SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Filament diameter gauge?

Re: Filament diameter gauge?

null@example.com (aleksi) — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 22:05:58 +0000

Thanks for the link.

Closed loop would be perfect, but i'm fine with something that stops extrusion if outside of tolerance.

This is just to make extra sure, i may run multi day prints, and it would suck if at day 2½ printing stops because filament issue.

Re: Filament diameter gauge?

null@example.com (elmoret) — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 05:08:54 +0000

Puller with feedback is rather difficult to implement, as the delay between the nozzle and the sensor means you're chasing your tail. Every pullet with feedback system I've seen was about +/-0.1mm - or an order of magnitude larger than is typical for a gravity based loop setup.

OP, if you want to go down his path I recommend an optical sensor, so you can get it as close as possible to the extruder.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:454584

As AZERATE said, good filament diameter tolerance is pretty easily obtainable with a Filastruder on all but the most exotic of polymers, without using a puller or feedback.

Re: Filament diameter gauge?

null@example.com (AZERATE) — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 04:37:53 +0000

There are several ways to achieve reliable filament diameter, and I named quite a few.
If you are looking for a way to set your machine and walk away (not always recommended) and come back to a perfect spool, I outlined several points.

Your last sentence sounds like you are having problems. Give us more information, and we can help walk you through your current setup. If you are just experiencing diameter inconsistencies, again, I asked a few question to help diagnose.
Are you looking for an automated design that pulls the filament as it drops to maintain a consistent diameter? Or just something that checks it with an autostop?

Re: Filament diameter gauge?

null@example.com (aleksi) — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 00:50:19 +0000

I just want to make sure there was no issues making that spool. Can't be watching all the time that the filament is within tolerance manually.

Something which stops extruder is fine - rather half a spool i know is good, than full spool where i don't know at what spot filament is not within tolerance.

Re: Filament diameter gauge?

null@example.com (AZERATE) — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 00:25:58 +0000

From what I understand, diameter can vary depending on:
*Extrusion angle
*Extruded filament drop depth
*Temperature
*Mechanical assembly
*If a winder is used
*Virgin pellet quality/moisture if not pre-dried

Are you experiencing problems with your setup? What orientation do you have your extruder at? Do you have a winder? If not, what is your drop to the floor?
Since using a Filawinder, my tolerance can be .01mm+/- depending on whether I use colorant or not, source of pellets, and orientation of the sensor.

Re: Filament diameter gauge?

null@example.com (Tin Falcon) — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 22:48:02 +0000

Here is an Idea of attaching to the computer. http://www.compendiumarcana.com/caliper/
what would be nice is auto adjusting motor speeds on the winder extruder base on actual size hmm.

Re: Filament diameter gauge?

null@example.com (AZERATE) — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 15:45:06 +0000

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1413270

Re: Filament diameter gauge?

null@example.com (Tin Falcon) — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 10:27:59 +0000

Yes has been done IIRC someone hooked a harbor freight electronic snap gage to a computer

Digital thickness gage

Filament diameter gauge?

null@example.com (aleksi) — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 09:37:47 +0000

Has someone done automatic filament diameter gauge to ensure the filament stays constantly within tolerance?

working currently to make a filament puller to keep consistent diameter, but would also like to make monitoring preferrably so that it halts the extrusion if outside specification