Re-designed spool holder for Prusa MM
I thought I would start a new topic for this. Apologies to those who sent private messages about this spool holder - I have only just seen them! If you would like a copy of the Sketchup files and .stl files with instructions for this spool holder then please email me (bob (at) rmgledhill.co.uk) directly and I will reply tomorrow with the files.
The spool holders use the ball races supplied by Prusa with the upgrade and do not require any adaptation of the machine itself. You will need some nuts and bolts and a length of round tube - these are detailed in the instructions in the zip file I will send. They take any diameter of spool, width of spool up to about 80mm but might be adaptable for wider spools.
By attaching them to an email rather putting them on Thingiverse I feel it will be easier for you to get in touch if you have any questions.
Here are some pictures....
General Overview. Attached to machine via wire ties and weight of spool carried on three sturdy legs.
Shows ball races on which spools rest - little friction
The spool holders slide in a slot in the top bar, as do the filament guides. Allows different widths of spool.
more pictures in next post...
Bob
Re: Re-designed spool holder for Prusa MM
....continued
Shows the dovetail slot in the top beam along which the spool holders and filament guides slide.
The Teflon tube is tapered with a knife at one end and is simply a push fit into the motor housing. This view from underneath.
The spool holder is attached to the machine by three arms which slot over the top cross member and fasten with wire ties (not yet used in photo).
Another advantage of this design is that the filament no longer catches on the cables from the print head as it moves back and forth.
Note that there is provision for a rod (I use a Plastruct round plastic tube) to go through the centre of all the spools. This does not support the spools but is there to prevent them being dragged onto (or off) the machine in the event of a filament tangle on the spool.
Bob
Again my apologies to those who asked for the files by sending me a pm. Please send me an email and I will respond with files tomorrow (8/3/2018).
Re: Re-designed spool holder for Prusa MM
Made one, works great. It takes quite a bit of time to print though.