Introduction: SpongeBob Filament Dust Filter

By Visit My Website!
About: A small group of people who love making stuff with 3D printers :)

We designed this model as an fun way to make sure your nozzle doesn't clog too often. Especially if you're using filament that has been laying on the shelf for a while. It cleans the dust of the filament with a sponge right before it goes into the extruder.

Some people also lubricate their filament with oil using a sponge but I don't and most people don't recommend it.

Supplies

  • 3D printer
  • Sponge
  • A piece of 1.75 mm filament.
  • Scissors
  • Pliers
  • Double sided tape (optional)
  • the model

Step 1: Print It

Download the model here on Cults3D and print it using your slicer of choice (I use PrusaSlicer)

This model doesn't need support. Your slicer might recommend them but we've printed him five times without supports, easy.

Use any filament you want. We used Fillamentum traffic yellow

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4: Join the Halves Together

Cut about 27 mm of filament with the pliers. Put the hinge together and slide the filament through the holes.

Step 5: Stick Some Tape on It

Cut two squares of double sided tape about 20 x 20 mm and stick it on both halves. Or if you don't have double sided tape skip this step.

Step 6: Put the Sponge In

Remove the rough part of the sponge to save your scissors. Then cut two pieces of the sponge that are up to 25 mm wide and a bit more than 5 mm thick (I made them 7 mm). The height is going to depend on whether you have a knob on to which your going to be placing SpongeBob or not. I put him on a Prusa MK3S so I did leave some room near the bottom.

If you don't have double sided tape or it stops sticking in the future and you don't want to bother putting a new piece there you can just cut a thicker piece of the sponge and cut a slit in it past the mid point.

Step 7: Test It

Make sure that you can close easily. If id doesn't, make adjustments.

Step 8: Get Your Dusty Filament

We don't all store our fillament in ideal conditions. So if you do have some spools that have gathered some dust over the months then that's exactly what you can use SpongeBob for.

Step 9: Snap It on the Filament

Take the filament, hold it in the middle and snap the halves together. Then insert the filament into the printer.

Or first load the filament a then snap it on, however you like.

Step 10: Done

Now you can sit back and watch your printer make whatever you like. A later get shocked by how filthy your filament actually was.

You can check out some other models that we make on our website