AMS Smart Spool Core (Rev. A)

This model has been superseeded, please check the latest revision here.

Why another one?

There are many holders for silica gel beads and other desiccants, many others can be used to add weight and avoid the spools jumping around in the AMS. Do we really need another one?

I believe the two concepts can be merged and also the user experience can be improved and this is my attempt.

What's different?

First, this container is not aimed solely at Bambulab spools: it's compatible with any spool having a centre hole of at least 48mm and a width not greater than 68mm, practically any spool that can fit inside the AMS. Spools, which cannot accommodate common desiccant containers because of the tabs on the sides, are not a problem anymore: yeah, I'm talking about those Overture cardboard spools and the infamous Amazon Basic ones….

Second, I'm trading off a little silica gel to increase the spool weight: I suggest using M6 bolts and nuts, but you can use whatever means you find appropriate. I measured 41 grams with common steel bolts: it might not be a massive weight increase (unless you invest in some tungsten rods), but it's something. The little hexagonal core cap can be used to seal whatever you use as a weight, especially useful if you go for steel balls or other annoying things. It's meant to be a tight fit and the tabs can help in case you need to remove it. A drop of glue will permanently secure it in place, but be sure to have it completely flat and flush, otherwise, you'll not be able to close the container.

Third, I wanted to reduce print time: there are some very pretty designs out there, but many don't take into consideration that a huge amount of tiny walls can render printing these parts a long wait. This container is designed to have great airflow without forcing your printer into a 3-hour tedious web construction.

Fourth, and probably the real reason that pushed me into starting this design, prevent the container from sliding off the spool. I keep forgetting I have the desiccant container at the spool core when I go for filament change: when I pull out the spool from the AMS gravity does its job and the containers keep falling off and breaking, especially at the tabs. This design uses two side flanges you can quickly and easily use to lock the container to the spool sides: now the container cannot slide off the side of the spool and it's also a lot more reliable when inside the AMS! When swapping filaments it's up to you to decide if you want to keep the container along with your half-used spool or if you want to remove one flange and move it to the next spool going in.

Fifth, these containers have a slightly greater diameter than many of the most popular ones, partially compensating for the desiccant capacity loss due to the weighted core: more desiccant means more humidity absorption capacity and more weight as well.

Sixth, the apertures on the container sides aim at maximizing the airflow and visibility of the silica beads, so that you can easily monitor the color-indicating beads if you use those.

Addons

Funnel

The funnel on the second plate might not be necessary to start with, but in case you find these containers useful, it might further improve your experience, making the desiccant load process a lot faster with no silica gel beads jumping around on your floor: it's specifically designed for these containers as it locks in place the very same way the container cap does.

Measuring cup

On the third plate, you can find a measuring cup with an indicating line: when your silica gel beads reach the line level you have the right amount going into the container—less fiddling and faster refills, hopefully with no spilling.

Credits

I wouldn't be fair to other makers without listing all the models I took inspiration from:

• Air Max 1, was my favourite, before this obviously
• High visibility desiccant holder for spools
• Universal spool weight for AMS