Rotating Photo Carousel • Upcycle your spools!

Boost MeEnjoy this project? A boost helps more makers find it—totally free and much appreciated! 🚀♻️

Give Your Spool a Second Life – Turn It into a Rotating Photo Carousel! 🎡📸♻️

Got empty filament spools piling up? Instead of tossing them, turn them into something fun and functional! The Parametric Photo Frame Carousel transforms your used spools into a unique, interactive way to display your favorite memories—all while reducing waste!

What Can You Do with It?

• Showcase Your Best Memories – Rotate through your favourite photos with a simple spin. (Maximum photo capacity may vary based on your spool's dimensions)
• Make a Meaningful Gift – A handmade, sentimental present for friends and family.
• Fun Family Activity – Let the kids paint, decorate, and personalize the spool for a creative touch!
• Eco-Friendly Design – Print the backing plate or use it as a cutting guide to upcycle the cardboard box your filament came in.
• Fully Customizable – Thanks to parametric design, you can adjust the model to fit any spool size with ease!

This is more than just a print—it's a fun, hands-on project that turns waste into something meaningful. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift, a DIY home decor piece, or a way to involve the whole family in a creative project, this carousel is the perfect build! 🚀♻️

 

 

Usage guide 

This guide will walk you through:

1. Setting up & modifying the Fusion 360 file
2. Exporting printable parts using a custom Python script
3. Generating a printable photo template using Google Colab
4. Assembling the carousel

 

Before getting started, make sure to download the f3d, and python files

You will find those under “Download STL/CAD Files” (See images below)

1. Using the Fusion 360 File

The Fusion 360 parametric model allows you to modify the design to fit different spools and customize the look of your carousel.

Customizable Parameters

Parameter	Description
spool_diameter	Outer diameter of the filament spool
spool_height	Total height of the spool
spool_center_outerdiameter	Outer diameter of the spool’s center hub
spool_center_innerdiameter	Inner diameter of the spool’s center hub
spool_wheel_thickness	Thickness of the spool’s wheel section
frame_thickness	Thickness of the 3D-printed photo frame
num_frames	Number of photo frames around the carousel
frame_border_thickness_user	Thickness of the frame border
frame_lip_overlap_on_spool	How much the frame lip overlaps the spool for stability
picture_slot_opening_width	Width of the slot where images are inserted (on the top of each frame)
shaft_length_from_spool_base	Length of the central shaft supporting the carousel
stand_base_diameter	Diameter of the stand base
base_thickness	Thickness of the stand base
base_taper_angle	Taper angle of the base
shaft_taper_angle	Taper angle of the shaft

Steps to Modify the Fusion File

1. Open the Fusion 360 file
   • Modify the parameters to match your spool or preferred frame size.
2. Show/Hide Components
   • You can hide the BackingPlate if you want to use a cardboard cutout instead.
   • Choose either Top_v1 or Top_v2 and hide the one you won’t use.
   • The Frame_Connector_Bottom_Lip is optional—it is only for completing the circle lip on the downward facing side on the spool, it is purely decorative and has no structural function.
3. Run the Python Export Script
   • This script will automatically export the correct STL files based on your design.

2. Exporting STL Files (Python Script)

To streamline the printing process, I created a Python script for Fusion 360 to automate STL exports for all required parts.

What This Script Does

✅ Finds all the correct parts in the Fusion file
✅ Temporarily unhides hidden parts (e.g., the BackingPlate) for export
✅ Combines necessary parts (like the Roller Assembly) before exporting
✅ Saves a printable recipe listing the number of parts needed

How to Use the Export Script

1. With Fusion 360 open
2. Go to: Utilities > Add-Ins > Scripts & Add-Ins (or Shift-S for a shortcut)

4. Click “Create” to create a new script

5. Select “Python”, then give the script a name and click “Create”
6. Now select your newly created script and click “Edit”
7. Paste the contents of the “carousel_export.py” script into your new script
8. Your can now use the script to export your design!

Exporting your Design

1. In the “Scripts and Add-ins” select your export script and hit “Run”
2. STL files will be saved to: ~/Desktop/Fusion_Exports
3. Open the "print_recipe.txt"
   • This document tells you how many of each part to print

4. Example of the recipe:
    

3. Generating a Photo Template (Google Colab)

Since the frames require custom sized images, I created a Python script that you can run using Google Colab to generate a Microsoft Word template that you can print at the exact dimensions.

Steps to Use the Template Generator

1. Open Google Colab: Click here

2. Make sure to run the cell at the top first to install python-docx

3. Before you run the script, update the following parameters based what your print_recipe tells you
    

4. Download the .docx file
5. Insert your images into the placeholders
6. Print with borderless settings to maintain exact image size

🔹 Tip: Use thicker paper or photo paper for the best results!

4. Assembly Instructions

Once all parts are printed, follow these steps to assemble your Photo Frame Carousel:

Step 1: Insert Your Printed Images

• Use the provided print template to size your photos correctly.
• Insert them into each frame slot.

Step 2: Choose a Backing Option

Option 1: Print the BackingPlate and attach it behind the frames for rigidity.
Option 2 (Eco-Friendly ♻️ ): Use the provided cutting guide to cut a backing from your spool’s cardboard box.

Option 3: If you have a thick photo paper, you can slot your image in without a backing.

 

Step 3: Assemble the Frame Connectors

• Attach the frames onto the spool using the Frame_Connector pieces.

Step 4: Attach the Rotating Mechanism

• Insert the shaft connector into the base.
• Place one Roller Assembly onto the shaft.
• Now place the shaft into the shaft connector

Step 5: Placing the carousel on the shaft

• Take your carousel wheel and place it on the shaft so that it sits on the Roller Bearing Assembly
• Take the second Roller Assembly and place it on top of the carousel onto the shaft
• Select Top_v1 or Top_v2 depending on your aesthetic preference.
• Secure it onto the shaft.

Sustainability & Creativity

🌱 What makes it sustainable?

• Reduces waste by upcycling empty filament spools.
• Encourages creativity with a customizable display.
• Provides a sustainable alternative by repurposing cardboard.

🎁 Gift Idea!

• Customize with family photos for a thoughtful present.
• Let your kids decorate it for a unique handmade keepsake.

Final Thoughts

By following this guide, you create a useful, eco-friendly, and customizable photo carousel while making the most of your empty spools and filament packaging.

 

Happy printing! 🛠️♻️