Open Source Filament Diameter Sensor

Basics

• A Dedicated Application of a "Laser Micrometer" or "Optical Micrometer"
  • Laser can come in 1-3 axis versions
  • Optical is only 1 or 2 axis
• Uses rollers to guide the filament into the micrometer
• Mainly used for closed loop control of the Filament Maker, but could be used for a FDM 3D Printer that can use inconsistant filament via real time adjustments of extrusion etc to match the varying diameter

To-Do

• Look into if the mechanical versions can work
• Look into DIY optical versions
• Look into the cost of OTS versions
• Figure out if this is optical or laser:
  • Metralight MicroXY

Industry Standards

Laser

• LaserLinc Laser Micrometers

Optical

• Keyence Optical Micrometers
  • The specific model that is most applicable is the "small diameter model"

Existing Open Source Designs

Mechanical

Tom Sanladerer's Design

• The YouMagine Page on the Design

Optical

Hugh Lyman's Design

• Description Page
• Thingiverse Page
• Github Page
• Notes:
  • This uses an LED and a linear sensor array
  • A SMD Camera (such as the Raspberry Pi Camera Module) may work as this?
  • Also need to look into if a collaminator lens is of use for making the led light more collaminated

Internal Links

• 3D Printer Filament Load Sensor

External Links

• A Hackaday Article on This