Gridfinity Tape Dispenser

A basic tape dispenser that fits onto a 6x2 Gridfinity base. Also works fine standalone, although you might want to fix it to something heavy if using sticky, wide tapes. 

Should fit tape reels up to OD 5"/125mm, ID about 3"/70-80mm, and width 2.75"/70mm.

Took a bit of experimenting to work out what sort of cutting setup worked best, different tapes seemed to like different cutter designs. I ended up using cutter type 3 for the masking tape, which reversed the angle of the spikes. I have included an alternative frame that has this altered angle built in, which might work better with cutter type 1 or 2. 

Printing

The STLs are already aligned for optimal printing and work without supports. I used PETG for all parts, 0.25mm layers with line widths around 0.6mm. The spool is a plastic spring, PLA might creep and loose spring tension over time, so PETG, ABS/ASA, etc is recommended for that. The frame also has to flex when installing the spindle, but is not under constant load so you might get away with using PLA for that.

The frame has a pretty decent length bridge. Prints fine for me, and its a non-critical surface, but you may want to add a middle support to half the span if you are so inclined. 

The spindle is quite slender, you may wish to add a brim if you are worried about bed adhesion. 

I don't use magnetic Gridfinity bases, instead preferring Clickfinity type, so magnet holes are not included by default.

If you do want the magnet holes, add the included hole cutout file as a negative part modifier on the frame in your slicer. 

Assembly

The spindle and spool have holes for 3No. M3 socket head cap screws, length about 10mm ideal, but longer will also work. The holes are sized for the screw to cut it's own threads, you could also use a tap to cut threads if available. Glue would also probably work fine, there is a radial alignment register to keep things centred. 

The cutter is fixed to the frame with 2 short M3 screws, type is not critical. I used the sort normally used for screwing a PC motherboard into the case standoffs. 

Fit the tape reel by slightly compressing the spool fingers and sliding it on. The spindle just rocks into the frame following the grooves as shown in the photo, slightly splaying the frame sides until it seats. Once seated it should spin very freely. It can be easily removed to change the tape. 

I found that my frame sides had slightly splayed out after printing. A little application of hot air at the base of the A-frames softened the plastic so it could be bent back straight.