MMU3 - How to keep filament slack dry in buffer
For folks such as myself that don't print with all 5 filaments daily, I was curious if anyone cares about the fact that the slack in the buffer is just sitting exposed (potentially for long periods of time)?
I suppose I could just unload 3ft of nylon to get to the stuff that's been sat in my drier box for weeks, but seems wasteful. Or fully unload the MMU3 slot when material is not in use... but I'm lazy and like the idea of just hitting a button to switch from PETG to Nylon and letting rip. Has anyone seen a fully enclosed buffer solution before I head off and think about designing my own?
I guess the other way I could possible do it is to find a good buffer-less retracting spool solution.
RE: MMU3 - How to keep filament slack dry in buffer
I put the buffer in the dry box with all the spools. Needs a bigger dry box, but 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of many commercial ones. I tried the retractors and clutch reliability was bad. The gravity ones seem better, but also take a lot of room or a big dry box in the end. I like this since I can put 2KG spools in also.
RE: MMU3 - How to keep filament slack dry in buffer
Could an airtight cereal container be used for the buffer?
--> MK4 - MK4S - MINI+ - MMU3 - Accelerometer Guide - BambuLab A1 Combo <--
RE: MMU3 - How to keep filament slack dry in buffer
Potentially. The PITA would become apparent when you have to swap filaments out as there needs to be good access to those buffer wheel cartridges.
RE: MMU3 - How to keep filament slack dry in buffer
True - I'm considering just not using a buffer at all. Plan to place my spools in a cupboard with a break in the PTFE for some slack to form and act as the buffer. Maybe then use some sealant around the edges of the shelf to make it as airtight as I can, and some perspex across the front acting as a seal that I can remove as and when need be. PLA should be OK with that, along with some desiccant of course.....just figuring out how I can get it all to work, as like you, once I have my filaments loaded I don't want to have to unload every time as I only use my printer as a hobbyist and can go some weeks without printing depending upon my other work commitments!
--> MK4 - MK4S - MINI+ - MMU3 - Accelerometer Guide - BambuLab A1 Combo <--
RE: MMU3 - How to keep filament slack dry in buffer
Could an airtight cereal container be used for the buffer?
RE:
Could an airtight cereal container be used for the buffer?
Yes I have considered this as a solution also, seems like a good way to go.... 😉
--> MK4 - MK4S - MINI+ - MMU3 - Accelerometer Guide - BambuLab A1 Combo <--
RE: MMU3 - How to keep filament slack dry in buffer
My main aim was to store the filament dry in conjunction with the MMU.
The open buffer bothered me.
I kept making small changes until it worked well. In the end, I also designed my own filament roller.
Now it works for me without any problems. However, I usually only use the MMU to conveniently change the filaments. But multi-color prints with several hundred changes have also worked.
With the current arrangement, changing the filament is really simple and much easier than with the buffer.
I have 10 of the boxes with my most used materials.