3d printed threads and snap connectors are nice, but M3 bolts and nuts are more robust and look dope. They also make the model easier todesign print, since you don’t have to worry about tolerances as much.
STEP/STL and instructions available here: www.printables.com/model/548770-master-spool
I like formfutura filament. Their refills cost like 20 moneys per kg (PLA). Their easyFil PLA is 40. Their brand has the biggest price difference. Usually the difference is up to 5. So still savings.
Interesting. I have a stock pile of filament that I need to burn through first, but I might consider that moving forward.
I think at some point the community should consider simply buying pellets and going straight from pellets to the printer’s extruder (no interim filament to make). Pellets are roughly 1/10th the cost of filament so the savings are there, but that’s also usually at larger quantities.
I know some large format printer’s exist already that use pellets amd that therr are filament extruder out there, but I feel that’s the trend for regular hobby grade printer’s eventually.
Problem is extrusion consistency. If you want them to be affordable, you need to sacrifice precision. We print with 0.4 mm nozzles, and any inconsistency will show up. Plus the color is less uniform. There are already pellet extruders. Cnc kitchen tested one a while back.