Pastamatic - Filament Spool Winder for Bambu Lab X1C/P1P AMS (level winder with self reversing leadscrew)

October 26, 2023

Description

I tried another spool winder but found it finicky and delicate.

I designed this winder from scratch to be simple and robust, using the same self reversing leadscrew mechanism found on industrial cable winders

Why pick this model:

Print time:

Hardware requirements:

14x 608 skate bearings
A scrap of PTFE tubing
An electric screwdriver or drill with a bit cut from ¼ inch hex stock (most cheap quick change Philips bits in the US fit this requirement)

Print settings:

Any. I used "0.16mm Optimal" in BambuSlicer with 5% adaptive cubic infill
Use 100% concentric infill for spindle_male_driven
Try the STLs if you have a problem with the 3mf files. I’ve added (xN) to each file name so you know how many to print

Materials:

Any. I used Polyterra and iiidmax PLA+
Use TPU for tpu_consumable_wiper_blade. I used Priline 98a. The wiper blades aren’t 100% required but they help keep the windings nice and tight

Assembly and usage:

Demo video
Assembly video
The side that says “Pastamatic" needs to face outwards, away from the spool
The filament needs to come in under the target spool, like this: O____O
- [not like this: O‾”‾”‾”O]
The drill/driver needs to run clockwise, as though you're screwing something in
Accelerate slowly until the winder gets started

Change log

2023-05-28
- Initial release
2023-05-29
- Fix a minor export glitch in "leadscrew_tooth"
- Increase the number of “pin_short” instances in the 3mf from 6x to 8x
2023-05-30
- Add a second prearranged 3mf with two plates to avoid overlap warnings
- Disable autogenerated brims for the single plate 3mf
- Add STLs for people who have trouble with the 3mf
2023-06-03
- Add a ring to passive_target_cradle to prevent the far end of the target spool lifting if a user lets the the drill hang loose
- Add a pin to driven_target_cradle prevent the leadscrew popping out
- Fix a minor clearance issue where a dovetail didn't fit quite right
2023-06-05
- Revert passive_target_cradle to the old drop-in style
- Posted a spindle retention clip as a remix
2023-09-30
- Reduce chamfer on the crossbars to prevent them falling over when bed adhesion is poor
- Add some holes to the crossbars to make them easier to screw down
- Add some popular acessories to the all-in-one .3mf

How to contribute:

Post your make, it keeps me motivated to improve the model when I see people using it!
Post your feedback, idea or remix in the comments!
There are a few improvements and accessories in development as remixes, check those out if you‘re up for the alpha/beta tester experience
- Adapter for 37mm gear motor
- Source spool holder for 5 KG spools

Credits:

@MiklosKiszely_486882 for the original idea
@Psycho Shaft for the drag/tensioner concept
thang010146 for YouTube videos of mechanical mechanisms, particularly the self reversing leadscrew for a level cable winder