Storage and handling of spools

Your filament is valuable, and you want to store and handle your spool with care. Below is important advice how to store and handle your spool.

IMPORTANT: Store the spool in its bag to keep it dry!

The humidity (water) in the air is detrimental to your filament! Always store the filament spool in the resealable bag when you don't use it, or in a sealed plastic box. High levels of humidity (65 % relative humidity or higher) might also weaken the cardboard spool, so there are several important reasons to keep your spool in a bag or box when you don't use it. 

Variations in humidity can also directly effect the print quality, even if the spool is dry. Read more about "Humidity - your # 1 3D printing enemy" here.

Handling (and repair of a mistreated spool :-( )

We have opted for all-paper spools to minimize waste and resource use. The spools are strong, but not infinitely strong. If you drop it from a great height, particularly when the spool is full, the sides can break loose from the core. So the general rule is - handle the spools with care! Another obvious detail - but don't ever get the spool wet.

If the spool breaks, it will feel like a disaster. However, your valuable filament can be saved! Meet the "Spool saver" and the "Master spool". (If you aren't successful in rescuing your filament using the Spool Saver or the Master Spool, just send us a message and we will send you a new spool free of charge!)

The spool saver

Our very first all-paper spool design (shown in the photos below) wasn't as strong as our current design. We created the "The Spool Saver" after accidentally dropping and breaking a spool. This hub is easily printed and will add an additional centre core for your spool, holding the sides into place even if the glue joint has broken. You can also use the spool saver to make the spool stiffer, in case you prefer that.

This is how you use the Spool Saver:

Step 1. In the unlikely event of a spool breaking, carefully pick it up and make sure the filament doesn't fall off the centre core like a slinky. Leave it in a quiet place until you have printed the spool saver.

Step 2. Download the two STL files for the Spool Saver from our Thingiverse account: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4812938

Step 3. 3D print the spool saver. 

Step 4: If one spool side has completely detached, place the spool with the detached side upwards. Gently lift the spool (making sure the filament doesn't slide off like a slinky) and insert half of the spool saver through the bottom. 

Step 5: Gently adjust the filament, if needed, and place the detached spool side on top.

Step 6: Insert the other half of the spool saver and turn clockwise to thread the two halves together.

Step 7: You might have to gently "work" the spool and the filament to get the side to settle into place correctly while you are tightening the thread. 

Step 8: Your spool is saved and you can get back to printing! :-D You might want to keep an eye on the spool to make sure the thread doesn't come loose over time.

The Master Spool

The master spool is a complete 3D printed spool that replaces the original spool. There are several master spool designs available. These two appears to be the most popular:

Master spool V3 by Das Filament: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3401928

Master spool by RichRap: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2769823