1 Topic by JustSomeGuyTN

  • JustSomeGuyTN
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Topic: Any tips for reducing tension on filament feeding from a spindle?

I think I have the temps and speed pretty well dialed in for Taulman t-glase.  The only thing that is failing prints now is it seems like the filament will get to a tough spot on the spindle and pull the print head back while printing and start offseting layers.  Anyone have any suggestions on what to do about that?

2 Reply by lawsy

  • lawsy
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Re: Any tips for reducing tension on filament feeding from a spindle?

I've identified that as the main weakness in my printer at this point. I have two ideas:

1. Piggy back in a second spare stepper to rotate the spool on a ratchet (so retracts don't counter rotate) so the spool is constantly feeding.

2. Make a custom lid for my printer that has a filament roller in built. All stresses pulling new filament will then be vertical instead of horizontal.
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:141611

lawsy's Website

3 Reply by Claghorn

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Re: Any tips for reducing tension on filament feeding from a spindle?

I designed this with bits and pieces of other spool holders: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:168935

Then I built a two piece foamboard top to enclose the spool and everything so the filament could feed directly down to the print head. All my problems that could be traced to excess force required to pull the filament disappeared (but I haven't tried anything like t-glase - only ABS).

Claghorn's Website

4 Reply by JustSomeGuyTN

  • JustSomeGuyTN
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Re: Any tips for reducing tension on filament feeding from a spindle?

Lawsy,

a couple of people I've talked to here at work have suggested the filament feeder idea too.  I think that would probably work the best because with the gravity system you're still relying on the filament reel being rolled well.

5 Reply by satman49

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Re: Any tips for reducing tension on filament feeding from a spindle?

Umm I am wonderig if the filament  would  feed correctly if it came in a " pull" box" like phone cable you buy in bulk?

SD3, E3D hotend,linear bearing on x/y axis',pillow block bearing on y conneting rod, ball bearngs on front y axis, fan on y stepper motor.