New User Printable Tools for Cube 3 Owners/Users

While I am having much better luck avoiding cartridge tip clogs with the Cube3, we still aren't at the 100% clog-free goal as yet.  This means opening the cartridge is sooner or later necessary.

Cube3 Top Remover Tool Kit

While not an onerous task, I got tired of juggling multiple screwdrivers in my attempts to open remove the cartridge top.  So, naturally, since I have 3D printers, I decided to find a better solution.  It looks like this...

Cube3 Top Remover Kit

The solution consists of a hub ring (cyan in the image) that fits into the cartridge hub and locks into place using the cartridge mounting hooks.  Then there is a small piece (yellow) that slips into the most reasonable point to start removing the top... the lower tip storage extension.  And, finally there are 'hooks' that are wedged between the top and the cartridge as you work around the cartridge using a screwdriver to separate the two.  Once wedged into place the 'hook' is locked into place using the hub ring.

I plan to create a video demonstrating how it's used.  But, once printed, it's pretty obvious how it works.

Cartridge Guide Set

Once the top is open, we have access to the filament while the printer is printing.  But, there is one problem.  The filament guide that carries the filament from the cartridge to the printer flaps in the breeze.  Once again, the solution for stabilizing the filament was found in a 3D print.

Cartridge Guide Set

 Actually, two issues are addressed in this STL file.  The one addressing the filament guide issue (White) attaches above the extrusion housing.  One end fits over the filament guide at the top and locks into the hub area, stabilizing the filament guide as it leaves the cartridge.

But, it turns out that the filament benefits by a little stabilizer where it goes INTO the extrusion housing.  So, a second small fitting (cyan) is also included that dampens the oscillation of the filament and it fits just under the extrusion housing into a little triangular area just under the housing.  The lower filament and guide fit into the groove that stabilizes the filament as it enters.

Again, I hope to create a video soon showing how it is used.

Both of these tool sets are available for FREE download on the Cubify Design Feed.  The best way to find them is to click on the 'Design Feed' tab in the Cubify software and then click on the magnifying glass and search with the key words "Cube3 Tools" or "CubifyFans".

NOTE

While there is an STL that allows you to print four Cartridge Guide Sets at a time, I would not do so until you see if your printer is successful printing out one.  That is because in order to make things easier to lift off the plate, I have created small channels that allow water to get under the piece. But, this means the first layer is build in small blocks that seems to challenge some cartridges.  If needed I can upload a version with a completely flat underside.  Just let me know.

I am very happy with what these tools allow me to do.  They have made my life considerably easier.  I hope you find them helpful while we wait for a more permanent solution.