1KG Twist-Lock Masterspool

I really liked the idea of a twist-lock style master-spool, and after much thinking and searching around found a easily printable method of designing one in 3d-workshop's design. But I needed it in a different size to hold the 1KG refills from filaments.ca. So I made one.

Update July 7 2018:
I've uploaded new versions of the hub and side - the key hasn't changed. The locking mechanism is still compatible with the old parts as well, though is a bit stiffer in the new ones. The outside ribs on the hub are slightly larger and grip the cardboard core in a filaments.ca refill much better now, and I added some perforations along the snaps to make them easier to break loose. The hexagon cutouts in the hub have also been rotated and slightly elongated to make printing easier and save a tiny bit more filament. The side got slightly thicker but is now significantly stiffer, and has an area where you can stick a label if you like. The filament catches got tweaked a bit too, but I'm still not 100% happy with them. Using a pair of pliers to force a scrap piece of filament through them once seems to open them up, then they work reasonably well. More updates to the side at least will be coming, though compatibility with the locking system at this point shouldn't change anymore.

Experimental update: I've added an additional 'Richrap Hub' file. It should snap onto the same sides as my normal hub, but have the correct diameter and thickness for the original RichRap compatible refills. I don't have any such refills and have no way to test it, but maybe it'll be useful to someone. Please leave a comment if you use this and let me know how it goes.

At this point I consider the design functional, but not yet finished. I'm still finding minor flaws in the design and fixing them as I go, but I think its to the point now where I can let other people give it a try as well. Please leave any feedback in the comments here and I'll do my best to make this the ultimate 1KG masterspool design. My current plans are to make a variety of different sides that can all snap onto the same hub - lots of flexibility for users since there is no requirement to use the same side on both sides.

No - this spool is NOT compatible with the original RichRap Masterspool specifications, though I might be able to design an alternate hub that would make it work if there is demand for it. Though if that's what you're after, you might be better off with 3d-workshop's design, referenced in the 'remixes' section. This spool IS compatible with the 1KG Filaments.ca Econofil refills, and maybe others. If you know of any other brands that fit on this spool, please let me know.

To use this, you will need one hub and two sides. To take them back apart, you need 1 key. You really never need more than 1 key no matter how many spools you assemble, though it takes hardly any plastic to print one so make some spares if you like. The current side and hub are also both very plastic-efficient - with with settings I'm using, S3D is estimating that a full spool should only use 75g of plastic. I'll get better instructions on how to put them together and take them back apart eventually - but its not that hard to figure out.