3D printing has become increasingly popular in recent years, and as more people dive into the world of 3D printing, they are facing the problem of what to do with the empty filament spools that are generated after printing. These spools are not biodegradable and simply throwing them away is not environmentally friendly. But, the good news is that there are creative ways to repurpose these empty spools and turn them into useful objects.

OpenSCAD solution

One such solution is to use the open-source software, OpenSCAD, to create a slot that fits the dimensions of the filament spool. This design can then be 3D printed and used to store small parts, making it an ideal solution for those who work with electronics or other small parts. The design can be found on Thingiverse, a website where people can upload and share their 3D printable designs.

Remix

I decided to take this design a step further and modify it to my specific needs. Tthen I’ve uploaded the design on Thingiverse as a remix, making it easier for others to use and benefit from. The remix can be found at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3198728 and is a great solution for those who are looking for a space-saving solution for storing small parts.

A space-saving solution

The converted spools can be stacked on top of each other, making them an efficient and space-saving solution for organizing small parts. The individual spools can be pushed onto an old IKEA table leg, made of metal, and stacked on top of each other, providing an attractive and functional storage solution. The photos of this solution show the repurposed spools used to store small parts and illustrate how they can be stacked for efficient storage.

 

Customized spool drawer from #Thingiverse https://www.thingiverse.com/make:573494

Conclusion

In conclusion, the problem of what to do with empty filament spools is a common one that 3D printing enthusiasts face. By using open-source software and creative solutions, these spools can be repurposed into useful objects that serve a meaningful purpose. This not only helps reduce waste but also provides a cost-effective and space-saving solution for organizing small parts.