QIDI X-Max Adjustable Internal Spool Holder (6201 Roller Bearing)

Update August 6, 2022

The internal spool holder has been updated to version 2.2 with slimmer and more balanced spool holder.

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About

The Adjustable Internal Spool Holder for QIDI X-Max works with most filament spools up to 1 Kg. It might also fit the X-Plus but I don't have one so I can't check compatibility. The internal spool holder is useful if you want to keep hygroscopic filament warm and dry during printing of Nylon for example and you don't have an external dry box.

The spool holder uses a common 6201 roller bearing (search for 6201ZZ or 6201RS, I bought 2 for €4). The holder is attached with an M10 bolt where the stock internal holder goes. The bearing will move freely but the spool is using a simple friction break to prevent it from spinning too fast.

The filament is guided though a filament guide that goes through the top rear of the printer, just above the circulation fans. If you don't have a hole in the top rear of your printer (see picture number four under Post-Printing below) you can instead print and use the Bowden Connector: "qidi-xplus-xmax-bowden-tube-connector-1.0.stl". Just mount it to the extruder cover with a 20 mm M3 screw and use a 6 mm bowden tube between the internal filament guide and the top cover. See Post-printing for pictures.

Like I mentioned, the roller bearing is using a friction break, preventing the spool from spinning too quickly during sudden and long printer head movements. You can also print and use the optional "Roll-Off Savers", one on each side of the spool, to minimize the risk of filament jumping over the spool, although it's unlikely it will happen with this system, even with new spools.

BOM - Bill of Materials

1 x 6201ZZ or 6201RS roller bearing
1 x M3 screw (10 mm)
1 x M3 screw (20 mm)
1 x M10 bolt (45 to 65 mm long)
6 mm filament tube (use the black ones that came with the printer or a longer one)

(If you want to you can use a longer 6 mm filament / bowden tube for the filament guide between the printer and the top cover so that it's fully enclosed, it's what I use).

Print the following parts:

internal-6201-m10-to-m12-spacer-2.3.stl
internal-6201-roller-bearing-base-2.2.stl OR internal-6201-roller-bearing-base-no-lip-2.2.stl *
internal-6201-spool-holder-bottom-2.3.stl
internal-6201-spool-holder-top-2.3.stl
internal-6201-filament-guide-through-case-2.3.stl
qidi-xplus-xmax-top-cover-2.3.stl

* Use the no lip version if there are screws in the way, depends on how old your printer is.

Optionally, print these parts as well:

qidi-xplus-xmax-bowden-tube-connector-2.3.stl
internal-6201-optional-roll-off-saver-2.3.stl (print two)

Print Settings

Notes: 

Most parts will be fine at 15-20% infill. Print all parts except these without supports:

qidi-xplus-xmax-top-cover-2.3.stl

This part needs supports. Print all parts in the direction I have set them.

Post-Printing

After all parts are printed, install them in this order:

Insert the M10 to M12 spacer over the M10 bolt:

Install the 6201 bearings over the bolt.

Screw the bearing base to the case using the M10 bolt as pictured below.

Install the spool by screwing the bottom and top spools together and press in the spool over the bearing, it's easiest to do this with the bed raised above the spool. (different coloured spool holders pictured here).

Optional: Mount filament guide through case. Secure with a 10 mm M3 screw.

Push filament guide tube through the case so it sticks out just above the top fan.

Cut tube to length so it makes a nice arch up to the top cover. You can use the black tubes that came with the printer but then it won't be fully enclosed. If so, put one through the case and connect one to the top cover.

Feed filament through and load it into the extruder. Done.

Optionally, use the internal filament path with a Bowden Tube and the Bowden Tube Connector.

Videos