Qidi X-Max 3 Top Mount Spoolholder

UPDATE 06/27/24: 

I added a new design that does not require bearings and utilizes the center of the spool instead of rolling on the edges. For this version you will need 2 lengths of 4mm OD PTFE tube (you should already have this) to press into the center roller which gives the spool a nice smooth action. This version has printed threads so make sure your printer is tuned well. Ive been printing them at .2 layer height but a .16 would certainly make for a smoother action.

print the center roller standing vertically so the PTFE snaps in and the threads print nicely

UPDATE:

I have added a “dry box mount” file that allows you to utilize the universal mount plate I designed to attach the qidi-provided dry box allowing you to print straight from it while mounted on top of your printer.

I needed a way to feed TPU into my X-Max 3 with less resistance than through the terrible filament sensor and Bowden tubes. I couldn't find a spool holder I liked that did the job I needed so I made one myself. It is designed to sit on the back of the printer so the filament has a direct path to the toolhead with no resistance. You can't use the top cover while using this spool holder.

Parts Needed:

• print 1x qidi mount
• print 1x roller base
• print 2x rollers
• 4x M3 x 6 Screws
• 4x M3 Heat Set Inserts (M3 x 4 x 4.6OD)
• 4x 608 bearings

Print Settings:

3 walls, 10-15% infill should more than suffice. I used PLA and it feels plenty strong. Supports and a brim are needed on the rollers because those should print vertically. I prefer standard over tree supports for this and have had no failures over the 10+ I have needed to print. I highly recommend using the latest orca slicer and enabling conditional scarf seams so the spool doesn't get stuck on the z-seam as it rolls.

Assembly:

Install the 4 heat set inserts into the qidi mount. Align the roller base on to the qidi mount and use the 4 m3x6 screws to attach it. You could just attach these together with glue or double sided tape if you don't have the fasteners. Slide the bearings on to the ends of the rollers and place on to the roller base. The whole assembly should now rest down on top of the qidi and fit relatively snug. 

Notes:

I've tested this and found it worked well for me but if you have any issues/feedback/suggestions please let me know and I will try to fix it or incorporate it into an update. Thank you!