Spool Extension

Spool Extension: In this project, Neil (my partner) and I were asked to design an extension for the FlashForge 3D printers that we had in the Makers Club. Currently, the printer can only house the smaller spool, and we often have spools of different sizes. We took a look at the current printer and designed an extension that could accommodate any spool size. The message that the design conveys is that instead of buying products online for high prices, you can make a design that's even better. We used calipers and rulers to measure the dimensions of the original spool that was in the printer. Then, we researched online about other spools and their designs. After collecting this information, we grabbed a marker and drew a rough hand sketch of the dimensions (I don't have a pic of this). We started by using the offset feature on our sketch in Fusion 360 to create the outer rings. Then, we created one vertical and horizontal line in the center of the sketch (circle). We went on by extruding the design upwards and inwards. Those are all the steps we took. Unfortunately, we didn't take any screenshots during the process. 

S - Will help 3D printers take filament of any size.

O - If it fails, then we can always learn and improve from our mistakes.

U - Understanding - we learned that you don't always have to buy things online, you can make designs on your own and also learn about it 

L - Some of our limitations were size, because our intial design was too big to print.

WISCR - (Insightful thinkers and Clear Communicators) Clear communicators was a big skill that we applied into the proccess of making the spool. We needed to work productively and communicate clearly to get the job done. Another skill was teamwork because to work efficiently and productively in life with another person you need teamwork to succeed. 

We waited over 3 hours for this piece to print.... It worked! When we put it into the side of the printer, it attached!