SpoolBox for Prusa MMU

Introduction and contextualization

With the arrival of my MMU3 for my Prusa Mk4, I noticed something that bothered me; having the material permanently exposed to moisture, something that won't be so bad in the area where I live. However, I felt that I should do something to address the issue (I have a Bambu Lab X1C with AMS and, I think, this is the culprit of my paranoia). 

A box for spools, I know there are many out there, but for those who already know me, they know that I like to do things my own way. So, I decided to make a box for the filament spools. 
What is particular about it, you may ask:

1. It must be closed and provide the best possible seal (I think I've managed to do that)
2. Allow its production on the Prusa Mk printer's table, and that why the model is divided in 4 parts.
3.  It should be aesthetically pleasing, visually communicating its function (more on this later).
    
4. Be aesthetically interesting while fulfilling functional needs (such as sealing and others).
5. Utilize the MMU3, which will assist in the previous point, both aesthetically and in communicating part of the function.
6. Easy printing with minimal material usage, PETG and TPU, and 3 screws and corresponding nuts to create a good seal, which is necessary for insulation.
7. Allow for the placement of some desiccant at the base to maintain controlled humidity levels.
   1. Check my Desiccant container for Spools
      Besides these points for a box that would only serve to store the filament, I added some things:
      • Something to show me the humidity level inside the box. I had two options: strips of paper that change color depending on the humidity or an electronic device. I ended up using the latter, although paper strips are interesting, so I didn't discard the idea, and that variant will be made available.

Three versions are available, one with the temperature and humidity sensor, another without it, and finally a simple container.

Another level up, which seemed obvious to me, was to create conditions for the filament spool to rotate inside and allow the filament to exit to the outside. In this situation, it was necessary to add more hardware, such as bearings... the cheapest ones I could find. The rotation as well as the weight of the spool are both irrelevant to the static or dynamic load acceptable for a normal ball bearing (a little over 10 Newtons for a full spool, and rotation is mostly inexistent). 

So, the list of things has increased: 

• Printing material PETG and TPU,
  • Other material can use other materials you may prefer, like PLA (better with PTFE like the amazing PETG Galaxy Black that prints like a dream);
  • For the TPU, use the one you may have, but the softer the better.
• 3x Screws and nuts ( M3x18 A2-70 DIN 912 / ISO2768 or any other equivalent will do);
• 4x Bearings;
• 1x Optional, a temperature and humidity sensor.
• 1x Pneumatic Accessories to connect the PTFE tube

I think that's all, maybe a little glue if necessary. Even so, it's much cheaper than anything you can buy for this purpose (excluding cereal boxes and other food containers, which are a good option for those seeking something purely functional; I had to make do with an IKEA box).

The Buffer

This module will add an extra feature that has been requested: a buffer to bypass the original Prusa buffer. you can find it here Buffer for Prusa MMU by Jorge

Disclaimer: This model is designed to be used with another model, this SpoolBox, if you are a MyClub member, you can download both…

I must confess that I tried some alternatives to the Prusa system; however, this one seems to work best with the MMU3 (I have no way to test previous versions).

Thus, this buffer, external to the SpoolBox (more on this option later), operates similarly to the original Prusa cassette system. So, what is the advantage?

• This version is more compact;
• The number of operations to change the filament is reduced; 
  • To change the filament, simply retract the material from the Spool, place a new spool, insert the guide piece, and pull the filament up to the MMU.

I took care to design something that does not require modifications to the SpoolBox you may have already produced; just connect it and it is ready to use.

Printing parameters

Special care has been taken to provide the models with the printing parameters already defined; however, you are free to change whatever you them if necessary. The use of multiple colors should not hinder those who do not have a multi-material printing unit, as there are only 4 color changes throughout the process. That being said, the provided 3mf files are configured for use with the MMU and changing them for printing without the MMU is up to you. 
I would like to emphasize that these models cannot be distributed in any way or form; therefore, any alterations are solely for your own use.
This decision stems from issues I had previously, where my work was copied extensively, leading to accusations that I had copied the models myself (my own models…)

Some may have some special feature that you can configure to your linking's. An examples is the closing clip that you can change the text label and material color to match the spool material.

Assembly

Parts included that are needed to print

• Base (PETG or PLA);
  • Right
  • Left
• Top (PETG or PLA);
  • Right
  • Left
•  Joints (TPU)
  • Volume 1 & Volume 2, They include:
    • Side
      • Top
      • Bottom
    • Top
      • Right
      • Left
    • 4x Foot's
    • 4x Anti Slipe Sleeve
• Shaft and Shaft End (PETG preferable 
  • 2x Shafts
  • 4x Shaft Ends

(I've needed to apply 3% of scale for the measures to be ok, for some reason this cylinders manifest the material contraction in some unusual way, go figure… That will happen to you to, so you may need to tune the scale for a nice fit with the bearing, you can scale the all part, I've added some extra tolerances)

• Hinge and Closing Clip 
  • in total there are 2 parts, that print in place 4 bodies.

See image on how to assemble (The exploded view may help one this, so check it)

The feet's on the base must be glued if you what to use them (recommended).

Positioning for the side joints (you can glue them to one of the half's, I did not find it necessary).

The PTFE tube, has to have the same specifications as does that came with the MMU. 

Translucent effect on the filled hexagons (3 layers).

Prusament PETG Translucent Orange

And the version with a temperature and humidity sensor without any markings. 

Change Log

• (10-05-2024) - Initial release
• (11-05-2024) - Added a version with a option to insert the PTFE tube in a Pneumatic Record. “Base_Right_With_Pneumatic_Record.3mf”

• (16-05-2024) - The part Top_left.3mf and bgcode was an old version that was not compatible with the current model, it's now updated. Thanks to Patrik Franzen for reporting that but.
• (19-05-2024) - Add a print profile for translucent PETG (Top_Translucent.3mf). You can use this file with any object you like, just change the model, the configuration will be the same (don't forget to add support material if needed)
• (22-06-2024) - Add the Buffer and some minor changes to the box (If you already made the box their is not need to make it again, only if you need a new one use the newer files.