Are you dealing with high-temperature filaments and tired of worrying about your plastic spools melting when you need to dry them? We’ve got the solution for you! Rob and Jay from Vision Miner are here to show you how to respool your high-temperature filaments onto metal spools. Let’s get started.
Why Respool Your Filament?
High-temperature thermoplastics often require drying at temperatures between 120°C and 150°C. Regular plastic spools can’t handle these temperatures, causing them to curl and warp. This leads to filament wastage or the need to replace the spool. To solve this problem, Vision Miner designed custom metal spools that can withstand high drying temperatures and offer other advantages.
Advantages of Metal Spools
Vision Miner’s metal spools are designed like master spools, making them easy to use. You can remove either side, slot your filament onto the spool, and reattach the side. These spools are reusable and built to last, ensuring you get more value out of your 3D printing materials. Whether you use master spools or other filament spools, Vision Miner has you covered.
Tools You’ll Need
To get started, you’ll need a standard drill, a custom filament spooler, an extra-long screwdriver or any similar tool to hang the full spool on, and a heat-resistant glove to protect your hands from friction burns during the respooling process.
The Respooling Process
Once you have the required tools, follow these steps to respool your high-temperature filament:
- Attach the filament to the spooler, securing it in place.
- Ensure the end of the filament is securely connected to the metal spool. You can either thread it through designated holes on the spool or use a torch to create a small hook on the filament, which you can then insert into a hole for a secure connection.
- Start the drill at a slow speed to avoid the filament end coming off the spool. Gradually increase the speed as you continue to respool the filament.
- Use a back-and-forth motion while respooling to distribute the filament evenly across the metal spool.
- Be attentive when the spool is nearly empty to prevent the filament end from coming loose. Slow down to ensure a smooth respooling process.
Now, you have your high-temperature filament securely respooled on a metal spool, ready for drying or storage. Vision Miner offers these metal spools in different sizes to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re running a print farm or experimenting with various materials, we have bundle packages to cater to your requirements.
These metal spools are constructed from 6061 aluminum with hard anodization, ensuring they won’t flake or degrade, providing a reliable and robust solution for your 3D printing projects. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to Vision Miner. Happy printing!
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