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Additive manufacturing · Automation

BoxTurtle Filament System

A filament feed system with controlled paths and automated swap sequences.

My role
Mechanical integration, printed parts and macro tuning
When
2024–2025
Outcome
Built and tuned the feed system; Ender integration is a separate ongoing step
The BoxTurtle filament system with four spools and printed feed components
The assembled filament feed system and spool holders.

The goal

Build a more consistent filament-handling workflow, with controlled paths and an automated sequence for swapping, purging and resuming a print.

What I built

I assembled the spool and feed system, keeping filament paths consistent to reduce snags. I added automation macros for the change sequence and iterated on the printed parts, alignment, friction and cable management.

The main task was to make each stage predictable. A reliable macro still depends on the filament arriving in the right place with a manageable amount of resistance.

Integration and next steps

The feed system is built. Adapting it to the Ender 3 V3 SE is a separate ongoing step, including evaluating a filament cutter at the toolhead. I have kept that planned integration separate from the completed mechanical build.

What I learned

Access for maintenance matters as much as a compact arrangement. Keeping the filament path visible and the wear parts reachable makes it easier to diagnose a failed change and improve the next iteration.

Next project

A home server for everyday use