Top Spool Brake With Print-in Supports Anet A8 A6

thingiverse

Ever have your spool unravel into a big mess during prints? I did, once. Eliminates unwanted rolling for free-rolling top-mounted spools on bearings in either direction. Inspired by my experiences with twisted filament caused by the curvature of the spool. As the curved, rigid filament is pulled off, its natural tendency is to return into the coiled state. In 3D-printing, this can translate to the successful formation of a new coil off of the spool that can potentially ruin the print, several lengths of filament, and printer parts. V2: More secure and substantial hinge, more durable/reliable, better aesthetics, zero-maintenance printed-in supports (still require cut out, but the "stilts" do not require glue to prevent tipping over during printing as they may in V1). Print as shown in photos. I used some weather-stripping for added friction and a spring from an ink pen (see photos). Note V1: The model files uploaded have improvements for durability and functionality, and are slightly different (and better) than my prototype (printed in red). V1 was left up mostly for reference of progress.