3d printed threads and snap connectors are nice, but M3 bolts and nuts are more robust and look dope. They also make the model easier todesign print, since you don’t have to worry about tolerances as much.
STEP/STL and instructions available here: www.printables.com/model/548770-master-spool
What’s the purpose of this?
They’ve started selling filament without spools to cut down on waste. This is a reusable spool for those filaments.
They = quite a few brands so far. The ones I know of include microcenter (inland), fiberlogy, sunlu, and esun. I’m not sure how many are interchangeable but they sell the refills wound onto a cardboard tube/core with a few straps keeping the winds from falling to the side since there are no spool sides to keep it in place. You slot the cardboard core onto your reusable spool sides and once attached you can cut the straps to release the filament.
this looks sweet, will probs try this next time i need a new spool, looks way sturdier than the one I’m using currently
Just don’t try to use it with esun filament. It does not work. Even without the cardboard insert. I tried :(.
I’ll probably take the step and make a couple different variations with different diameters, I have a couple different brands and I’m sure they all have slightly different diameters :D
Was going to do that but kinda broke rn and my SO is already complaining about the amount of filament :). Please send me a link on printables if you do it.
Most refills follow the master spool standard anyway. Esun just had to be special.
Variation in refill winding diameter really put me off the master spool concept a few years ago. I printed a well reviewed spool, bought a refill, and the refill was wound around a smaller radius than the spool so it wouldn’t fit. Sounds like that hasn’t changed much?
Fuck any manufacturer who makes their own standard. We have one. We don’t need a new one. Vote with your wallet. Unless the manufacturer specifies they are compatible, don’t buy it. Simple and easy.
I’ve printed a couple of spools at different sizes, it’s really kind of nice to have them. Particularly smaller spools for smaller sample lengths, super worth it.
But another thing you can do is just print a little single-wall cylinder that friction fits inside one of your existing spools, then cut the existing (non-printed) spool in half down the middle and use the cylinder as a friction-fit sleeve to hold the two halves together. That also gives you the same functionality. It’s not as cool but it saves on filament? _
