Filamentalist V3 Manual V1.1.1
Filamentalist V3 Manual V1.1.1
Introduction
Theory of Operation 3 Assembly (cont.)
Configuration/Options 5 Chassis 21
Tensioner Arm 17
THEORY OF OPERATION
The Filamentalist is an integrated solution for buffering and spool holding, providing space savings as well as the potential for
filament path reduction, and the associated drag/resistance that comes with long runs from spool to buffer to MMU.
● The Filamentalist uses the axial force delivered by the MMU gear motor along the filament to load and unload from the
filament spool.
● An adjustable spring clamp forces the filament against two o-rings that sit on the Center Drive Roller (CDR) to create a
high traction interface, for rotating the axle and filament spool.
● A one-way clutch style bearing locks against the Drive Axle and rotates the filament spool, to take up filament during an
unload.
● For loading and print extruding, the clutch disengages allowing for effective free-spooling of the filament spool similar to a
roller style spool holder.
● The difference in diameter of the filament driven CDR versus the larger Rim Roller that the filament spool sits on provides
the needed gear ratio to produce enough rotations to take up, and unload a nearly empty or full filament roll.
● During unloading/buffering, to account for the varying diameter of a spool from full to empty, filament tension will cause
the spring loaded arm to lift a small amount and release traction from the o-rings allowing slip to occur between the
filament and the o-ring interface of the rewinder (full spool = max slip, empty spool = no/minimal slip). This grip/slip
modulation effectively creates a variable gear ratio allowing for clean, tight wraps during unload with a minimum of
system drag.
SPRING TENSION
DRIVE AXLE
ONE-WAY BEARING
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The original Beta Test Team (on Discord) who provided design validation and innumerous inputs for design improvements,
printability, and simplification of assembly.
Cheesefrog
Grafton
Biokeks
Meltiseugen
JCPhlux
and many more…
All the Early Adopters who allowed a fleet of hundreds of rewinders to help further refine the Filamentalist, the
documentation, and volume unit validation. You know who you are!
v6cl (on Discord) for his innovative F1 User Mod that was a core input to the Filamentalist V3 design.
JCPhlux for suggesting the printed clutch design
The ERCF Team for building, supporting, and allowing me to be part of this amazing ecosystem of multi-material printing
solutions! Your creativity, commitment, professionalism, collaboration, generosity, and sense of community is an inspiration!
CONFIGURATION/OPTIONS CONSIDERATIONS
There are multiple options for the Filamentalist. Determine which versions/options you want and select the stl's to print
accordingly.
- Unit Width: Standard width which supports spool widths from 28mm (i.e. 200gm spools) to 74mm and custom width
via the Fusion 360 parametric model
- Drive and Idler Axle bearing size. Step and STL files are provided for the use of either 688 bearings (16mm OD X 8mm
ID X 5mm width) or 608 bearings (22mm OD X 8mm ID X 7mm width). Either option can be selected in the provided
Fusion 360 parametric model.
- Mounting Style: 2020 center rail mount, 2020 dual rail mount (fits the Filamentalist Enclosure), and Standalone mount
Feed Direction: The orientation of your MMU with respect to your filament spools location or enclosure may require a front,
rear, or bottom loading capability from the rewinder. Front and Rear/Bottom feed Tensioner Mount options are provided to
support this.
Pre-gate Sensors: If your MMU does not have pre-gate sensors, and the software you use supports them (like Happy Hare),
there are CottonTail Lite, Filamentalist Tensioner Mount, and user mod pre-gate sensors that support this. (see the
Filamentalist FAQ).
If you are using, or upgrading from an ERCFv1 or v2 version you may want/need a higher torque gear motor. Many in the Beta
team ran NEMA 17's spec'd at 55 N-cm max torque and config'd them for 1-1.5A (probably overkill...). A NEMA 17 with
40N-cm or greater holding torque is sufficient. The LDO-42STH47-1684AC stepper is a good option. The ERCF direct drive
version is recommended for gaining more speed from a high torque motor. This may not be required, so if you already have
built your ERCF, try the Filamentalist with the motor/gearing you have and decide if you need more torque/speed.
