A1 mini Manual Filament Exchange Module V1.0 – Lightweight Side-Mount Version

Optimized based on the original design, using the original model as a reference, I modeled and designed it from scratch. All dimensions were measured manually against my own machine.

Optimization results:

• Reduced weight and material usage, less than 35g
• Does not block the front icons
• Increased spacing between pneumatic fittings for easy one-handed filament pulling and pneumatic fitting installation
• Easy assembly and disassembly, taking only 5 seconds (refers to fixing to the machine, assembly also takes only a few minutes)
• Uses a split-part form, ensuring that the layer direction will not affect strength, and damaged or modified parts can be individually printed and replaced (tried one-piece printing, but found that some parts were not strong enough due to the printing direction, so I abandoned it)

Required material and tool list:

Mobile devices may not be able to view the above material list, you can view the picture:

Installation instructions:

1. Pay attention to the direction of the notch, distinguish the position of the upper and lower parts
2. 
3. Use a lighter to slightly heat the inside for a few seconds to soften it, which will help the pneumatic fitting to be easily screwed in with a wrench.
4. 
5. After installing all the pneumatic fittings, you can install them according to the following diagram, which is very convenient.
6. 
7. After installing the module, install the PTFE tube in sequence.
8. 

Other things to say:

• How to use?

  It is recommended to use it with a drying box. To change colors, simply retract the filament and manually pull it out. To feed, simply manually feed the filament into it.

   

• Will the exposed part affect the dryness of the filament?

  I have been using it for a while and found that it has little impact, because the pipe is narrow itself and moisture will not flow into the drying box along the pipe (I am in the south), and the part exposed outside will not have much impact. Moreover, due to printing accuracy issues, it is difficult for FDM printers to guarantee airtightness. The next version may consider adding a dust cover.

   

• What material is used for printing?

  I used PLA for printing tests, and finally used PETG for printing and keeping for use, because I thought it would be better to choose a stronger material for long-term use. Of course, there is no problem using PLA and other materials.

   

• Why don't you draw threads to facilitate manual installation of pneumatic fittings?

  Because I tried drawing several times and found that the printed effect of small threads is not satisfactory, so I chose to use a lighter to soften the material and screw it in.

   

• Will it affect the printer's accuracy?

  The conclusion is that there is basically no impact, because the weight is light. You can use it directly. If you are still worried, it is recommended to perform an automatic calibration of the machine after all the installation to ensure accuracy.