Filabot
Vermont, USA, Earth
1-802-505-6772
Filabot Spooler Operation Manual
This manual applies to the Filabot Spooler
Triex LLC, Barre, VT 05641, US
FSMR1 – REV 3 – 3/14/2019
General Application and Specifications
The Filabot Spooler is a filament spooling system. The Spooler
takes extruded filament from extruders such as the Filabot EX2 and EX6
and winds the filament onto spools for use in FDM 3D printers. The
Filabot Spooler can spool filament in any diameter (1.75mm, 2.85mm,
and 3mm) with a max workable diameter of 4mm.
Electrical requirements: 110/115/120 VAC, 60-cycle, single phase
power with supplied power cord; or 220/230 VAC, 50-cycle single phase
power with supplied power cord, and country specific adaptor.
Power Consumption: The Filabot Spooler will use about 50 watts,
depending on speed settings
Dimensions: 17" L x 7.25" W x 9.5" H (431mm x 184mm x 241mm)
Weight: 20 pounds (13kg)
Spools Size: Works with 0.5 kg and 1 kg standard Filabot Spools. Spool
holder can be customized for other spool styles, design files located on
Filabot.com
Max Spool Clearance: 8.5" Diameter x 3" Wide (215mm Diameter x
76mm)
Spooler Speed Range: 0-470ipm (0-1193cm per minute)
Puller Wheel Torque: Approximately 13in-lbs (1.4nm)
Spool Tension Clutch: Adjustable tension to accommodate for range of
filament properties
Safety
● Be sure to thoroughly read the Operator's Manual to familiarize
yourself with the machine before you begin to spool.
● There are two pinch points to be aware of on the Filabot Spooler.
The main pinch point is around the drive wheels and to a lesser
extent on the traverser mechanism.
● Do not wear loose clothing, and tie up long hair around the
machine.
● The Filabot Spooler system is designed for indoor use only. Do
not operate the unit outdoors or in wet or damp environments.
● Do not use the spooler if any parts are missing or damaged. If
you notice any damage to the unit, unplug the device
immediately and contact Filabot for assistance.
● Do not modify or alter this device without prior specific
authorization from Triex LLC. Unauthorized modifications may
impact the safety or normal operation characteristics of the
device and void the warranty.
Contact Filabot with any questions or concerns before installing, using,
adjusting, or maintaining the device.
Setup
Position the Filabot Spooler on a suitable work surface. The work surface
should be large enough to safely support the spooler at a comfortable
height for the user, and level with the extruder. Additional space is ideal
for convenient access to tools and supplies.
Note: The 24V IN/OUT barrel plug is connected directly to the 24 volt
output of the internal power supply. Up to 2 amps can be drawn from the
plug for auxiliary power or 2 amps can be supplied to the plug to power the
spooler. Always use a protected power supply if using this port to power your
Spooler.
Do not place any objects against the Filabot Spooler.
Setup
Operation - Filament Production
Step 1: Set your extruder and spooler level with each other and
approximately 24-54 in. (60-140 cm) apart. The distance my change if
you are using a cooling device. Filament must be firm by the time it
reaches the spooler drive wheels.
Step 2: Load an empty filament spool onto the spool holder. Adjust the
grommets to the edge of the spool so the filament is traversed to each
flange on the spool. The grommets can be adjusted during spooling if
they are not guiding the filament to the spool edges.
Step 3: With your nozzle for the diameter filament you desire to make
selected, heat up your extruder to the proper temperature.
Step 4: Power up your Spooler by flipping the switch adjacent to the
‘DRIVE’ knob.
Step 5: Begin to extrude your filament. Gently grab the end of the
filament with a suitable tool such as needle nose pliers and guide the
filament to the Spooler. Guide the filament through the drive wheels by
first passing it through the eyelet in front of the drive wheels. Then pass
the filament through the eyelet on the underside of the traverse
mechanism. Allow the filament to take an unobstructed path while you
begin the next step. Do not begin to spool at this point.
Operation - Filament Production
Step 6: With filament now running between your extruder and spooler,
you will need to fine tune the equipment to achieve your desired
diameter. Although these adjustments are both on the extruder and the
spooler, the primary adjustment is performed with the 10-turn ‘DRIVE’
knob on the spooler. Additional tolerance tuning can be performed by
adjusting the temperature you are extruding at. Measure your diameter
with a micrometer or dial caliper 30 seconds to 1 minute after making an
adjustment. Recheck your diameter periodically.
Step 7: Once your diameter is dialed in you can now begin to spool your
filament. Clip the filament after the traverse eyelet and feed the strand
into the hole on the inside rim of the spool hub. A ‘slip clutch’ on the
spool allows you to hold the spool steady while you insert the filament
strand. Release the spool and it will take up the slack and begin to coil
around the spool.
Step 8: Now you’ll need to adjust the traverser mechanism on the unit.
The goal is to set the speed so the filament has traversed the spool by
the exact width of the filament at each full rotation.
Note: If the filament is not winding tight around the spool, you will need to
adjust the ‘slip clutch’ on the spool holder. The adjustment is made by
tightening or loosening the 9/16 (14mm) nut at the center of the hub with
a socket and ratchet. Tightening the nut will apply more force to the
filament, loosening the nut will apply less force to the filament.
Step 9: Periodically monitor the diameter of your filament and make
adjustments as needed.
Step 10: Once the spool is full or you are finished with your extrusion,
clip the filament after the traverser mechanism and remove the spool
from the spool holder. Pass the filament through an eyelet on the spool
to prevent it from unwinding.
Note: When loading a new spool, be sure to have the small cutout built
into inside hub of the spool facing out towards the operator, as facing it
inward will not allow clearance for the filament to be inserted and
secured.
Care and Maintenance
The Filabot Spooler requires minimal maintenance. Periodically oil the
traverser screw with one or two drops of ‘sewing machine oil’ or a similar
thin oil.
Wiping the contact surface of the drive wheels with rubbing
alcohol or acetone should remove any residues that could affect the grip
of the wheels.
Apply synthetic automatic transmission fluid to the felt washer
under the slip clutch nut every 150 spools.
If there are any signs of visible damage, wear, overheating, or
deterioration, contact Filabot for guidance on how to proceed.
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Issue Solution
Filament is being -Too high of an -Lower Extrusion
flattened by the extrusion temp. Temp.
wheels
-Spooler is too close to -Move Spooler further
the end of the extruder from the end of the
extruder.
Bubbles in filament -Too high temp. -Lower temp.
-Damp plastic -Dry plastic
Filament diameter -Temperature too high -Lower temperature
too small and recheck after two
minutes
Filament diameter -Temperature too low -Raise temperature
too big and recheck after two
minutes.
Filament is too -Slip-clutch is out of -Tighten/loosen nut on
loose / tight on adjustment spool holder
spool
Warranty Information
The Filabot Spooler has a one year warranty. This includes replacement
of any part that fails. Warranty is void if system is opened up or damage
is a result of user error. Only Triex LLC technicians are allowed to
service the internal parts. More information about our warranty is
available on www.filabot.com.
Triex LLC, Barre VT, USA. No part of this manual may be copied, stored, transmitted, or
otherwise released without the express written consent of Triex LLC. This manual applies
only to the Filabot Spooler. While Triex LLC has applied all possible caution in producing
this manual, we urge the customer or user of this device to contact Triex LLC with any
questions or concerns about operation, before operating the device or making any
adjustments. Triex LLC provides no assurance of applicability of the product to customers'
requirements.
