So ive decided to go ahead with figuring out how to make and implement Tomas Sandlanders InFidel filament diammeter sensor.
Im wondering if anyone else would be interested in a pcb or finished sensor. Im not looking to make much on this, but was thinking of getting enough parts for 5-10 sensors.
If your interested shoot me a message or comment here. Eta is still tbd, and im not looking for monies upfront, though the end cost will be just parts and shipping and maybe a beer if your feeling generous.
Im also curious if anyone here has built/used a filament diammeter sensor. If you have what are your thoughts/expierences with it.
I was measuring some filament earlier I think I have a roll with wide variation but you have to be careful because it needs to be measure twice at 90° to get 2 dimensions that you average to get a real diameter. I think I want some of these too
So its takken me longer than i want to admit, but due to the chip shortages a key part is on wicked backorder from what i can find, so ill be putting this on hiatus untill a future point.
Good question. In all honesty there isnt really a need for a filament diammeter sensor anymore. The standards for fiament have come a long way from when 3d printing started that even the worst should be good enough. Im interested in it beacuse of when i found out that marlin supports it, why not try it. I still have a ways to go with my knowledge of 3d printing but i see it as a challenge. My end goal is to have it preform 2 maybe 3 functions. 1 being measuring the diammeter, 2 being a runout sensor and 3 having it identify a jam.
Im not expierenced in the finer things of circuitry so currently im leapfrogging on a design that can preform the basic function. There are other simmilar designs, but i like how compact this one was. The chip/parts not in stock i may actually have on hand, but i dont feel confident enough to solder connections that small yet.
You do have a good point to measure in 2 directions to get a good sense of even roundness. My plan is either to use 2, in series, or more likley just use a bearing with a u shaped external race. Its not as perfect as a laser measuring device, but i would like to test and compare it to a prusa roll i have thats unopened. If it measures simmilar then it serves its purpose. Im not expecting to see much of a varience, but the printer i want to install it on is ment for me to tinker with.
I was aware of the feature through marlin prior to the video, so its been one of my end goals with my modded printer. Get that going, and do a 10 minute benchy.
If i were to source the chips myself i could probably get everything, but through jlcpcb there were 2 or 3 components that just arent available at this time due to the chip shortage. Kinda kicking myself for not jumping on this before i fully realised what this chip shortage was going to get to.
What are your thoughts on useing it to make switching between 2.95mm and 1.75mm filamemt as simple as a bowden tube change? I realise there would be more to it than just that specifically, but i see it as a potential use for it since 1.75mm filament is now made to such a standard its not really needed anymore.
