Description

Spool Roller A1 mini, Version 2

It’s finally here! This spool roller is more efficient in every possible way, compared to the older version. Managed to solve some problems the old version had and redesigned the roller mechanism so it not only is more efficient, but it is assembled multiple times faster than on the old one. Again, I do not know if this would work on a normal A1 (See bottom instructions if this is your case)

Components ⚙️

• Main body parts
  • 1 Male-Thread
  • 1 Female-Thread
• 14 Rollers
• 2 Cages

How to assemble 🔧

   1. Roller and cage

The cages have 7 C-clip like slots each, in which the rollers should be pushed in.

There is a very subtle opening on each cage, which make the cages flexible. This is how they are supposed to mount on the stock stand. CAUTION! This is plastic (PLA in my case), it is elastic but only till one point. DON’T pull on the cage too much in order to avoid plastic deformation as much as possible!

   2. Assembly on stand

Gently stretch the cage, like shown in the image above and push it over the stand, like this:

After this, place the male-thread over the rollers.

Mount the next set of rollers in the same way, above the male-thread

Lastly, place the female-thread over the rollers and screw in tightly the assembly.

That’s it! Your new spool roller is ready to roll!

Improvements over the old version 💡

1. Stringing – solved

People stated the male-thread would have stringing issues on standard speed, making assembly of that component hard.

No longer the case. Inside bumps of the body have an angle of maximum 45° so there is no more stringing.

2. Assembly difficulty – solved

A lot of people stating assembly was difficult, they were completely right. The model lacked precise instructions and assembly solutions.

No longer the case. As shown above, assembly is way easier and it can be done by anybody in just a minute or two.

3. Falling spool when calibrating – solved

Personally I have noticed that at a specific weight of the spool, there is a change for it to go over the lip of the roller when the printer is doing a quick calibration for vibration, just before a print. Though rare, no longer the case, the part of the roller on which the spool sits is smaller in diameter (50mm V1, 44mm V2), making the lip of the roller significantly bigger.

V1 – Left;   V2 – Right;

4. Rolling performance – improved

The old version rolled very well, but, having no cage for the rollers, movement was sometimes a bit rough, but most importantly, a bit noisy.

Improved. With the new cage, rollers cannot move around freely, only spin. Also, being smaller overall, they are quieter.

V1 – Left;   V2 – Right;

 

5. Other changes

• The back of the roller now has a hexagonal shape instead of circular, making it almost impossible for the hand to slip and make disassembly hard.
• Print time has been reduced from 3h 15min to just 2h 8min
• The pitch of the threads has been doubled, making the assembly screw in effortlessly and smoothly.

This sums up everything new and improved on the new spool roller. Please announce me in the comment section if you find anything that must be adjusted, both in sliced settings or the functionality of the print.

—– Test fit on the A1 —–

In order to be sure this print can work for the A1, here are the measurements for the stand on the A1 mini:

The highlighted portion has a diameter of 31mm.

 

The highlighted portion has a diameter of 16.5mm.

 

The length between the 2 highlighted circles is 68.35mm

 

The highlighted portion has a diameter of 30.8mm

 

If the stand of the A1 shows the same measurements, it should work.

Enjoy!