Spool Holder for Nova Labs Prusa i3

thingiverse

I got tired of reaching behind my printer to grab the spool holder, unscrew it, load a spool onto it, screw it back together and replace it so I designed this top-mount spool holder for my Nova Labs Prusa i3 (BG8). It should fit all versions of the printer done to date. The spool sits up high enough it won't interfere with prints and allows for quick changes of filament since it's only held in by gravity. I haven't used a nearly empty spool with it yet, but it looks like the filament should clear the rail and not rub on it. All the spools I have fit on this (eSun/Inland, BuMat, ProtoPasta, PolyMakr - different widths and diameters, but all with a 52mm hole) with or without the adapter (50mm), but they roll smoother with it. This likely won't fit many other Prusa derivative printers since most don't have the top horizontal reinforcing piece and it may be a different size on those that do. If you want to try, it's 33.5mm deep and 40mm tall. The axles/adapter are 25mmx150mm and 50mmx115mm respectively. I also included a sparse axle/adapter set which should require a little less filament and time to print. They have a pretty tight tolerance, so you may want to consider splitting them apart if you're concerned at all about them sticking together. Update: I found that the filament rubbed against the top of the frame when the spools were nearly empty. V2 includes a mount for the rub rail so that it won't touch the frame (see pic with the blue Left and Right sides). Update (2017-12-07): Added v3 - completely untested at the moment. I've noticed my V2 spool holder arms have loosened up a little over time causing a sloppy fit and potentially popping off if you bump it while it's loaded with new/heavy spool. This new version will positively hook under the front vertical crosspiece to prevent this. Update (2017-12-09): v3 is tested and works well for me. Print Settings Printer: Nova Labs Prusa i3 (BG8) Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.3mm Infill: 20% Notes: 1.2mm top/bottom, 1.2mm walls, 20% honecomb infill. Support is necessary inside of the recess for the shaft, but there's nothing else over 45 degrees