Square tubing filament rack and roller

thingiverse

Just what the world needs, another custom filament roller. This one can be configured as a filament spool rack, roller, or both, in countless unique combinations. This fully annotated OpenSCAD code will render connectors and roller bearing supports to build your bespoke filament rack and/or roller from aluminum square tubing. The variable dimensions are pre-configured for standard 1" x 0.065" wall tubing, but can be easily customized for other sizes with ease (extensively tested). In addition to the connectors, which share a common ancestry with http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:790145 (which was in turn remixed from http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:14061), you can use this code to create STL files for roller bearing supports that seamlessly integrate into corner connectors or slide along tubing sections. The sliders accommodate diverse spool thicknesses, so a minimum of one per rail is recommended. There's also an option for a sliding filament guide that fits between rollers and connects to a PTFE guide tube. All these components can be seen in the photos of my rack, which proudly sits behind my dual extrusion Flashforge Creator Pro. The roller bearing supports are specifically designed for standard 608 skate bearings, with integrated spacers for secure attachment using 5/16" bolts. These bearings spin freely and won't break the bank (approximately $1 each), eliminating the need for high-performance bearings (unless your printer operates at extreme speeds!). UPDATE 1/1/2016: Version 2.1 brings a couple of exciting new features. The integrated bearing spacer on the support tabs can now be printed on one side or both sides, as well as being omitted entirely. Two-sided printing offers optimal performance, but requires reorienting the print and may necessitate supports for successful execution. The exit hole size and orientation on the sliding filament guide funnel have been specified to accommodate popular guide tube sizes of 4 or 6 mm (with an added fraction for clearance recommended). The "guidetype" variable dictates a straight-through guide or a bent guide tube. I've recently modified my filament rack, moving the rollers from the center to the edges and elevating the top level above my printer's operating height. The final two photos showcase the sleek new setup. Print Settings: Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.2 mm Infill: 50%+ Notes: To create STL files for the components you desire to print, you'll need OpenSCAD rendering software. Download this free, open-source tool here: http://www.openscad.org/ . Follow the embedded instructions within the code to customize each part and achieve a precise fit. I've printed these exclusively in ABS (with great results), but PETG should also perform admirably. However, I wouldn't risk using PLA due to its unpredictable behavior. Infill of 50% is ideal for optimal strength, but 0.2 mm resolution provides a suitable compromise between performance and weight. Avoid sparse infill on connectors as it can cause them to crack under stress. PRINT A TEST FINGER AND SHELL FIRST with the sizing test option! Tubing dimensions may vary depending on filament type, tubing material, or printer configuration; be prepared to fine-tune your setup for an optimal fit. After printing, thoroughly deburr any cut tubing ends to prevent binding or wear. Be mindful when loading heavy spools as the connector fingers can easily snap off with excessive force.