Visual Dessicant Indicator for Filament Drybox (V1)

prusaprinters

<p>This part takes the place of a humidity sensor in filament boxes.</p> <p>The idea is that sometimes we are not interested in the % R.H. reading, we only want to see (at a glance) whether it's time to change the desiccant inside the filament box. But it is not easy to see when the stuff has changed color without opening it to look. So this object acts as an indicator that is easy to see.</p> <p>When loading (color-changing) desiccant into the filament box, simply add some into this object as well. The idea is that when the desiccant changes color, it's time to change out (or recharge) the desiccant in the tray.</p> <p>It is necessary to provide a plastic window. It can be cut from any thin clear plastic. I suggest cutting it from some plastic packaging or even a thick plastic bag (such as the filament bags.)</p> <p>Possible Improvements:</p> <ul> <li>It needs to be easier to empty and refill the object with desiccant. Right now the indicator must be removed and disassembled to be emptied/refilled.</li> </ul> <h3>Print instructions</h3><p>You will need two M3 screws, anything from 5 mm to 12 mm long.</p> <p>Use one of the pieces as a template to cut a plastic window from any kind of thin, clear plastic. Make notches or holes for the M3 screws.</p> <p>This clear window will be sandwiched between the front bezel and the back piece. The front bezel has a slight depression to allow for adding some glue to seal them together into one piece (if desired or needed.)</p> <p>Fill the back piece with color-indicating desiccant beads (which change color when they need to be changed) and screw the plastic window and front bezel on.</p> <p>Then insert into the filament drybox and use the provided clip to secure it.</p> <p><strong>NOTE: Orientation matters. The two pieces have small dot marks. These dots should both face DOWNWARDS when assembled. The clip goes in from the top.</strong></p>