Filament runout sensor with Ender 3 endstop switch - bearing replacement

I didn't have a way (or the money) to source the 5.5mm steel ball that's needed, so I decided to design an alternative.
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updated November 28, 2025

Description

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This is my tiny addition to the filament runout sensor based on an ender 3's endstop. I used the z-stop from my printer which was removed for a BLTouch, and I realized, oh no, I don't have a bearing! I couldn't buy one (college student things…) so I opted to make my own solution. It isn't perfect, and it sure isn't efficient, but it works for now. I had to cut the switch's arm down a bit and bend it upwards to slot into the part, and glued it in place. It works well enough, and the lower the layer height/nozzle size, the better.

I hope that this helps someone in need.

Model origin

The author remixed this model.

Differences of the remix compared to the original

I made a little design that works as a stand-in for the steel ball that's required for the model.

License