
Thing-O-Matic Filament Guide v2
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Since I wasn't entirely happy with my first design (which works to guide my filament, but isn't exactly up to par) I designed a second version.\nI have printed this "thing" (black ABS w/ raft, no support, 130-degrees on the HBP (my HBP doesn't heat at all if I set it under this temp) 230-degrees on the nozzle), and it works. Filament slides right through the guide, with little to no effort. But please check out my filament spool holder in the photos. This setup may not work for your specific setup.\nGoals of this design (from the start) have been:\n1) To guide 1.75mm filament from a rear-mounted spool to the Mk7 extruder (my spool is mounted parallel to the rear surface of the body, on the left/rear corner, from my own spool mount design/print). Although I designed this guide for my ToM (which has an Mk7 extruder) the filament guide openings are approximately 4mm in DIA, and may also work with other filaments.\n2) No filament binding... provide a smooth filament path (without ball bearings or any other external elements).\n3) No need to pull the filament all the way through the guide when changing spool colors, etc. The filament just "snaps" into the guide.\n4) A small profile, printable in 1 file, all on the ToM's HBP.\n5) Install on a Thing-O-Matic with absolutely no modification to the machine's body.\n6) To provide a "no-babysit" solution to my previously unmodified ToM, and eliminate my constant need to run upstairs to my office & check on the machine. The small spool of filament that came with my ToM made it approximately 1/4 of the way through the spool before it became so tangled that it's virtually unuseable now... too many cuts in the spool after multiple attempts to untangle it during long builds.\nImprovements from my first version include:\n1) Better filament support arms, relocated/resized for proper guidance of filament.\n2) Better locking geometry for the Thing-O-Matic. The first version's locking tabs were not of the right geometry, not to mention the thin features pretty much snapped off while removing the "thing" from the build platform.\n3) Thicker filament support arms. The first version's arms were FAR too small, but I'm still using mine and they haven't broken yet! :)\nComments on the design, revision ideas, and photos would all be appreciated!\nHave fun!InstructionsThis design has 2 pieces:\n1) The main body with 2 integral support arms.\n2) The locking mechanism, which is keyed to fit in the base at the proper angle.\nPrint the object (both pieces are in 1 file, and are arranged so they should fit on the ToM's HBP.\nFasten the main body to your ToM with super-glue, or drill & countersink for a screw if you would rather. Or both.\nThe locking mechanism (or block) is rotated 30-degrees in respect to the main body. Put this block through the appropriate corner opening on the top of your ToM, then twist counter-clockwise to lock it in place. The inside support arm should also "lock" onto the top piece of your ToM.\nTHERE ARE 2 FILES POSTED FOR THIS "THING". One file has a slot for your Z-axis stepper motor wires to run through. The other file does not. Simply fit the square "locking tab" through the right/rear corner opening of your ToM and twist it 30-degrees counter-clockwise. The locking tab should grab hold of the square opening (mine fit perfectly), and the filament support arm facing you (if you're facing the front of your ToM) should also fit into the top of the body (again, mine fit perfectly).\nIn the photos to the left, you're seeing a VERY crude version of my spool holder design (which works, but THANK GOD that the Z-axis stepper motor is strong enough to pull filament from the spool without a bearing... it's worked so far for prints lasting HOURS, without any supervision). And you're seeing my uncleaned version of this "thing", straight off the press.
With this file you will be able to print Thing-O-Matic Filament Guide v2 with your 3D printer. Click on the button and save the file on your computer to work, edit or customize your design. You can also find more 3D designs for printers on Thing-O-Matic Filament Guide v2.