This 3D printable filament spool measures 135 mm i diameter (≈ 5 inches). Fully winded it contains approximately 350 grams of 1.75 mm filament (≈ 12 ounces). It fits shafts with a diameter of 16 mm or smaller.

The spool is made of two separate parts with a female and male threaded connection. The design can therefore be 3D-printed without the need of support material.

As an accessory we also supply an axel which can be used with a power-drill to facilitate winding of new filament onto the spool.

This Instructable shows how to assemble the 3D-printed spool and use a power-drill to fill it with TPU flexible rubber-like filament.

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For more information:

Step 1: 3D-print the Four Separate Parts

Download the STL-files attached and 3D print them as preferred on your 3D printer.

Filament_spool_135mm_complete_assembly - All parts as an exploded view.
Filament_spool_135mm_female - The half of the spool with an internal thread.
Filament_spool_135mm_male - The half of the spool with the external thread.
Power_drill_adaptor - A shaft which can be used to attach the spool to a power-drill.
Washer - A washer which sits on the tip of the adaptor shaft.

Step 2: The Female Half of the Spool

Make sure the internal thread is clean from any residue of the 3D print. Note that the small holes on each spoke are for securing the loose end of the filament when the spool is stored and not in use.

On the outside of each spool part are four dimples close to the shaft hole. These are for securing the power-drill shaft rotational forces.

Step 3: Thread the Two Halves Together

Thread both halves together and make sure the fit snuggly. There are no real forces the thread needs to withstand, so there is no need to over-tighten.

Step 4: Fit the Screw Bit Into the Shaft

Grab any standard screw bit and place into the six-sided hole. Hit it carefully with a hammer to force it into the shaft.

Step 5: Insert the Shaft Into the Spool

Note that the shaft's flange has four small beads on one side. These should fit into the corresponding four dimples on the outside of the spool flange.

Insert the other end of the shaft into the core hole of the spool.

Step 6: Secure the Shaft

Place the 3D printed washer close to the threaded end of the shaft. Secure it in place with a standard M8 bolt. You do not need to make it more than finger-tight.

Step 7: Fix the Start of the Filament to the Spool

Grab the end of the filament you want to wind onto the spool. Locate the small hole on the inside of the spool, close to the flange.

Thread the filament through the hole and make sure a few centimetres stick out.

Step 8: Start Winding Filament With a Power-drill

• Fit the shaft's screw bit into the chuck of a power-drill.
• Make sure that the source filament spool you are unwinding from runs freely without obstructions.
• Very carefully and slowly start winding the filament a few turns
• Hold the unwinding filament from the source spool with one hand and make sure to let it run freely. Avoid packing the filament too tightly.
• Proceed to wind the filament SLOWLY until you reach the desired amount

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

We highly recommend you NEVER to lock the drill's trigger-switch so it turns unattended! Always use one hand to hold the trigger-switch pressed so that you can make it stop just by releasing the button. If possible use a power-drill with an adjustment screw in the trigger-switch so that you can make it run as slowly as possible regardless of how hard you press the button.

Step 9: Finnish the Spool Winding

• Stop the power-drill when the spool is full
• Remove it from the chuck
• Cut the filament from it's source spool
• Thread the loose end of the filament through one of the small holes on the spools flange to secure it in place.

IMPORTANT

Always secure the loose end of the filament. This prevents unwinding which in the long run will tangle. Loose filament literally turns into jammed knots and failed 3D prints!

Step 10: Remove the Shaft and Enjoy

Finally, remove the shaft from the spools core hole and store it for future use.

Small spools of filament are easier to carry around. A full spool (350 grams) is more than enough for most 3D-prints. The smaller size lets you use a wider variety of colours and polymer types for immediate use and distribution.

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For more information and questions please comment this instructables or visit http://Creative-Tools.com