Square tubing filament rack and roller

thingiverse

Just what the world needs, another custom filament roller. This one can be configured as a filament spool rack, roller, or both, in an almost infinite number of permutations. This fully annotated OpenSCAD code will render connectors and roller bearing supports to build your custom filament rack and/or roller from aluminum square tubing. The variable dimensions are pre-configured for standard 1" x 0.065" wall tubing, but should be easily customizable for other sizes (not extensively tested). In addition to the connectors, which are the same as http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:790145 (which was in turn remixed from http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:14061), you can use this code to create stl files for roller bearing supports that are either integrated into corner connectors or that slide along tubing sections. The sliders accommodate variable spool thicknesses, so you will want at least one per rail, per spool. There is also an option for a sliding filament guide that fits between rollers and connects to a PTFE guide tube. All these parts can be seen in the photos of my rack, which sits behind my dual extrusion Flashforge Creator Pro. The roller bearing supports are sized for standard 608 skate bearings, and have integrated spacers so you can attach them securely with 5/16" bolts, and they will spin freely. These bearings are cheap (about $1 each) and easy to find. No need for high end performance bearings (unless your printer is really fast!). UPDATE 1/1/2016: Version 2.1 has a couple of new options. The integrated bearing spacer on the support tabs can now be selected to print on one side or both sides of the tab (or none). Two sides is nice, but prevents the tab from lying flat on the print bed, so you will need to reorient and may need support The exit hole size and orientation on the sliding filament guide funnel can now be specified. Popular guide tube sizes of 4 or 6 mm both work. You will probably want to add a fraction for clearance (e.g., 6.1 for a 6mm tube). The variable "guidetype" specifies a straight through guide (downward exit angle) or a bent guide tube (horizontal exit angle). I recently modified my filament rack, moving the rollers from the edges to the center, and raising the top level above my printer height. The last two photos show the new setup. Print Settings Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.2 mm Infill: 50%+ Notes: You need OpenSCAD to render stl files for the pieces you want to print using this code. OpenSCAD is opensource software, and can be downloaded for your computer platform here: http://www.openscad.org/ Open the rendering code, and follow the embedded directions to customize for each part you want to render. I have only printed these in ABS. PETG should also work well. I wouldn't trust PLA. 0.2mm and 50% infill has worked well for me. I wouldn't use sparse infill on connectors. You will need support on any connector fingers which are parallel with your print bed. Be careful to position support under each and every finger vein or your connector may not fit right. PRINT A TEST FINGER AND SHELL FIRST! with the sizing test option. Different tubing, filaments, and setups may require dimensional tweaking for a good fit. Deburr your cut tubing thoroughly inside and out prior to test fitting. Post-Printing Get some 1" aluminum tubing and cut to desired dimensions to build your rack. A chop saw or metal bandsaw is nice for square ends, but a hacksaw can work fine if you are careful. Carefully deburr cut ends inside and out with a file or sandpaper. Be reasonable when it comes to loading. You can easily shear off the connector fingers with sudden force or too much weight. They are strong enough when static, but won't handle flexing. Disassembly in particular is tricky without cracking or breaking off fingers, if you have a tight fit. You may not be able to reuse connectors.