The standard width Filamentalist has a 50-75mm axle and supports a maximum spool width of 74mm and supports most
standard 1, 0.5, and 0.2KG spool sizes and still be able to fit 6 rewinders across the top of a 350 size Voron printer. If you use
spools wider than 74mm and you use Autodesk Fusion 360, the provided .f3d file in the CAD directory is a parametric based
model allowing you to customize the width of your rewinder to suit your max/min spool widths and/or to design around other
available 8mm steel axle lengths (see Parametric CAD Model section in this document). If you are unable to use the
parametric model please ask for help on Discord (see cover page and/or page 31 for links).
Because the standard tuning of this design relies on some filament slip at the o-rings, the o-rings may ultimately wear-out.
Testing and extrapolation estimates that the wear-out point is greater than 5K cycles. See the O-Ring Replacement section at
the end of this document for o-ring swap/replacement instructions.
The ERCF team has provided the following print guidelines. We recommend you to follow them in order to have the best
chance at success with your parts. There are often questions about substituting materials or changing printing standards, but
we recommend you follow these.
The majority of mechanical issues users experience with the ERCF and its supporting components can be traced back to print
quality and and accuracy. Please take the time to print the calibration tools and dial in your printer before moving forward.
FDM MATERIAL
The Filamentalist was designed for, and
tested with ABS and ASA. Based on the
tolerance requirements of the design we
recommend to only use ABS OR ASA.
Some users have built with other materials
such as PLA but you may need to adjust
your printer’s calibration for some press-fit
and tight tolerance parts.
IMPORTANT !! The Filamentalist design relies on multiple press-fits for bearings, axle, and the ECAS04 fitting as well as
thread-cut holes. As a result, printer calibration is important. The Print_Calibration_Tool.stl is included. It is highly recommended
that you print this block first, check fits, and make adjustments to extrusion multipliers and/or slicer scaling if needed before
printing the Filamentalist parts.
688/608 Bearing Hole
M3 Thread Cutting Hole (easy press fit)
M3 Clearance Hole
ECAS04 Hole
(tight press fit)
Print_Calibration_Tool.stl
TESTS
Insert the different pieces of hardware in their dedicated positions.
The ECAS fitting should be a tight press fit. If the plastic cracks after ECAS insertion or the ECAS is a loose fit then extrusion
rates and/or interior hole settings need to be adjusted in your slicer. You may need to cut the print with clippers to remove the
ECAS for reuse after checking fit.
You should be able to hand press in a 688/608 bearing into the pocket. It is acceptable if additional force, like light hammer taps
is required to fully seat the bearing. The bearing can be removed by inserting an 8mm axle/rod through the bearing and rocking
the rod back and forth while gently pulling on the rod, “walking” the bearing out of the pocket.
Screw an M3 screw into the provided 2.7mm diameter hole. The screw should tightly screw in and cut threads into the plastic. If
the ECAS and 688/608 bearing press in nicely but this hole is tight, no print adjustments need to be made but M3 screw holes
may need to be opened up hand twisting a 2.5mm drill bit.
Filamentalist Rewinder V3 CAD version: V1
8
INTRODUCTION ENRAGED RABBIT CARROT FEEDER (ERCF)
FILE NAMING
By this time you should have already downloaded our STL files from the ERCF GitHub. This is how to use the naming
conventions.
[a]_Part_Name_{Bearing_Size}_{Quantity_Required}_[option].stl
Example [a]_Rim_Roller_688_Bearing_x2.stl
[option]
- Mount style
- Pre-gate sensor included in Tensioner Mount
- Printed clutch vs One-Way bearing
ECAS FITTING
SOLDERING IRON
For the insertion of the single heat set insert in the
Tensioner Mount part.
SUPERGLUE
Yes, we consider this a tool. Superglue may be
useful if your print tolerances result in slip-fits for
the bearings and ECAS. Cheap, single-use gel
tubes are fine.
The CAD file is organized into folders based on assemblies referenced in this manual. First hide all the parts, and then reveal
the parts up to the step you are on in this manual, and the CAD should match what you are building.
