Filament Spool holder and Guide System

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Just thought I would share a spool holding and filament guide system I developed for my SnapMaker 2.0 setup. I didn’t like how the spool was supported and how much filament was just dangling in the air. Also the spool could become unwound when the head made rapid movement from one side to the other,

So this project borrows the guide tube system used in 3D Printers that do a forced feed of the filament.
SnapMaker 2.0 - Filament Guide System

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Hi Roger, thanks for sharing that. Very nice solution.

I have a couple questions (that maybe you answered in the video, but I had to watch on mute where I’m at):

  • How long have you been using this?
  • Some people have had issues with the extruder motor stripping the filament - does the length of PTFE tubing significantly increase drag on the filament, in your opinion?
  • Has the PTFE tubing hindered the filament loading process? I’m somewhat accustomed to pushing from the top of the toolhead, but I suppose pushing from the start of the tubing would be no different.
  • For those of us with enclosures, what are your thoughts on mounting this outside of the enclosure, with a rail spanning the length of the aluminum extrusion, with a longer “bowden” tube? I’m wondering if that would be pushing the limits too much, with drag on the filament. Perhaps a new hole in the top of the enclosure would be in order to get a more direct path.

I like the ability to mount multiple reels, that’s a nice bonus as well.

For reference, here’s my take on the enclosure filament route. Bearing holder -> 12" of PTFE through the hole (installed in a clamp bushing), through a guide:

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Seems to work well for the last month, the extra “dangling” filament is contained in the back of the enclosure, and doesn’t bird cage around the spool outside. Also has less drag than the “factory” route.

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I have done 100+ hours with it and have seen no issues with scrapping or drag.

I have had no issues with loading I just release the tubing from the connectors and then feed everything trough the tubes and the head then attach the tube back.

I have seen nothing that would say you couldn’t extend the tubing to as long as you need. In a push system I can there being a limit but with the pull I think your length can be much greater.

Thanks for the feedback and questions.

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