Direct Sample Dispenser

Filament samples are commonly shipped without spools. Rewinding them to an empty spool is quite annoying. This device makes it possible to print them directly from the bag.

A short cut in the middle of the bag is enough. The filament can stay in the bag where it is protected from Dust an to a degree also from moisture. Silica gel bags can be left n the bags to. After printing a strip of painters tape seal the package and locks the end in place.

The bag is able to spin freely. So the filament doesn't wind up. The movement of the print head induces permanent random rotation of the bag, witch prevents the filament from jamming inside the bag. The coil in the bag must be unwound from the inside. Otherwise it could jam.

For disguising the whole topic there is now the Group Filament Carousel on thingiverse. Every one who is interested in invited to join!

Related videos on YouTube
Concept video (sorry german for know)
Assembly. (The explanations are in German, but you will get the clue even if you don’t understand a single word)
Preparation of the coil: (Also German, but you will get it)

What you need
3 bearings 608 (most common ones)
3 countersink screws M5x20
3 Nuts M5
2 countersink screws M5x25 (M5x20 are also ok)
2-4 binder clips

Printing and Assembly
The base is to be printed upside down. It contains all required support.
The clamp is to be printed on on of its sides, to obtain ideal layer orientation.

After removing the little support brackets from the shafts inside the base the bearings are pushed onto the shafts and mounted with M5x20 countersink screws and nuts.

The hub is just pushed in from the top. It snaps in and is held by the lower portions of the bearings, while it rides on its perimeters.

The carrier is connected to the hub with four pins from 1.75mm filament. To make sure the holes are fitting the pins re drill them with an 2mm drill.

The device rides on the printers frame. The provided clamps are fitting eigther 9mm ( i.e. my wooden one) or 6mm (prusa) frames for thinner frames a piece of cardboard will do the trick.

Some binder clips might help to secure the bag if it gets lighter.

Update history
04/12/2019: Clamp for prusa printers added
04/12/2019: New version is out: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3559323