Anet A8 Low Profile Top Mounted Spool Holder Assembly

UPDATE 01152023: Well, I don't know how it took me so long to notice, however, printing a very tall model on my Anet A8 brought a problem with this model to light. The cable chain design I'm using has a fence that attaches to and protrudes outside the back of the extruder carriage which creates interference, especially when rehoming the printer from above the 200mm height. I modified two pieces, the A8_SH_Arm piece and the A8_SH_Support to eliminate the interference. I'm adding the two updated pieces to this model, leaving the original parts in place. If you're not using any printer modifications that cause such interference, I recommend using the two original parts. If you have something in place that causes interference, print instead the pieces with the "V2" identifier in their filename.

This is a much improved version of my top mounted spool holder for the Anet A8 acrylic framed printer.

All the pieces of this model, except for the ones named "Spool_Tube_Joiner.stl" and "A8_SH_Binders.stl" will need to be printed twice, once for each side, left and right. "Spool_Tube_Joiner.stl" and "A8_SH_Binders.stl" need only be printed once each.

Unlike the original model for this Spool holder that only hung from the top, this connects solidly to the printer and could easily hold the weight of a second spool if one was so inclined. Still, the spool in use should be hung on the left side of of the holder and I recommend using: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5521898

Additionally, it is intended that this model be used with spool adapters that will fit a 30mm tube, such is the diameter of tubes this model uses to support the spool. I've been using Jantzenday's adapters: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2387254

Jantzenday's two adapters, the large or small have been able to fit every spool of filament I've purchased, except for "Amazon Basics" and this is the spool adapter I use for those: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5242062

I'm including a file "Exploded_Assembly_View_Do_NOT_Print.stl", which, as it's name suggests, is not intended for print. This file is simply an exploded view of all the parts as they should be oriented during assembly.

The easiest way to install this model is to first connect the two "Spool_Tube_Final" pieces together using the "Spool_Tube_Joiner" and cap both ends with the "Spool_Tube_EndCap's". Snap each of the "Spool_Tube_EndCap's" into the two "A8_SH_Arm's", then slide the assembly on to the top acrylic frame piece of the printer. Slide one "A8_SH_Support" upward from beneath the printers top acrylic frame piece, then slip the correctly oriented "A8_SH_Binder" for that side over the "A8_SH_Arm" and "A8_SH_Support". Repeat for the other side, then complete by pushing each of the two "A8_SH_Pin's" through the holes atop the "A8_SH_Binders".

The assembled Arms, supports, and binders are intended to remain attached to the printer indefinitely. To install or replace a filament roll onto this spool holder, snap the two endcaps out of the spool arm seats, remove the endcap on the left, install the spool so it unthreads from over the top, replace the endcap, then snap both endcaps into the seats of the arms.

Additional Notes: As for the two pieces that are intended to print vertically, the "Spool_Tube_Final" and the "A8_SH_Pin", I recommend printing solid with 100% infill. Also, the pins that hold the completed arm assemblies together should NOT be a forced fit. I'd recommend printing one pin at it's default scale and test fit it. If the pin slides through all 3 pieces with relative ease, print the other. If not, the pin should be scaled down by 1 or 2%. No other part of this model, aside from the pins, should be scaled up or down as that would affect the models ability to install and function properly.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Anet

Printer:

A8

Rafts:

No

Supports:

Yes

Resolution:

.2

Infill:

20%

Filament: Jinos 3D PLA

White

Notes:

All parts print as oriented in the STL's without supports, except for the part named "Spool_Tube_Joiner.stl", which does require supports for the center, however, opting for supports to buildplate only results in a single ring that is easily pulled out with a pair of round nosed pliers.