Lowest Friction Spool Holder for A1 and A1 Mini

Introducing the Lowest friction Bearing Adapter for 3D Printer Filament Spools

• December 18, 2024 - Update
  I am introducing the adapter for A1 too. 

  If you have a Bambulab A1 then you can print this design along with the "Lowest Friction Spool Adapter".
  This is the shaft that replaces the original one on A1. Follow the instructions on this page.
  If you have A1 Mini then just continue reading below and print only the "Lowest Friction Spool Adapter"

Discover the perfect solution for effortless 3D printing with this design!

This innovative adapter fits snugly into the central hole of filament spools , providing a seamless rotation experience.

The conical ends ensure compatibility with a wide range of spool sizes (from 55 to 76mm), making it a versatile addition to any 3D printing setup.

Key Features:

• Wide range Fit: The conical ends adapt to spool sizes from 55 to 74mm, ensuring a secure and stable fit every time.
• Reduced Friction: Experience smoother filament unwinding and reduced rotational resistance, enhancing the overall efficiency of your 3D printing process.
• Easy Installation: Print all the part, insert internal cone in the printer spool holder, insert the tube, insert the rollers inside and block the tube with the internal cone. Insert the spool and screw the external cone until the spool is blocked. You're ready to print with greater ease and precision.
• High recommended for elastic filament such as TPU

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, this Lowest friction Bearing Adapter is designed to elevate your 3D printing experience. Say goodbye to tangled filament and frustrating snags, and hello to uninterrupted creativity and productivity.

Advantages:

• Load Distribution: Thanks to the conical ends, the bearing becomes one with the spool and fits perfectly, the load is distributed evenly along the contact surface. This avoids high-pressure points that can increase friction.
• Linear Movement: A well-inserted bearing allows for smooth and uniform linear movement, reducing irregularities that cause friction. Smooth and well-aligned surfaces slide better over each other.
• Vibration Reduction: A perfectly fitting bearing minimizes vibrations and lateral oscillations, which would otherwise increase friction.

Mechanical principle underlying the project:

The extruder draws the filament which pulls the spool, when the spool is full a large force must be applied to make it rotate around the small original pin which holds the spool (about 25mm diameter, smaller force arm). This is detrimental to prints with elastic filaments such as TPU which undergoes underextrusion.

By creating an adapter that rests on eight rollers, the weight is distributed and sliding is easier. But to have the maximum possible effect of the force arm, I created the ends of the adapter with a conical screw, so as to securely clamp a wide range of spools on the market. In this way the force arm will always be the largest and most optimal possible.

High recommended use for elastic filaments such as TPU

Now available for Bambulab A1 here

Assembly Guide