3D model description
I recently picked up the FlashForge A5M Pro When I wanted to try printing TPU I was disappointed at how much drag the built in bowden tube put on the flexible filament. it was causing the filament to stretch and under extrude. I looked for an existing Overhead spool holder but had no luck. I got lucky and found the below file.
https://www.printables.com/model/696137-flashforge-adventurer-5m-pro-tools-holder-with-glu/files
I modified the side hook part to accept a couple 10mm square tubes and added holes for screws to help hold them.
After some trial and error i settled on a tube length that would work. and went about deg a center piece to hold the spool above the printer adding slots for bearings and pegs for holding it together. What I came up with is working quite well and I figured I would try to start a 3d printing side hustle with it.
3D printing settings
I used Flash Forge HS PLA. you can use the roll that comes with the A5M pro printer and it works well.
I set wall thickness to 3 es and 15% infill on all parts and it worked out great.
Part list:
2x Top spool holder lip rest- may need s
4x 10mm tube
1x top spool holder center
and
4x standard 608 bearings (not included)
-you can try a 3d printed 608 but I have not tried it so dont know if it will work.
(optional) screws. it holds itself together without them.
once you have printed the above part list and cleaned up any s you use install the 4 608's in the slots provided and slide the Hex head pegs into the holes on the side. (Note you may need to sand a taper on the end to help align the bearing.) The pegs are a snug 0.2mm smaller than the holes and may need some encouragement in the form of a few taps a the table surface. (If you want to glue the pegs in place just a small dab of superglue on the tip will work but is not needed.) set the small peg aside for the moment.
After the center piece is assembled put the 10mm tubes in the holes on the lip rests. if you want to screw or glue these in place it will help with assembly. there is about 0.5mm clearance so they will slide in and out with little effort.
After you have assembled the 2 lip rests with the 10mm tubes:
insert the tubes on the lip side of the center piece. (this side you can screw or glue in place if you like.) slide the spool of filament on and slide the 10mm tubes in the non lip side.
**DO NOT Glue this side. you will need the tubes to slide free to swap rolls of filament.
Open the top lid on your FF A5M Pro. Set the lip rests on the top of the printer with the center piece up. Take the small peg that came in the center piece stl. and put in the hole on the non lip side of the center. Test that the spool spins freely.
*The design was made for standard size spools. I know some spools have a smaller inner diameter and those likely wont fit. the narrow spools may not the 608's and can slide off them and possibly hang up. The peg is just there to keep the standard size spool on track.
For printer setup Under the main screen on the A5M Pro. Bottom left Icon : printer information. find the setting for Filament Detect and turn it off. If you dont turn this off while using a top mounted spool holder the printer will throe an error for filament run out. Turning the setting off will avoid the error and it stopping the print.