If you are using Autodesk Fusion 360 the “Filamentalist_V3_(parametric).f3d file provided in the CAD folder is a parametric
based model allowing you to customize the width of your rewinder to suit your max/min spool widths and/or to design around
a standard available steel axle length. The model will update and accurately show the results of these parameters to help
you visualize the acceptability of the result as well as provide reference dimensions to aid in part sourcing.
To customize your Filamentalist width and axle sizing, load the model, make sure you are in the "Solid" menu, and then select
"Modify" and "Change Parameters"
Adjust the following parameters to meet your needs (continued from previous page):
Spool_Width_Max - The default is 72mm which should accommodate 99% of the 1KG spools on the market. Set this to
accommodate the widest filament spool you expect to use. 2mm will be added to this number in the design to allow for spool
width and rim straightness/variation.
Drive Roller Axle Length - The default is 50mm. If you already have 80mm axles from the Classic Filamentalist version these
can be used with no need to change the parameters in the model. Changing this setting allows you to visualize how a custom
(long) axle length will fit, especially if you increase the Spool_Width_Max parameter for a custom wide rewinder.
Overall_Rewinder_Width: REFERENCE PARAMETER. DO NOT CHANGE THIS! This is included as an aid to assess the results
of your inputs. You can iterate with changes to the above user inputs to arrive at the desired Overall Rewinder Width for your
space, enclosure. Or application.
The model will update to show the results of these parameters to help you visualize the acceptability of the result.
15
Filamentalist Rewinder V3 CAD version: V1
FILAMENTALIST V3 REWINDER ENRAGED RABBIT CARROT FEEDER (ERCF)
ASSEMBLY
OVERVIEW
Tensioner Arm
Assembly
Chassis Assembly
EXPLODED VIEW
TENSIONER ARM ASSEMBLY BOM
(PER REWINDER)
A 1x 688 Bearing
B 1x M3x12 Flat Head Cap Screw (FHCS)
D A
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1. **Note: If you don’t have or want to use a 688 bearing in the Tensioner Arm, the Printed_688_Roller_[option].stl file is
provided to use instead.
2. Insert the 688 Bearing Bushing printed part into 688 bearing bore and slide up into Tensioner Arm printed part.
3. Place M3x12 FHCS screw into Tensioner Arm and through the 688 Bearing Bushing and 688 Bearing, cutting threads into
plastic of the Tensioner Arm. Only moderate force is required to cut the threads and secure the 688 bearing. Turning the
screw with too much force will strip out the plastic threads.
Tensioner_Mount_Microswitch_[option].stl
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Remove built-in support (part E) from Tensioner Mount part. A small flat bladed screwdriver placed in the notch works well.
2. Install the heatset insert into the Tensioner Mount part.
3. Insert the ECAS04 into the Tensioner Mount. This should be a tight press fit. One method for installing is to place the
ECAS04 on a sturdy surface like a table or counter top and press the Tensioner Mount part downward onto the ECAS04.
Ensure the ECAS04 is fully seated against, and aligned to the face of the Tensioner Mount. NOTE: once tubing is installed,
secure with an ECAS Locking Clip. If clips were not provided, the ECAS_Clip_[optional_print].stl can be printed.
4. Although not necessary to install now, use of an ECAS04 locking Clip is required once PTFE tubing is installed.
5. If installing a microswitch for filament sensing please refer to the next page.
Filamentalist Rewinder V3 CAD version: V1
18
[OPTIONAL] TENSIONER MOUNT MICROSWITCH ENRAGED RABBIT CARROT FEEDER (ERCF)
ASSEMBLY
EXPLODED VIEW - LEVER SWITCH
TENSIONER MOUNT MICROSWITCH ASSEMBLY BOM
(PER REWINDER) D
C
A 1x D2F-01FL-D3 Microswitch (lever style)
or
1x D2F-01F-D3 Microswitch (button switch - no lever) E
B 1x MR85 Bearing
or
8x3 Disc Magnet B
or MR85 Bearing, or
8x3 Magnet, or
6x3 Disc Magnet 6x3 Magnet in Holder
A
C 2x M2x8 screws (SHCS or BHCS)
TENSIONER MOUNT MICROSWITCH ASSEMBLY PRINTED PARTS EXPLODED VIEW - BUTTON SWITCH
(PER REWINDER)
D 1x Tensioner_Mount_Microswitch_[option].stl
E 1x 6x3_Magnet_Holder.stl (if using 6x3 magnet)
F 1x Printed_Switch_Lever.stl (if not using lever switch)
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Install the MR85 bearing, 8x3 Disc Magnet, or 6x3 Disc Magnet installed in printed 6x3_Magnet_Holder part into the slot in
the Tensioner Mount part.
