Steel Rack Spool Storage

Inspired by RepRack Spool Holder And Storage System. This design uses steel racking and “Top Rail”. Allows for filament spools to be stored directly above printers on the shelf below and does not require any drilling or wall mounting. 

*Still working on attachments for over head feeding directly to machine and MMU buffer alternative.

Non Printable Parts:
Top Rail - 1 3/8" OD Galvanized Steel Top Rail for Chain Link Fencing (Was cheaper than ½ EMT Conduit at hardware store) Adjust model for whatever diameter rod or bar is available to you. Can also adjust model to fit your specific crossmember profile.

Printable Parts: 
Bushing - Slides on to “Top Rail” and mounts inside the cross members of the steel racking.
Spacer - Used to connect bushings and stop them from sliding apart when loaded with spools.

Print Instructions: For one row of spools you will need 4 bushings and 2 spacers. Import “Bushing” file into slicer and create 4 total instances. Select 2 of them and Mirror them. This will allow the bushing to index properly on the front and back crossmembers.

*Added Set.3mf file. Includes all parts needed for one row and a set of rollers for feeding a spool directly into the machine. 

I used PLA, .02mm speed, 15% gyroid infill. The depth of my rack is 2', one row can comfortably hold 5-6 spools with enough room for access so under 10kg per row.

Assembly Instructions:
Cut “Top Rail” into sections that match the depth of shelf on your racking. Measure the distance from the inside of the back crossmember (adjustable bar) to the front one. I used a pipe cutter to cut 2' sections. Bushings allow for some tolerance if sections are a bit short. Cutting sections slightly shorter will allow the fully assembled unit to slide along the crossmember without scraping it. 

Slide two bushings onto the top rail so that they are mirrored. Insert the top rail inside the crossmembers with bushings attached. Slide bushing against crossmember, Spacer notch should be up, tab should be flat against the inside of crossmember. Pull spacer notch down to lock it in place this will prevent the bushing from falling out. Repeat for the other end of top rail. 

Mount the next section of top rail so that it is mirrored. Spacer notches should be facing each other. 

Position the rails and insert the spacer into the bushing notch at either end. 

Feedback welcome. Enjoy!