A1 mini Purge Bucket Bin Poop Management System

NOTE:

• Please read the instruction guide below.
• Download the 3mf file if you are using a Bambu slicer. Download the stl if you are using other slicers.
• I do my best to double-check and test the print profiles I created. They are up to date with whatever changes I make. If you are using profiles made by others, please check if they are updated.

UPDATE 24 Nov 2023

Previous writeup - “…One of the ideas was to attach a bin/basket on the end of the cantilever x-axis. But based on experience with cantilever printers, it is never a good idea to hang a bin/basket at the extreme end of the X-axis extrusion, regardless of how robust the Z-axis linear rail is… ”

I was not entirely right. While hanging a bin/basket at the end of a cantilever was never a good idea, attaching a lightweight guide/baffle is a very good idea. I looked at the designs by others and CAD what I think is a combination of what was good. Together with a shorter bin, I added Option 3 - Short Bin with Pruge Guide. I have updated this project's 3mf file.

The short bin uses the same magnetic docking system. So you will still need to print the magnetic docks D1 (plate 1).

In addition, I have also increased the capacity of the bin without an increase in footprint.

This is the first of three designs by Thrutheframe for A1 mini. The 3 essential printable accessories that you will need for your new printer.

1. A1 mini Poop Management System (PMS)
2. A1 mini Build Plate Stand
3. A1 mini Scraper and Stylus Holder

While the hardware for all 3 builds can be self-sourced, I am working with Veetec3D to offer an A1 mini Hardware Kit for all the 3 builds above. It will include the 6x3mm magnets, M3 screws, VHB, thin double-sided tapes, and pre-cut self-adhesive anti-slip pads. Printed parts are not included.

The price is 10€ with tracked shipping at 5€. We try our best to keep the pricing affordable for everyone to have easy access to the required hardware for all 3 builds. In addition, parts and labour are sourced within EU. If you like the designs by ThrutheFrame and wish to support his projects, do consider buying this kit. A small royalty will go towards funding project consumables ie. filaments, materials, electricity, coffee, time, software subscription, etc

INTRODUCTION

While unboxing my A1 mini combo, I noticed it needs a Poop Management System (PMS) to collect the filament poop during purging.

The simple yet futuristic design of the A1 mini fuels my imagination and hence, my design for the PMS takes on the look and feel of a space station and docking bay.

As the A1 mini may be the user's first 3D printer, I set up a few parameters when designing PMS:

• Aesthetically pleasing (to me), Easy to print/assemble and Fun to use.
• Optimize print time and filament usage
• Must fit onto the A1 build plate of 180x180x180mm
• Will not cause accidental purge clogging
• No support needed
• Printed in PLA.

There are 3 PMS options:

• Option 1 - An eco-friendly design using the filament cardboard box as a ReCycle PMS.
• Option 2A - A fully printed Bin
• Option 2B - For users who print extensively, a printed Chute to guide the poop down into your regular waste bin
• Option 3 - A short bin with a purge guide/baffle that is attached to the purge wiper (recommended)

You will need to print a pair of docking bays (D-1) which the PMS will be connected to the A1 mini printer.

All the above PMS are magnetically attached with Ø6x3 magnets to the D-1 docking bays.

The D-1 will be secured to the A1 mini printer using VHB tapes (or similar mounting tape that is 1mm in thickness).

BOM

1. Ø6x3 magnets - 8pcs
2. 1mm VHB tape (10x20mm) - 4pcs
3. Thin double-sided tape - For ReCycle Bin only

** Note that the VHB tape (or any double-sided tape) has to be 1mm thick. This is because the recess I made is 0.8mm, allowing the dock to flush with the printer.

INSTRUCTIONS

Download the 3mf file. The settings are prepared for printing PLA on an A1 mini. If you are printing on a different printer, please make the necessary changes to the settings.

The STLs are also available in folders.

I designed the parts based on 0.4mm nozzle and 0.2mm layer height. Print in 0.2mm layer height for accuracy.

Print plate 1 - Docking bracket. Both front and back docking brackets are required.

Print either Option 1, 2A/2B or 3 depending on the configuration you want.

If you are using Option 2A/2B. You will need to print plate 3 - Shield top.

If you are using Option 3, you will need to print plates 6 & 7

Docking Bracket (D-1)

• Press fit the Ø6x3mm magnets into the docking bracket. The holes are designed for press fitting, hence they are tight-fitting. Please ensure that the polarity of all the magnet are facing in the same direction.

• Paste the VHB tapes onto the docking bracket.

Option 1 - ReCycle Bin

• Press fit the Ø6x3mm magnets into the ReCycle brackets. The holes are designed for press fitting, hence they are tight-fitting. Please ensure that the polarity is correct. It should be attracting the D-1 bracket.

• To attach the spool box, place double-sided tapes on the inner side of ReCycle brackets.
• The dimension of the bracket is based on Bambu Lab filament with spool cardboard box. There might be some size differences with other brands' boxes, but the double-sided tape should hold it well.

• Cut the spool box according to the dimensions as seen in the image. No more than 55mm from the bottom and no less than 100mm wide.

• Install spool box to ReCycle brackets

Option 2A Bin & 2B Chute

• Press fit the Ø6x3mm magnets into the bottom piece. The holes are designed for press fitting, hence they are tight-fitting. Please ensure that the polarity is correct. It should be attracting the D-1 bracket.

• Glue the top and bottom pieces together. The tongue and grove design will assist in alignment.

Option 3 - Short Bin with Pruge Guide

• In addition to plate 1, you have to print plates 6 & 7.
• Install the magnets the same way as all the other bins
• Paste a piece of tape over the area as shown in the image below. During purging, the tip of the purge can still be molten and can accidentally adhere to the wall. The tape helps to reduce the chance of this happening.

• Install image

Installing to the Printer

• Home and turn off printer. Push the toolhead all the way to the left of the X-gantry.
• Attach the D-1 brackets to the ReCycle/Bin/Chute.
• Align it with the X-gantry, make sure the poop will drop into the ReCycle/Bin/Chute and stick the D-1 bracket to the printer body.
• Note that part of the D-1 bracket will slide under the printer.

• Turn on the printer and do a homing. Watch and check. The poop shooter should not be pressing down on any part during homing.
• Enjoy a neat and poop-less work table.

VIDS & PICS

Modbot showcased the ReCycle bin version on his A1 stream. Scroll to 26 minutes to see how it works.

Modbot showcased the bin version 2A, the build plate holder and the stylus+scraper holder.

To date, my designs are free to download and use. There is no Patreon or OnlyFan (hahaha). If you like what I designed and want to contribute to my coffee addiction, software subscription and filaments I need for prototyping, a donation of $5-$10 to Ko-fi or paypal.me will be greatly appreciated.

Another way is to purchase the kit (TBA) from my vendor, we try to make it affordable and a small amount goes to supporting this project in terms of development consumables ( filaments, electricity, coffee, time and my brain cells)

CAVEAT

As with all my designs, Prototyping and testing were conducted to ensure printability and meet my own expectations. However, I understand it may and may not work for you. I would request that you read all instructions and print and install them at your own discretion.