Modular Expandable Filament Storage Rack (1/2" EMT bars)

I have published a major redesign with flexibility and handle 250/500g spools. The legs are sized from 125mm to 275mm in 25mm increment: Variable Height Modular Filament Storage Rack (1/2" EMT)

There are many great filament storage rack designs, but I thought there had to be a better solution:

• Can it be freestanding or fit in an existing cabinet, bookcase, closet, etc.

• Strong without using a lot of filament

• Can it be added to the free space around other print jobs (want a colorful rack?)

• Fits 225mm or larger print area

• Uses a low profile, low cost, strong, easily purchased part for the cross bars

• Holds bare spools, boxed spools, or spools in vacuum bags

pengpongping created a design that met many of my requirements.  It could be easily adjusted, and I could create additional parts to provide more flexibility.

Print Settings

• Printer: Qidi Plus 4 with 0.4 nozzle

• Filament: Sunlu PLA+

• Layer Height: 0.2mm

• Infill: Grid @ 25%

• No-Brim

• Speed: outer wall 150mm/s, inner wall 200mm/s

• Seam Position: Random (prevents a solid seam inside the crossbar EMT holes)

Cabinet\Bookcase Recommendations

Parts for 2 level rack:

• 4 - Foot.stl (or StableFoot.stl or mix of both)

• 4 - Crossbar.stl

• 4 - LegAnchor.stl (use Leg.stl if not anchoring to a wall)

• 4 - Foot.stl, 60Top.stl, 120Top, or 180Top.stl (chose based on space above rack.)

• 4 - EMT cut to length

• 4 - 5/8" #8 screws or 3M Command Strips (15lbs picture hanging strips)

• Optional

  • 8 - 1/2" #8 Lathe screws or similar (for EMT bars)

  • Super Glue

Parts for add-on level:

• 2 - Crossbar.stl 

• 4 - LegAnchor.stl (use Leg.stl if not anchoring to a wall)

• 2 - 5/8" #8 screws or 3M Command Strips (15lbs picture hanging strips)

Installation

• Dry fit all pieces to make sure there are no dovetail problems

  • A minor bed adhesion issue could result in additional force required to assemble

• Cut the EMT 3/8" shorter than width of the space

• Assembly in cabinet/bookcase in sections

  • Feet & 1st crossbar with EMT

  • Add legs

  • 2nd crossbar with EMT

  • etc.

• Use LegAnchor.stl and secure to cabinet with screws or 3M Command Strips

  • Use LegAnchor.stl, 60Top.stl, 120Top, or 180Top.stl as a spacer from the backwall (see picture)

• Optional

  • Super glue the part together

  • Drill\screw the EMT rods in place

  • Use StableFoot.stl if not anchoring to cabinet/bookcase

Freestanding

Parts for 2 level rack:

• 4 - StableFoot.stl

• 4 - CrossbarAnchor.stl (use Crossbar.stl if not anchoring to a wall.)

• 4 - Leg.stl

• 4 - Foot.stl, 60Top.stl, 120Top, or 180Top.stl (chose based on space above rack.)

• 4 - EMT cut to length

• 8 - 1/2" #8 Lathe screws or similar (for EMT bars)

• 4 - wall anchors or 3M Command Strips (recommend 15lbs picture hanging strips)

• Super Glue

Parts for add-on level:

• 2 - CrossbarAnchor.stl (use Crossbar.stl if not anchoring to a wall.)

• 4 - Leg.stl

• 4 - 1/2" #8 lathe screws

• 2 - wall anchors or 3M Command Strips (recommend 15lbs picture hanging strips)

Installation Recommendations

• Dry fit all pieces to make sure there are no dovetail problems

  • A minor bed adhesion issue could result in additional force required to assemble

• Use StableFoot.stl

• Super glue the parts together

  • If you may expand the height later do not Super glue the piece above the highest crossbar

• Use end holes in the crossbar to drill\screw the EMT rods in place

• Don't go more than 4 levels tall without anchoring to a wall or stable cabinet

• Use CrossbarAnchor.stl and secure to a wall with screws or 3m Command Strips

Mounting in a Corner

• You will be mounting to a side wall (or cabinet) and a back wall (or cabinet)

• All Parts & Instructions the same as Freestanding except replace 1/2 of these parts 

  • CrossbarAnchor.stl for Crossbar.stl

  • Leg.stl for LegAnchor.stl

• NOTE:  due to the way drywall is completed, corners are usually not 90 degrees. You will probably need shims when anchoring it to the walls/cabinet.

About EMT

EMT is Electric Metallic Tubing also referred to as EMT Conduit or Metal Conduit.  It is a thin-walled metal pipe for running electrical wire or cables, typically galvanized steel but can also be aluminum.  Do not confuse with RMC or Rigid Metal Conduit which is a thick-walled galvanized steel pipe.

EMT is typical sold in 10 foot pieces but also available in 5 foot pieces from most home improvement stores or electrical supply stores.  It can be cut with a hacksaw or a pipe cutter.

Two pieces of 1/2" EMT can be butted together with a 4" or longer piece of 5/8" all thread leaving no outside bump or sleeve.

Colored EMT is available but is a bit more difficult to find and is over twice the price. However, you can paint EMT.  Prep it by cleaning with a de-greaser, apply an automotive primer, then finish with an enamel spray paint.  A paint and primer combo can be used with good results.