If you frequently switch filaments, especially mid-print (e.g., for color changes), the process of removing and replacing spools can be time-consuming and frustrating. To streamline this process, you may consider using multiple spool holders (up to four) to keep your printer ready for action. This design offers a quadruple spool holder that integrates seamlessly with the original Ender 3 series top spool holder, utilizing the existing metal bracket as the primary support.
KEY FEATURES:
- Print-in-place: No support structures required.
- Smooth Rolling: Ensures effortless filament feeding.
- Protective Caps: Prevent accidental spool dislodgement.
- Original Bracket Integration: Leverages existing metal bracket mounted to the 20x20 profile on the top of your printer for easy installation.
- Simple Assembly: Requires two 50 cent or similiar size coins as a screwdriver.
Compact Design: Fits standard 220x220mm build plates (with a 45-degree angle for the extender).
Optional Filament Guide:
An additional filament guide is available to direct the active filament to the extruder while securely holding the ends of unused filaments. It's recommended to pair this with a rolling filament guide mounted on the extruder side (many free designs are available on platforms like Thingiverse).
PARTS:
- Male Spool Holder (x2): Print-in-place with rolling mechanism.
- Female Spool Holder (x2): Print-in-place with rolling mechanism.
- Securing Caps (x4): Protect spools from dislodgement while in use.
- Bracket Extender (x1): Extends the original bracket to accommodate the top two spools:
---- Default Extender (S): Suitable for standard 20cm diameter spools.
---- Optional Extender (L): For larger spools up to 22cm in diameter.
- Optional Filament Guide: Directs and secures unused filaments.
STL FILES:
Required:
-- Male_Spool_Holder.stl
-- Female_Spool_Holder.stl
-- Protection_Cap.stl
-- Extender_S.stl (default for 20cm spools)
Optional:
-- Filament_Guide_Optional.stl
-- Extender_L_Optional.stl (for larger spools up to 22cm)
-- QSH_All_At_Once_Set.stl (to print all required parts at once on a 220x220mm build plate). Please note that it takes approximately 1 day to print this file with 20% infill.
PRINT SETTINGS:
- All Parts:
---- Material: PLA, PETG, or ABS (PETG and ABS are recommended for long-term use)
---- Wall Count: 2
---- Top/Bottom Layers: 4
---- Layer Height: 0.28mm for faster prints, 0.2mm for higher quality
---- Infill: 10% or more (increase infill to 60% or more for the "neck" area of the spool holders)
---- Support: None
---- Build Plate Adhesion: None
- Bracket Extender:
---- Orientation: Place diagonally on the build plate.
---- Infill: 20% or more
---- Optional: Set Top/Bottom Line Direction to [90,180] for added strength.
- Protection Caps:
---- Infill: 20% or more
- Filament Guide:
---- Infill: 20% or more
---- Support: A small support is manually included for the peninsula at the plug side.
POST-PROCESSING:
- Elephant Foot: If the outer and inner parts of the spool holders connect during print due to elephant foot problem, pull the axe upward to separate them.
- Lubrication: Apply dry soap to the axes, moving parts, and all connection points (including twist caps, male and female screwing parts etc.) to reduce frictions.
- Optional Filament Guide Support: Detach the small support for the peninsula at the plug side, before use.
ASSEMBLY:
- Mount Bottom Spool Holders: Attach the male and female bottom spool holders and the extender to the original metal bracket mounted to the 20x20 profile on the top of your printer.
- Align and Secure: Ensure the axes and holes are aligned, then twist the axes clockwise to tighten (use 50 cent coins as a screw drivers which fit to the holes at the back of each axe).
- Install Top Spool Holders: Repeat the process for the top spool holders.
- Load Filamant Spools and Attach Caps: Place filament spools on the holders and secure them with the protective caps by twisiting them, again clockwise to the body of the spool holders.
Happy printings :)
Botcan3D
Botcan3d
