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Simple PLA tub, and not so simple filament spool roller

Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 8:54 pm
by Chein
I live in the tropics where humidity between 80%-100% is the norm.

As many already know, prolonged exposure of PLA to humidity is bad, the best thing to do is to keep the PLA spool in an airtight (dry) container when not in use.

The PLA tub is especially handy for my case when I have long stint of printing using PLA (over a period of days or weeks). I could just leave the spool on the printer without the unwanted exposure to humidity.

Its made from an airtight food container (10" x 12" x 5.5"). With added desiccant (silica gel packs) to keep things dry, they can be seen at the bottom of the tub.

As for the filament spool roller, it's made from 6061 aluminum, and delrin, with 30mm bearings. There are many other (easier) ways to do this, this approach is just an excuse to give the lathe a bit of a workout :D
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Re: Simple PLA tub, and not so simple filament spool roller

Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 9:30 pm
by jsc
Very nice. Did you have to manufacture the aluminum and delrin parts?

Re: Simple PLA tub, and not so simple filament spool roller

Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 1:43 am
by sprior
Very nice!

Re: Simple PLA tub, and not so simple filament spool roller

Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 4:57 pm
by Chein
jsc wrote:Very nice. Did you have to manufacture the aluminum and delrin parts?
Yes, the aluminum and delrin were made using a lathe

Re: Simple PLA tub, and not so simple filament spool roller

Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2014 3:08 am
by j-rod
Hah! the plastic container is brilliant. i'm gonna have to go find one now...

Re: Simple PLA tub, and not so simple filament spool roller

Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2014 7:41 pm
by Dave K
That is too cool :D Nice solution!

Re: Simple PLA tub, and not so simple filament spool roller

Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 11:49 pm
by Jules
What a fantastic idea! :D

Re: Simple PLA tub, and not so simple filament spool roller

Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 3:10 am
by PcS
That is pretty awesome !!! Nice work !!!

Re: Simple PLA tub, and not so simple filament spool roller

Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 4:48 pm
by Matt_Sharkey
Looks great. I'll have to add it to my list....longer every day....