Z18 Side Mount Spool Holder

myminifactory

Feeding filament from underneath a drawer may trigger filament feed problems that could impact print completion and quality. This simple alternative filament feed system can be printed on almost any 3D printer and is just a little more involved than a standard mounted spool holder, designed for the recommended 900gm MakerBot PLA spools. The concept is to address excessive resistance due to the lengthy feed path through Teflon tube from the base of the Z18 combined with an uphill feed path. Not enough filament may be available quickly enough on demand from the machine. Additionally, some filaments on spools can be slightly stuck to underlying/adjacent filaments, requiring extra tension to pull them away. These issues could cause under extrusion and this spool holder is designed to reduce these factors for better print reliability and quality. There's only one print needed to make this change. It includes two pieces: a spool holder and a threaded bolt to secure it to the side of your Z18 with the lid removed. Please read the instructions carefully and refer closely to the images to ensure correct fitment - but it's not rocket science. STL Files/Versions: The standard STL is designed for use with standard MakerBot spools. A 'Wide' and 'X-Wide' version has been added that will accommodate alternative spools up to 60mm and 80mm wide, respectively. This is still a screw-on fitting; the 80mm version should accept 1Kg MakerBot spools. Not tested, but it should be okay. Add-on Accessory: A 'Filament Guide' has also been added. This is useful when running a new very full MakerBot spool as filament can run over the top and into the inside of the spool holder. When placed along the side of the Z18 between the spool and filament entry into the cabinet, this little attachment prevents filament from unwinding high enough to get over the side of the spool and drop down the side of the spool holder. Very small but a useful addition.