Filabook, the Tiny Hinged Filament Cleaner

This is the last filament cleaner I will publish as I've printed far more than I'll ever use!

The aim was to make one that I was totally happy with - quick to print, minimal materials, satisfying to use and pleasing to look at. A functional novelty.

I also noticed that in previous cleaners used, the amount of foam required to catch dust was quite small; this prompted me to go as minimal as reasonably possible, and the result is something I'm very pleased with and use all the time.

Features

• Very lightweight.
• One-piece print with hinge for convenience and no risk of halves being separated.
• Snaps over filament positively when fitted and stays in place securely.
• Cover area acts as a thumb grip, just like a book, and opens easily for removal.
• Economical use of magnets. No glue required.
• Magnets push-fit firmly, with option of holes on cover side for easy removal.
• Spine hinge optimised for easy printing without difficult overhangs or mess.
• Gripping and retaining ribs for foam inserts to prevent dislocation from filament travel.
• Covers can be beautified with optional combinations of colour change and infill patterns using slicer settings.
• Easily stuck to a steel surface for storage, and also stick together like a row of books.

Each Filabook requires two 3x4mm neodymium cylinder magnets and a small amount of 3mm polyurethane foam sheet (the open-cell upholstery type foam.)

I have included a 3x3mm magnet option as well for if you only have those, but the longer 3x4 magnets probably stay in more securely.

Alternatively, you could use just one magnet and try a small length of steel rod or M3 screw for one side.

Slicer Settings

As expected, PLA works very well for these - but I have also had some success with PETG.

See the included .3mf files that include my preferred settings:

• 0.4mm nozzle - set all perimeters to 0.4mm for slightly finer detail.
• The model is designed for 0.2mm layers, but 0.1mm is also good for an overall finer finish.
• “Classic” perimeter generation tends to give better results than “Arachne.”
• Variable layer height can work well when used on the upper half of the spine, as a finer finish here can make for a smoother closing action.
• Around 20-30% infill is fine - not too important, but having enough inside the hinge pins will help for strength.

There are many variations of colour and pattern combinations that can be tried - probably more than I've covered here.

Assembly

• Clean off any retraction blobs on the top surfaces or it may not close flat.

• Push one magnet into a hole, stack the other on top and push both book halves together.
• Cut two pieces of foam to 9.5mm x 20mm (doesn't have to be that exact,) and insert into each side.
• If the hinge is comes out little sticky, work it a few times to loosen it.