Extended spool arms for Prusa i3 MK2

This is an extended spool mount/arms for the Prusa i3 MK2. It uses the existing black moulded arms as the support and raises the spool further away from the print frame. This is useful for larger spools or (in my case) loose filament from places such as Faberdashery.

The loose filament spool in the pictures is NOT mine and can be found here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:298768

The diameter of the loose filament is much larger than that of standard spools so I needed a way of mounting these. I made use of the existing spool holder arms as these grip the frame perfectly already, this also makes it easy to swap between loose and standard spools.

I designed it for the spool holder arms which came with my printer. I believe there are different versions depending on when the printer was purchased so this might not fit your particular printer. The ones I have are the black non-3D printed ones.

Depending on your choice of spool, you may need to design wider spacers or a longer rod so it fits. The spool I've been using is 4cm wide. The spacers mean I don't need to move the original arms from their position of holding normal spools. They also help prevent the spool catching on the sides.

I've used extra tolerance on the rod and spacers so it doesn't grip the spool.

This is still in the testing phase but I've been using it successfully so far. I'm sure there are many ways it could be improved, so feel free to remix it or make suggestions.

The only issue for me is the rod is almost too smooth so the spool sometimes spins more than I would like, but it has not caused any problems with prints so far.

Instructions

1. Print 2 spacers and 1 of each other part.
2. Slot each arm (A and B, for each side) into the hole on the inside of the existing spool arms on the printer. The base/bottom of the printed parts should be facing inwards. Make sure it all fits flush against the existing arms.
3. Push the rod through the arms, spacers and spool of choice. Line up the flat side with the flat side in the hole on the arm.
4. Put the peg into the hole on the rod with the head facing up, on the outside of the arm.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Prusa

Printer: 

i3 MK2S

Rafts:

No

Supports: 

No

Resolution:

0.2mm

Infill: 

30%

Post-Printing

You may need to file/sand the inside edge of the arms so the spool doesn't catch.

Category: 3D Printer Accessories