The Ultimate Dry Box & Buffer System

Thanks for checking out Rev 1.2 of the Ultimate Drybox & Buffer!

The Dry box is quite over the top but I wanted an almost zero compromise solution for dry box multi-material printing. This has been a personal project since the announcement of the MMU3 in 2023. After many months of trying to engineer some complex system for rewinding the filament onto each spool, I settled on a simple idea that simply constrains the filament around each spool. Most of the critical parts were designed by myself but being an engineer I was lazy so I will link the other models I used (go download those models from them). 

Parts List:

1 x Ezy Storage 52.8qt IP67 Waterproof Storage Box (Hobby Lobby, Target, or Home Depot)

       For Bowden pass-through (found here)

• 10 x M3x12 FHCS (Flat-Head Cap Screws)
• 10 x M3 Heat set inserts (I used these)
• 5 x O-Rings 32mm OD 29mm ID 1.5mm Width (I used these) 
• 5 x PC4-M10 Fittings for Bowden Tubes (I used these)
• 5 x Pass Through Printed Parts (PLA is sufficient and 3+ walls will be more airtight)
• 5 x PTFE Tube (4mm x 3mm) cut to your desired length (I used this)

       For Filament Buffer add-on

• 10 x Flaps (printed and then bent to shape)
• 4 x Rails
• 4 large or 8 small removable self-adhesive strips 

       Spool Holder I Used 

• 2 x 8mm Stainless steel rod (cut to fit the inside of the box)
• 20 x 608zz Ball Bearings
• Printed parts from this model
• removable self-adhesive strips to attach the end pieces to the bottom of box

       Filament Swatch system (just a cool addition)

• Original Swatch system
• Remixed

Instructions (I will be updating this with pictures as time goes on)

The assembly is fairly straightforward but specifics can be customized for your needs

First, insert heat-set inserts into the pass-throughs (must be flush or slightly below the surface). Then using the drill guide, drill holes at the desired locations for the pass-throughs (measure this multiple times and make sure to have the arrow on the guide** pointing towards the top of the drybox for use above printer and down for use below printer). Then you can add the PC4-M10 fittings to the part and fit them to the dry box (make sure O-rings are seated in the printed groove) 

Next, add the spool holder to the box and fix it in place with the adhesive strips making sure it is centered front to back. 

Then the rails can be added to the box if you want the buffer add-on. Attach them to the top edge of the box (see picture) with the self-adhesive strips. The fins will then slide onto the rails (order them correctly). 

A Mini 2/4 spool dry box using similar parts and a smaller IP67 box is coming soon!