Printrbot Simple Metal Spool Holder and Handle (UPDATED)

thingiverse

Update 2015-07-12: Check out my new filament spool wall hangers. They work perfectly with my spool spacers. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:923016 Here's a spool holder for the Printrbot Metal Simple, using 1/2" PVC pipe to do the heavy lifting. This works with 1kg spools and smaller. It also works nicely as a handle, with and without a spool of plastic on it. See pictures for ways to hold. Also check out my Simple Metal Base and Fan Shroud: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:366324http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:412395 Update: 2014/10/09. I uploaded a spool spacer for Monoprice filament, spool diameter approximately 38.15mm. Update: 2014/06/30. The previous version of the holder was too narrow to fit wider roles of plastic, such as those sold by BuMart. I widened the holder so that it will fit spools up to 95 millimeters wide. I also uploaded spacers to fit in the center of the spools so that they'll rest nicely on the pvc pipe axle. These spacers print much faster than the previous tower spacer. See pictures to determine which spacers you need. Let me know if you have spools with other inside diameters, and I'll make a version for your spool. Update: 2014/05/13. I removed the body with the custom supports because users reported bad experiences with it. Use Slic3r or Cura to add support structures.. I also uploaded a version of the axle holder with the Printrbot logo engraved in. This logo version requires support structures. The logo-less axle holder does not. Update: 2014/05/18. I wanted to center the spool on the axle, so I made a spool spacer, designed for the 1kg spools Printrbot sells. [They may have since changed manufacturers. Measure before printing.] If your spool inner diameter is around 51mm, this spacer will fit. See Instructions for more info. Instructions Parts list: 5 foot or 10 foot stick of 1/2" PVC pipe. Qty 2: #10-24 5/8" flathead (countersunk) screws Qty 2: #10-24 nuts. Qty 1: Simple Metal Spool body Qty 2: Simple Metal Spool axle holders Optional: 2 Spool Spacers. . Note: All stl files have already been run through cloud.netfabb.com. . Step 1: Run M503 in Repetier and make sure M212 has X=0.00. If X=20.00 the printer will grind the x motor when it reaches the end of the build plate. . Print 1 Simple Metal Spool Body with support structures. I highly recommend InTheGarage's Slic3r settings here: http://www.camwatt.com/printrbot-simple-metal-slic3r-settings.html . The frame will test the limits of your Simple Metal. It is sized to "just" fit the 6" by 6" bed. In order to stay within bed size, put your skirt 0mm to the model. . Once printed, remove the support material and clean up with sandpaper. . Step 2: Print 2 Simple Metal Spool axle holders, same Splic3r settings as above. You can print both of them on the same run. Choose between the regular version (SimpleSpoolHolderAxle) and the version with the Printrbot logo (SimpleSpoolHolderAxleLogo). The regular version does not require support structures. The logo version DOES. . Step 3: Cut the following lengths of 1/2" PVC pipe: . Qty 1 at 5 & 1/2 inches. Qty 4 at 4 & 3/4 inches. . Use the 5 & 1/2 inch piece as the spool axle and the others as legs. . Step 4: Secure on the two metal rods atop your Simple Metal with two #10 24 5/8" flat head (countersunk) screws and nuts. I printed holes for the screws and nuts so it should appear flush. (In the pictures above, I used 1" screws, which are longer than needed.) . Step 5: If you want the spool to turn centered, print 2 of the proper-diameter spacer for your spool: . Printrbot Brand or 51.75mm inside diameter (http://amzn.to/1lrdfB0): SimpleSpacerPrintrbot.stl BuMat or 57mm inside diameter (http://amzn.to/1q85iH0): SimpleSpacerBuMart.stl SainSmart or 48.5mm inside diameter (http://amzn.to/1rOqCAI): SimpleSpacerSainSmart.stl . Fit the spacers inside your spool. If they need to be more snug, add a little masking or painters tape to the ends.