2. If using the button switch (no lever), install the Printed_Switch_Lever printed part into the slot in the Tensioner Mount part.
Carefully push back into slots until the barbs click into place.
3. Install the Microswitch into the Tensioner Mount using the M2 screws, cutting threads into the plastic.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Press the 1-Way Bearing into the CDR part. A bench vise, c-clamp, quick-grip/trigger ratcheting clamp, or soft jaw pliers can
be used. Ensure the 1-Way bearing is centered within the CDR.
2. Stretch the (2) o-rings onto the CDR.
D 1x Chassis_L.stl
F D
E 1x Chassis_R.stl
F 1x 2020_Mnt_Center_Spacer.stl
(or, mount options pg. 23)
G 1x 2020_Mnt_Spacer_Rear.stl A
(or, mount options below pg. 23)
H 1x Idler_Roller_Axle.stl
EXPLODED VIEW
CHASSIS ASSEMBLY BOM
(PER REWINDER)
A 2x 688/608 Bearing
B 6x M3x8mm Flat Head Cap Screw (FHCS) C
C Tensioner Mount Assembly G (REAR LOAD
ORIENTATION)
B
E
C
(FRONT LOAD
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS ORIENTATION)
1. Hand press (2) 688 or 608 bearings (depending on version printed) into
the bearing pockets of the Chassis_R part.
2. Align the pegs of 2020_Mnt_Rear_Spacer with the peg pockets in Chassis_R and secure with (2) M3x8mm FHCS screws.
2.1. If using Filamentalist Enclosure mounts use Fil_Encl_Rear_Mnt_R_[option] in place of the Spacer part (see next page).
3. Align the pegs of 2020_Mnt_Center_Spacer with peg pockets in Chassis_R part and secure with (2) M3x8mm FHCS screws.
3.1. If not mounting to a 2020 center rail and you want a stiffer chassis, install the 1x Chassis_Cntr_Spacer_[option]. If using
the center Standalone mount then install the 1x Standalone_Mnt_R_[option]
3.2. Or, if using the Standalone mount install the Standalone_Cntr_Mnt part.
4. Secure the Tensioner Mount assembly with (2) M3x8mm FHCS screws in either the front or rear load orientation.
EXPLODED VIEW
CHASSIS ASSEMBLY BOM
(PER REWINDER)
A 2x 688/608 Bearing
B
B 6x M3x8mm Flat Head Cap Screw (FHCS)
C
D
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Hand press (2) 688 or 608 bearings (depending on version printed) into
the bearing pockets of the Chassis_L part.
2. Insert the Idler_Roller_Axle part through the 2020_Mount_Rear_Spacer part and bearing.
3. If using the Filamentalist Enclosure or Front/Rear Standalone Mount options (see pg. 22), screw the two front mounts together
with a M3x8 FHCS screw and insert into the peg holes at the front of the Chassis_R part.
4. Secure the Chassis_L part with (6) M3x8mm FHCS screws at the 2020_Mnt_Center_Spacer, 2020_Mnt_Rear_Spacer, and
Tensioner Mount Assembly aligning hole locations.
F D
E
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Attach Tensioner Arm Assembly with 1x M3X12mm Flat Head Cap Screw (FHCS)
2. Check for correct CDR/One-Way bearing orientation per pg. 27 and then drop CDR Assembly into Tensioner Mount “pocket”.
3. Insert 8mm axle through chassis bearings and CDR assembly.
4. Verify correct CDR/One-Way bearing orientation per pg. 27 and repeat steps 2 and 3 if necessary.
5. Place an M3 washer followed by the spring onto a M3x30 SHCS screw, insert through slot in Tensioner Arm, and screw into
heat set insert in the Tensioner Mount (leave spring untensioned for now).
