Managing filament spools can be a hassle for any 3D printing enthusiast. Whether you’re dealing with a damaged spool, splitting filament for multi-printer setups, or transferring materials from flimsy cardboard spools, a reliable spool winder is an invaluable tool. After numerous iterations and improvements, I’m excited to share my robust and efficient DIY 3d Printer Spool winder design – currently at version 5.2 and working flawlessly. This isn’t just another flimsy hand-cranked gadget; it’s a tool built for performance and ease of use.
Close-up of the DIY 3D printer spool winder version 2.0 showcasing its printed components and sturdy design, highlighting the early stage of development with visible wires and a functional yet evolving structure.
This 3D printer spool winder excels at several key tasks. It’s perfect for rescuing filament from broken spools, dividing a single large spool into multiple smaller ones for printers needing the same color simultaneously, or upgrading from weak cardboard spools to more durable options, especially for Automated Material Systems (AMS). And speed? It can transfer an entire 1kg spool of filament in under a minute, saving you significant time and effort.
The construction prioritizes both functionality and accessibility. The components are readily available and cost-effective: a motor ($25), a controller ($15), a belt ($6), 2-20×40 extrusion tubes ($19), a Dewalt battery holder ($10), and 4-8×22 bearings, all sourced from Amazon. Additional hardware includes common 5mm Allen bolts, T-nuts, and 8mm or 5/16 nuts and bolts. The printable parts are designed for durability, using ABS for most components and flexible TPU for spool spacers, resulting in a sturdy and reliable 3d printer spool winder.
Detailed view of the DIY 3D printer spool winder version 2.0 from a different angle, emphasizing the arrangement of parts, including the motor, belt, and spool holders, to illustrate the mechanics and spatial organization of the device.
Forget about tedious hand-crank winders or makeshift drill-powered solutions that often fall short. This 3d printer spool winder is engineered to be a true tool. It’s designed to be robust and efficient, addressing the shortcomings of less effective alternatives. While it requires purchasing components, the total cost for a basic build is around $60, and approximately $90 if you opt for the dual power source version (AC adapter and cordless battery). The newest version is versatile, capable of running on an AC adapter or a Dewalt 20V cordless battery. The 12/24V motor offers impressive speed, reaching about 3,500 RPM at 12V and nearly 7,000 RPM at 20V.
I will be making the printable files and a comprehensive parts list freely available on my website soon. If you’re interested in building your own high-performance 3d printer spool winder, let me know! The downloadable files will include simple STL files, allowing for easy modification to suit your specific needs. Keep an eye out for the online release in the next day or two and elevate your filament management with this powerful DIY tool. The pictures illustrate the core concept, with the latest version featuring angled spool holders, tool-less nuts, a solid printed motor bracket, and TPU spool alignment spacers for optimal 3d printer spool handling.
