We all have to do it, we all have to snip the ends of our filaments before loading them into the printer. But maybe instead of having snips around, we could just use a cupcake?
Once printed and assembled, just slide in filament and snip!
Ben of Materials
1x Bright coloured filament (swap for boring colours if you prefer)
2x M2x6mm hex bolts and nuts
1x Single edge blade (if you aren't sure what ones, it's these)
Printing Instructions
Print at 0.2mm layer height.
No supports needed.
When printing the blade lock, you may want to use a brim.
There are two versions of the cupcake, a normal one which will cut at a 45 degree angle to the filament, and one that cuts at 90 degrees. Print the one that best suits your printer!
If you are left handed, you might prefer to print everything mirrored.
Assembly
Insert one M2 bolt through the blade spring and clamp and loosely fasten the nut
Insert the blade between the clamp and spring and then insert the second M3 bolt
Tighten both M2 nuts with a small spanner or pliers
Partially insert the blade lock into the slot on the cupcake
Position the curved end of the blade assembly between the two lock pillars
Push the blade lock along with the blade assembly into the cupcake
If you have done things correctly, the lock will be flush with the rest of the cupcake, and the end of the blade assembly furthest from the lock will be springy.
Usage
Insert filament into the hole furthest from the blade, and slide until it is exposed at the hole nearest the blade
Press down on the blade until it snips
Say, “You've been cupcaked!” (this is optional)
Remove the filament
Remove the… okay do you really need any more instructions? You can use a 3D printer but you can't use a cupcake???
Disassembly
Use a small flat blade screwdriver to lift the blade lock until it is free
Lift the spring blade mechanism out of the cupcake
Robeena Shepherd
