Rep 2 Makerbot Filament Spool Bearing Mount

thingiverse

A larger diameter bearing supported filament spool system with a hanger mount that fits the default hanger feature on the Replicator 2. Fits Makerbot plastic filament spools. Uses two shielded ball bearings for a 5/8" shaft, and an optional #10 x 1/2" sheet metal screw and 1/4 flat washer. No hardware or case drilling required to mount the roll. Keeps the filament roll in the default location but makes filament unrolling very smooth. *Edit: 9/22/2015 Shaft Final is now shorter to better capture the spool/bearing assembly. The photo shows the screw/washer on the end of the shaft offset about 3/4" from the bearing. The new Shaft Final places the washer much closer to the bearing should the Spools loosen from each other and begin to back out of the Filament Spool. The change is backwards compatible with the Shaft Hanger Final, as long as you can remove the Shaft without breaking off in the Shaft Hanger. Instructions Since the parts are structural, I printed with %100 infill, and on medium resolution with supports/bridges. I printed the spools with the center axis in the Z direction. It took a great bit of effort to remove the supports from the Spools. The Hanger was printed sideways (hole sideways), and the Shaft was printed vertically. The Shaft and Hanger are printed separately for better printing, then assembled by press fit after printing. It may take a little sanding on the press fit end of the Shaft to get it to fit into the Hanger. The Inner and Outer Spools get bearings pressed into the bearing recesses. They are then inserted into opposite ends of the Makerbot filament spool center. They should be pushed all the way in, as the core in the Inner Spool will fit into the mating feature on the Outer Spool. Note: The Inner Spool fits on the Outer Face of the Filament Spool (Spool with 3 external tabs faces outward), and the Outer Spool faces the Printer. Once assembled, the Hanger/Shaft assembly mounts on the default hanger opening on the back of the Rep 2. The Filament Spool assembly then slides onto the Shaft. An optional screw and washer can be screwed onto the end of the shaft to keep the Filament spool from sliding off the shaft if the shaft is not cambered up a few degrees. Parts: 2X McMaster Carr 6384K65 (Steel Ball Bearing, Plain Double Shielded for 5/8" Shaft Diameter, 1-3/8" OD) 1X #10x1/2" Screw (Optional for capturing washer on the end of the Shaft) 1X #10xLarge Washer (Optional as stated above)