Need a Technique for Combining Spools of PLA

[pilotjunky]

Here is my problem... I can't think of a great solution.

I do a lot of prints on my replicator 2 which take 6 - 10+ hours.

If I have a "new" spool of PLA, I don't worry about leaving that print and having it run out of PLA 90% of the way through. 

But, if there is any question in my mind whether there is enough on the spool I generally err on the side of caution and put a new spool on which leaves me with several spools that have "some PLA" on it.

The question is, does anyone know a sensible way to do a "butt joint" on the PLA so I could combine all of these partial spools back into a single spool and not keep wasting PLA?

Thanks for any advice.

Rich.

[PrettySmallThings]

Search thingiverse for filament joiner, splicer, or former for a few ways to tackle joining filament.

[Dan Newman]

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:9850

Dan

[Clinton Hoines]

Quick and dirty method here if you need something easier, about 3/4 of the way down on this page.
http://richrap.blogspot.ca/2013/04/rostock-delta-3d-printer-build.html

[Jetguy]

Or, use Sailfish firmware + one of the now multiple solutions for filament detection to pause the print when and if a spool run out, allowing the user to manually swap the filament and continue the print.

 

Just one example of a detector http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:144094

You need to use with Sailfish firmware and actuate P-stop. In other words, not only trigger the buzzer, but also trigger the machine to pause and save the print!!! Could be used in parallel with this http://www.thingiverse.com/thi... Notice this recent thread where David is working on a special version for Replicator 2s https://groups.google.com/d/ms... Special thanks to Jake who did the massive effort of documenting on the Replicator 2 series http://www.extrud3d.com/p-stop

 

Again, Jake documented the wiring for the Replicator 2 series. The firmware has the function, you just need to then print the physical detector and connect per Jake's instructions.

Keep in mind, the endstops are trigged when grounded, not brought to 5 volts. I assume the above detector thing144094 was switching positive, but could easily be rewired to switch ground.

 

On Sunday, September 1, 2013 9:18:44 AM UTC-4, CornGolem wrote:

I thought you wanted to join spools so that filament of the next spool is used when the first is empty. It would be the best solution as you wouldn't have to worry and there would never be wastes. But I don't see how it's possible with the way filament is rolled up.

[Jetguy]

Sorry if that came off the wrong way. I just would like to see more folks get involved in the filament and tangle detection physical sensor portions of this.

In other words, some of you folks have great idea and skills to make all kinds of 3D printed mechanisms.

The foundation has been put in place by Jake and the Sailfish team to do something when out of filament or other feed issues are detected.

 

I think the original poster had a problem many folks face- how much filament do I have on a roll VS how much does this long print need.

This is a common problem. There are lots of solutions and we could estimate the filament and so on, but the bottom line is that all we want to do is not ruin the print from running out.

Rather that worry about estimates and WAGs, just use a robust feed and detection system and utilize a function in the firmware that a lot of folks don't even know exists or is ignored.