The end of the filament roll
I'm sure this is a common problem - I have a sliced model that I want to print but my current filament is close to the end of the roll. Based on the grams needed to print, it visually looks borderline that it would be enough. Running out of filament mid print is no fun.
Does anyone have any practical solutions to solving this issue without having to unload the filament and weight it?
RE: The end of the filament roll
I keep a record of the weight of empty spools from the different brands I use. This way it’s easy to know how much filament is left. Before starting the print, weight the spool and subtract the weight of the empty spool from the total. Of course, when using a brand for the first time, there’s no other solution than use an approximate value for the weight of the empty spool (and hope for the best.. ),
As a general rule, spools made all from cardboard tend to be lighter ( Overture 170 gr) than the ones made all in plastic (Fillamentum 230 gr). Prusaments have a cardboard tube and plastic sides, so the weight falls in between the former two (195gr).
Always give it a few grams more to be on the safe side. I use a value of 200gr for 1Kg Prusament spools although I never found one heavier than 197gr.
RE: The end of the filament roll
Brilliant suggestion! I have the same issue as Amir S. and will be weighing my spools from now on. Normally, I just sit near the printer and wait for it to almost run out, then pause print, eject filament, load filament, and resume. Works pretty well though sometimes it leaves a bit of an artifact and, of course there's a color change. Such is life...
I keep a record of the weight of empty spools from the different brands I use. This way it’s easy to know how much filament is left. Before starting the print, weight the spool and subtract the weight of the empty spool from the total. Of course, when using a brand for the first time, there’s no other solution than use an approximate value for the weight of the empty spool (and hope for the best.. ),
As a general rule, spools made all from cardboard tend to be lighter ( Overture 170 gr) than the ones made all in plastic (Fillamentum 230 gr). Prusaments have a cardboard tube and plastic sides, so the weight falls in between the former two (195gr).
Always give it a few grams more to be on the safe side. I use a value of 200gr for 1Kg Prusament spools although I never found one heavier than 197gr.
RE: The end of the filament roll
Yeah, that's what I thought but I have a similar proposal on how the printer can keep track of the weight for each spool rather than doing it manually.
I'll do a poll here and see if that makes sense and maybe someone from Prusa can comment. I didn't find a "feature suggestion" section.
I didn't find a "feature suggestion" section.
Post feature suggestions on Prusa's github.
Cheerio,
RE: The end of the filament roll
I never thought about that, great idea, I think I will start doing the same as well.
I keep a record of the weight of empty spools from the different brands I use. This way it’s easy to know how much filament is left. Before starting the print, weight the spool and subtract the weight of the empty spool from the total. Of course, when using a brand for the first time, there’s no other solution than use an approximate value for the weight of the empty spool (and hope for the best.. ),
As a general rule, spools made all from cardboard tend to be lighter ( Overture 170 gr) than the ones made all in plastic (Fillamentum 230 gr). Prusaments have a cardboard tube and plastic sides, so the weight falls in between the former two (195gr).
Always give it a few grams more to be on the safe side. I use a value of 200gr for 1Kg Prusament spools although I never found one heavier than 197gr.
RE: The end of the filament roll
Hello. I put the new filament behind the finishing and the nextruder take this very well ; And go on without problem.
RE: The end of the filament roll
In case you are buying your filaments from 3djake, they are listing the spool dimensions and tara weights on their shop site for every brand they sell. Even if you bought it somewhere else, you might benefit from that data as they sell quite a few known brands.
Mk3s MMU2s, Voron 0.1, Voron 2.4
RE: The end of the filament roll
Depending on the filament type:
With PLA, use it for cleaning the hot end.
With nylon, cut short pins for pressfit joining of large prints.