Multi-size Spool Tri-Adapter Roller Axle

thingiverse

... I give you the Tri-Adapter Axle. I started by measuring the inside diameter of the spools that I had. I came up with 4 common sizes, all included in my design. I haven't found a spool (yet) that doesn't work. I used a 3D printed angle bracket for PVC that I made and some PVC fittings to mount it above my printer. With 3/8" ID bearings that pop into the Tri-Adapter body, the whole thing easily screws into a 3/8" coupling nut I mounted in an adapter I also printed that presses into the PVC fittings, all freely spinning on a common 3/8" bolt as an axle. I ended up getting two different length bolts for different width spools, but one long bolt could work for all spools. I hope it serves you well - ENJOY! UPDATED 11/14/2017 Added STEP (.stp) file for anyone who would like to modify this design. STEP files open in a variety of different CAD packages including AutoDesk's FREE Fusion 360. UPDATED 9/17/2018 Added "NutPlug" stl and stp (STEP) files. If assembled as originally designed, uses a 3/8" coupling nut, tight friction fit. Added "PVC Corner" stl, 123dx and stp (STEP) files. I admit the STEP file is a translated stl and not the best quality, as the original was designed in the now discontinued AutoDesk 123D Design. But if you have 123D Design, I also included that file. Also, I found some spools the original adapter didn't work with, so I added one more step to included that size spool. But, I also made a "Universal" and self centering adapter. Print Settings Printer Brand: Printrbot Printer: Simple Silver Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.2-0.3 mm, you choose. Infill: Yes, I use 30-50% Notes: Use your favorite settings and slicer for this part, it is pretty forgiving and should function properly even if it prints rough or ugly. I usually try to avoid supports to keep my stress levels at a minimum, but the bearing housing benefits from support. I did the Tri, or three legged adapter to reduce print time and material. In the end, I really like the simplicity of it, that it is small and that it works smoothly. Post-Printing Remove support material... pop in some bearings... DONE. How I Designed This I tried other "spool holders", but they all hang-up or bind sooner or later. Other "rollers" require filament guides and occupy work surface space. I wanted a spool holder that was out of the way, didn't clutter up my work space and provided smooth distribution of filament preferably with bearings that I could change out when needed for a variety of spool sizes. When I used other "holders", often I would have to tighten my filament feeder bearing so tight it would smash and oblong the filament so it wouldn't fit through the extruder and would jam up. This ruins a lot of filament quickly. Other "rollers" need guides to get the filament up and over everything to get the filament from the spool to the extruder because they sit on the work surface. Each of these "guides" can also jam up the filament or require bearings themself. It seemed that it could all be done easier...