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When will this spool run out?  

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Barras 3D
(@barras-3d)
Eminent Member
When will this spool run out?

The question below is intentionally fluffy as i am looking for a method not an answer

I have a spool of filament and it has some left on it

I know that it won't be enough to complete a large print as the print needs about 450g and i think i have about 150g left

The print is estimated to be 34 hours

Is there a way to estimate when i need to press go so it doesn't run out of filament at a stupid time?

It is using the standard PLA profile

Posted : 25/03/2019 8:10 pm
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
Re: When will this spool run out?

Edit: on re-read, it sounds like you're trying to figure out when 150g will run out. So many possible variables.

I don't think any slicers show filamet usage in progress.

You could use Slic3rPE to cut the model into successively lower parts until you see the filament used estimate go just below 150g, then look at the estimated print time.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 25/03/2019 8:29 pm
DJ
 DJ
(@dj-6)
Trusted Member
Re: When will this spool run out?

Is 150g / 450g * 34hrs ~= +11hrs too simplistic? It could be if the filament feed rate is not more or less uniform. In that case I don't have a better guess.
DJ

DJ

Posted : 25/03/2019 8:30 pm
Barras 3D
(@barras-3d)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: When will this spool run out?


Edit: on re-read, it sounds like you're trying to figure out when 150g will run out. So many possible variables.

I don't think any slicers show filamet usage in progress.

You could use Slic3rPE to cut the model into successively lower parts until you see the filament used estimate go just below 150g, then look at the estimated print time.

That worked

As i used the cut function to slice lumps off the model until it said it would need about 150g of filament

Which is about 9 hours in for those that are interested

Posted : 25/03/2019 9:06 pm
lee.g
(@lee-g)
Estimable Member
Re: When will this spool run out?

Although related this is not an answer to your question but could help you in the future.

Weigh the spool prior to using it and write the weight on the spool. If you are not sure how much you have on the spool you can just weigh it to see how much you have used. You have to rely a bit on the manufacturer accurately loading the spool with the correct amount of filament but it can help to stop running out of filament part way through a print.

Posted : 25/03/2019 9:20 pm
Barras 3D
(@barras-3d)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: When will this spool run out?

I already weigh each spool on arrival for exactly this reason

The spool when new weighed 2940g

It is meant to be a 2.3kg spool

2940 - 2300 = 640

Currently the spool weighs 774g

So i guesstimate i have about 134g left

Posted : 26/03/2019 7:09 am
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(@)
Illustrious Member
Re: When will this spool run out?

I weight empty spools, then subtract that value to know how much filament is left. It's usually within 25g. And Slic3r reports filament used by part. So when Slic3r says the part needs 235 grams, and I weighed 300, I know I am okay.

Posted : 26/03/2019 7:43 am
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