One-Way bearing locks when Rim Roller/Axle is held and Center Drive Roller is rotated in the direction of
filament unload/eject (in the pictures above clockwise for front load configuration, counter clockwise for
rear/bottom load)
A 2x Rubber Band
B 2x M3x12-16mm Screw (Socket Head preferred) E
C
C 2x M3x12mm Flat Head Cap Screw (FHCS)
A
B
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Stretch Rubber Bands onto Rim Rollers.
2. Ensure axle is centered within the chassis bearings within +/-1mm.
3. Slide Rim Rollers onto steel axle and flush against chassis bearings. Insert M3 screws (length 12mm through 16mm) and
tighten with moderate pressure against axle. Ensure Rim Rollers do not compress chassis inward checking that the Tensioner
arm can move freely between the chassis parts.
4. Slide Idler Rollers onto Idler Axle. Drive M3x12mm FHCS screws will be driven through the thin support web on the Idler
Roller and into the Idler Axle.
Tune by setting the Tensioner Arm clamping force. The Tensioner Arm does not need an extreme amount of tension.
1. As a bench test (not connected to the MMU yet), insert an ~500mm length of filament into the Tensioner Arm slot, through the
o-ring/bearing interface, and out the ECAS side of the Tensioner Mount.
2. Hold one RimRoller and try to pull the filament out in the eject direction.
3. The slip force/resistance should “light-to-moderate” (~0.2-0.3 kg or ~7-10 oz). Adjust the spring tensioner screw accordingly and err
on the light side for a starting point.
4. Once a spool is loaded on the rewinder pull ~1m of filament in the load direction. Filament should stay tight on the spool (no loose
loops). If loose loops form this indicates that the One-Way Bearing/Center Drive Assembly may be installed backwards (return to
CDR/TENSIONER ARM ASSEMBLY step), or the One-Way bearing is too tight on the Center Drive Roller Axle (see Filamentalist
Troubleshooting Guide .).
5. Starting with a tightly packed filament roll, push filament back onto the spool to simulate an MMU unload/eject. If loose filament is
forming around the filament spool during unload, tighten the spring tensioning screw. If no loose filament is forming around the
filament roll, gradually reduce the spring tension until loose filament starts to accumulate and then increase tension in ~1/2 screw turn
increments until you feel you have the lightest tension that results in a tightly packed unload.
6. Initial tuning is complete and the rewinder can now be installed into your system. Steps 4 and 5 above can be followed after rewinder
installation if additional tuning is required.
Filament
Feed filament
unload/eject
through slot in
direction
Tensioner Arm
Filament
load/extrude
direction
You may never need to replace o-rings. Testing and extrapolation estimates that the wear-out point is greater than 5000 cycles. The impact
of o-ring wear-out can be reduced by periodically swapping highly used rewinders with low use rewinders in your line-up. Also, o-rings with
grooves worn in them can be swapped with their opposing partners to present the unworn side/face to the filament to extend the life of a set.
For o-ring replacement, FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW:
1. Remove one Rim Roller and slide drive axle out of the rewinder.
2. Unscrew the M3x30mm Tensioner Screw, pivot the Tensioner Arm out of the way, and remove the CDR Assembly.
3. Remove the old o-rings (a dental pic or small flat bladed screwdriver works great).
4. Install a new pair of o-rings or reposition the worn o-rings to present unworn surfaces to the filament interface.
5. Replace the “fresh” CDR Assembly back into the rewinder verifying that the Center Drive Roller Assembly/One-Way Bearing is in the
correct orientation (see pg. 27) and reassemble the unit.
1. If your rewinder is not functioning properly please reference the Troubleshooting guide on Github here:
https://github.com/Enraged-Rabbit-Community/ERCF_v2/blob/master/Recommended_Options/Filam
entalist_Rewinder/troubleshoot.md
a. A video demonstrating the heat rework procedure for tight one-way bearings can be found at 4:20 in the Assembly Video here:
https://youtu.be/-1cHOcnosxE
3. There is an active community supporting and improving the Filamentalist rewinder on Discord here:
https://discord.gg/hxe9eMWseT