Filament Weight Scale

Description

First: An unabashed plea for donations. Even small amount can help make it possible for me to continue working on these and other subjects. Thanks in advance. This device pairs a load cell (strain guage) with a spool holder. It is connected to an esp32 processor with a display that shows the remaining weight of the filament that is left on the spool. Spools are numbered and the esp32 remembers the weight if the spool is changed with another one. Using the knob and display the correct spool is selected when changed. When a new spool is loaded the user sets the weight of the new spool, usually 1kg. The software then calculates the weight of the spool so it can calculate how much filament is left at any time. Because the load cell is cantilevered it is also necessary to enter the width of the spool when a new one is installed. The number of the spool should be written on the spool in case it is changed for a different one before it is empty. The display shows the current spool number and the remaining weight, which is also related to the remaining length. The weight also shows on a progress bar. The system uses a TTGO T-Display and an attached rotary push button switch. The TTGO case and software is still under development. The code will be published on GITHUB when it is more stable. Some of the STL files are still being finalized. They will be posted as they prove to work. Keep watching this space for more developments. Jan 31, 2021 - This project is getting closer. I added a picture showing the display. I have designed a PCB but you can also wire your own. It uses the TTGO T-Display and a rotary button to enter settings. I've redesigned the entire mechanism. The first design suffered from too much cantilever effect and wasn't accurate. I move the loadcell inside the shaft to reduce this problem. I'll post new pictures and files soon. The picture of the spool just show it being tested on my workbench. I'll add some of it actually installed on a printer later. Feb 3, 2021 The software is finally working reasonably well. It can be found at https://github.com/MartinNohr/FilamentScale . I will finalize the schematic today and upload it. I also have prototypes coming of the PCB if you want to buy one and avoid much of the wiring. Feb 4, 2021 Added nubs to keep the circuit cover in place. Increased the circuit box hole to make it easier to get all the wires in if connectors are used. Tightened the bearing fit on the shaft. Note that some of the parts need to have the orientation changed in order to print. Feb 7, 2021 I updated the mount block to cover the wires and prevent them from being damaged. I will soon have the case for the TTGO/Display ready. It uses a custom designed PCB but you can of course design your own case. The software is available from Github at https://github.com/MartinNohr/FilamentScale.

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