.3 So I will keep both but I am recommending the V1.4 for the most part.</p> <p>I have found that the easiest way to load the filament to the MMU2 is to un-hook the tube from the rod. Place the spool onto the shelf. have the filament hang down below the spool. load the filament into the tube. Then hook the tube onto the rod. Then add the Cuff to the spool last. I will probably make a video later.</p> <h3> How to build your own</h3> <p><strong>Printing your own Spool Cuffs</strong></p> <p>This thing is designed to work with my Hanging Spool and Buffer shelf. (<a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3902957">https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3902957</a>) But you should be able to use many other spool holders and mounts. If you do please post some makes so I can see it.</p> <p>If you are using my hanging shelf then you will want to also download the PTFE hook I have included with these Spool Cuffs under thing files. I may later move this into it's own thing. Maybe.</p> <p>Measure your spool. You will need to measure the diameter and width of the spool.</p> <p><strong>Measure the Diameter</strong></p> <p><strong>Measure the Width</strong></p> <p><strong>Choose the right size model for your spool.</strong></p> <p>I plan to upload several sizes of the models. If the size you want is not listed please let me know and I will add it. This is very easy to do. The files will be named like this. SC-(Diameter)x(Width)-V(VersionNumber)</p> <p>As I make changes to the design the Version numbers will change. Old versions may not always be available.</p> <p><strong>Print Settings</strong></p> <p>I am using a Prusa MK3s with the MMU2s.</p> <p>Filament: PETG reccomended because it is flexible and smooth so it creates less friction. However PLA will work.<br/> .2 or .3 mm layer height. Don't go lower.<br/> Infill 15%</p> <p>The Spool Cuffs are designed with a .4 mm nozzle in mind. The ribs are 1.6 mm thick so the ribs will be made with 4x perimeters. If you use a different size nozzle be aware that the ribs may not print correctly.</p> <h3> Your Feedback is Welcome</h3> <p><strong>Let me know what you think</strong></p> <p>Please leave a comment, Click the like button or even consider a donation.</p>