Spools (Utility) - Modular

This is for those odd bits of wire, string, tubing, etc. that always seem to end up in a stored tangle. When I recently purchased some small diameter silicone tubing and it arrived in a loose coil in a bag I decided it was time to address the problem.

The result is this modular spool design consisting of flanges (side pieces) and axles (which can be made in different lengths). The flanges have "fingers" which are a simple friction fit onto the axles (but could be glued on if you prefer). To make this print, simply print out two flanges and one axle in the size you need.

Also included is a "tag" piece which can be snapped into one of the flanges for labeling purposes - this provides a surface to either write on or to attach a sticky label (see photos).

There are two types of flanges (side pieces) in diameters of 75mm and 100mm. The 100mm flanges are a bit thicker (with longer "fingers") for more strength. The fingers are designed to inter-digitate so very narrow spools can be made if desired.

There are two axles pieces (both ~30mm diameter) of length 25mm and 50mm. Shorter and longer axle pieces can be made by scaling these axle prints in the Z axis (see photos). Note also that each axle piece includes a "notch" so the starting end of the tubing or whatever can be "captured" by inserting the end into the notch and rotating the flange until the end is trapped.

The OnShape 3D CAD files for this are here:

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/a7742da0c304d28dc32debf1/w/f4bc6e294c9cf9be3eb53453/e/3f8ffebb275367e25eb06d18

Print instructions

Print in PLA using the 3mf files provided; otherwise:

• 0% infill

I printed in .3mm layer height for faster printing; although "finish" is not critical for this print, I still got good looking prints at this resolution.

Print the flanges flat side down; you can print two flanges at one time.

Print the axles with the notch end up. I had good success printing without a brim, but a brim may be advisable for longer axles lengths. As noted previously, you can scale the axles in the Z direction to obtain additional (longer or shorter) axle lengths.