Skip to content

Filament holder with weight sensor

Advertising
Advertising
?
Creation quality: 5.0/5 (1 vote)
Evaluation of members on the printability, utility, level of detail, etc.

  • 906 views
  • 1 like

License
3D design format
ZIP Folder details Close
  • Filament_holder_with_weight_sensor_2153327.zip

Learn more about the formats

Publication date 2023-01-25 at 04:57
Design number 1028130

3D printer file info

3D model description

This is a filament holder with a load cell integrated to weigh the filament spool. I thought this would be a fun way to weigh the filament to ensure I have enough for a print without having to resort to a scale. Assembly BOM, tools required, and assembly comments are noted at the bottom.

Summary:
Pros
It works. I've tested it on several prints and the load cell is about +/- 0.05 lbs. This will depend on how well you've calibrated the load cell.

Cons
1) Need help with this... if I power cycle the load sensor PCB which I purchased from Spark Fun, the calibration and tare weight are not saved. I'm not very good with software so I don't know how to change the code which was pre-loaded in the PCB so it saves these settings.
2) Because of this issue, I never turn it "off".
3) Using a load cell with a range closer to the total weight of the filament (typically 2kg) would be better. Load cells like most sensors offer sense errors of some percentage based on a full scale. In this case, it's a 10 kg load cell. This means the error is a bit higher than say a load cell that's at 4 kg. But as stated, I still get +/- 0.05 lbs so that's good enough for me.

Assembly BOM:
Qty 1: Spark Fun Open Scale (SEN - 13261)
Qty 1: Spark Fun Load Cell 10 kg, Straight Bar (SEN - 13329 ROHS)
Qty 3: McMaster Carr 6389K228
Qty 4: McMaster Carr 2515T180 (Optional if you want the leveling feet)
Qty 2: M5 x 25mm L Socket Cap Head screw
Qty 3: M4 x 16mm L Flat Head Socket Cap Head screw
Qty 4: M3 x 10 mm Pan Head Philips screw
Qty 1: USB to mini-B USB cable

Tools:
M4 Tap
M3 Tap
5/16 - 18 Tap
Wire stripper for 0.8 mm wire (Super fragile, be gentle when stripping back insulation)

Software:
Serial Port Communicator - Options below
1) Arduino IDE serial port communicator
2) Tera Term (This is my preference) Go to this link for a tutorial from Spark Fun. This site will have a link to download.
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/terminal-basics/tera-term-windows

Assembly Tips:
1) When mounting the load cell, the M4 side of load cell will be on the filament side. You'll see a sticker at the of the load cell with an arrow. Make sure its pointing up, otherwise you get a negative weight reading.
2) Practice cutting insulation back on the load cell wires before cutting to length. Take your time, you can easily cut the conductor along with the insulation.
3) Sorry for making you guys tap threads :(

Using Spark fun load cell:
Go to this site for a tutorial on the open-scale PCB, very useful.
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/openscale-applications-and-hookup-guide?_ga=1.116997955.477175760.1487732422

For setting tare weight (Setting weight to be Zero with an empty filament spool), use your most often used empty spool. I'm guessing most filament spools will be pretty close in weight, using your most often-used spool ensures you have the best weight info most of the time.

Feedback for improvements is welcome.

3D printing settings

Rafts:
Doesn't Matter
Supports:
Yes
Resolution:
0.2mm per layer
Infill:
50%

Tags

Advertising


Issue with this design? Report a problem.

Would you like to support Cults?

You like Cults and you want to help us continue the adventure independently? Please note that we are a small team of 3 people, therefore it is very simple to support us to maintain the activity and create future developments. Here are 4 solutions accessible to all:

  • ADVERTISING: Disable your banner blocker (AdBlock, …) and click on our banner ads.

  • AFFILIATION: Make your purchases online by clicking on our affiliate links here Amazon.

  • DONATE: If you want, you can make a donation via Ko-Fi πŸ’œ.

  • WORD OF MOUTH: Invite your friends to come, discover the platform and the magnificent 3D files shared by the community!


Sharing and downloading on Cults3D guarantees that designs remain in makers community hands! And not in the hands of the 3D printing or software giants who own the competing platforms and exploit the designs for their own commercial interests.

Cults3D is an independent, self-financed site that is not accountable to any investor or brand. Almost all of the site's revenues are paid back to the platform's makers. The content published on the site serves only the interests of its authors and not those of 3D printer brands who also wish to control the 3D modeling market.

100% secure payment by credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.
View all payment options.