Refill: The Spool-Less Filament to Reduce Plastic Waste

It is a common problem that users of fused deposition modeling (FDM/FFF) 3D printing face: what to do with the large amount of empty plastic spools? While some recycle them, many throw them away in a garbage can, thus making it impossible to sort them out of the regular trash. In addition to this environmental issue, spools can quickly become cumbersome, especially if you use a lot of filaments. In order to circumvent these barriers, certain material manufacturers have reimagined filaments to make them spool-less, called Refill. In France, the distributor Atome3D offers these solutions, in particular those of eSun and Tag3D and soon Rosa3D, engaging in a policy of waste reduction.

While 3D printing uses only the amount of material needed, thus avoiding overconsumption of materials, its environmental impact is not to be overlooked – it is a plastics-consuming industry and recycling issues remain at the heart of many players’ concerns. Beyond the composition of polymers – fossil industry or natural resources – packaging is an additional challenge. For the FDM/FFF process, filaments are generally sold with plastic spools. Once finished, processing them is not so clearcut and while some reuse the spools as storage or winders, they take up space. That’s why some people have come up with refillable spools, called MasterSpool, taking inspiration the cosmetics industry which creates soap or shampoo bottles that can be refilled once the bottle is empty, as well as reusable water bottles that are replacing plastic bottles.

The 3D printed spool and Refill filaments (photo credits: Atome3D)

Atome3D offers filaments without spool, called Refill. These are materials designed by the companies Esun and Tag3D – though please note that more and more manufacturers are offering this type of filament. The range includes PLA and PETG in different colors and weights (currently 750 grams and 1 kilo). Each filament refill comes with clamps to hold the filament securely and is  vacuum-packed to protect against moisture.

In addition to these refills, users also have the option of a reusable spool. Several options are available to you: you can buy directly eSun’s eSpool coil  by for less than 6 euros. It also comes free for every order of 3 filaments or more. Otherwise, you can also create your own spool, the MasterSpool. All you need to do is download the STL file from Atome3D and print it at home. The spool is composed of two parts which need to be screwed together, with a design that allows you to see the amount of filament remaining. There is even a blocking system on the edge of the spool to maintain the filament when it is not in use.

Thanks to the MasterSpool, you can easily refill your printer with a new filament (photo credits: Atome3D)

You can find the different Refill filaments HERE and instructions for designing your reusable spool and installing your filament HERE (only available in French).

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*Cover Photo Credits: eSun