Filament Detector

thingiverse

Introduction: This is a filament Filament Detection/Run-Out Sensor Module. Several iterations of this design were made to ensure it is fully functional. This module can be used for Cartesian or Delta style 3D printer and is place prior to the extruder. The detection sensor is optical and hence no moving parts. An opto Optical Endstop Limit Switch PCB is required. These can be purchased from Amazon, Ebay or Aliexpress. Two versions of this print, one with a M6 OC4 quick fitting aperture (Cartesian) and one with only a 2mm aperture (Delta). Caveats: I have only a day of testing on this design and most of the problems have been resolved. The tiny filament guide needs to be held to a tight tolerance. More importantly clear or translucent filament will not work. Requirements: Besides an Opto PCB, four M3 cap screws with two nuts (that are pressed into the mount) and two M3 T-nut are required. A PC4-M6 Quick Fitting is required for Cartesian printers along with a M6 1.0 tap. A Delta printer version does not require this fitting or tap. The PCB module requires a 3 pin JST connector and applicable cable. These are normally accompanied with the modules. Instructions: Prints in both .1mm and .2mm, came out good. The IR_Block is very small and should be printed in the highest resolution avaialable to ensure accuracy. On check-out verify that removing the filement produces a <.7V reading while with the filement present produces a >3.2V reading. Alter the IR_Block to get the correct measurements. The more z-height off the guide will decrease the filement out signal (< .7V) while decreasing the filement present (~4V reading). BTW- all measurements taken using 5VDC supply. Other Stuff: I broke down and designed a cover for this enclosure, but beware it's a pain in the ass to route the filament especially if there is a bend in it. I have included the Design Spark Mechanical source files so that changes or improvements can be made by this community.