FilamATrix is a Stealthburner toolhead filament cutting mod created specifically for the ArmoredTurtle BoxTurtle project. It is an adaptation and cleanup of the Filametrix and G2E-Filametrix mods. Note the slightly different spelling change - all other documentation within this repository refer to this specific modification.
However, use of BoxTurtle/AFC are not required - this mod can be used anywhere the upstream Filametrix/G2E-Filametrix are).
FilamATrix modifies the VORON Design StealthBurner hotend and Clockwork 2 Extruder or Galileo 2 Extruder to support a kinematic-actuated cutting blade for cleaner, more reliable automated filament changes that also eliminates the need for tip forming.
FilamATrix consolidates the CAD for Filametrix and G2E-Filametrix into a single file and provides a reorganized repository with a clear structure of what files are needed to print. While both extruders are provided as an option, our recommendation is to use Clockwork 2 - we find users have had the most success with it. The assembly instructions and manual only cover Clockwork 2.
Clockwork 2 supports two toolhead sensors, but some users may only be able to support one due to limited GPIO on the toolhead, so our default recommendation is just the pre-extruder sensor.
The print files for FilamATrix have been modified from the original projects with the following changes:
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Hotend mounts/Printheads now use M3 threaded heat insert (instead of a M3 nut) for simpler installation and maintenance. Many thanks to hartk for this idea!
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On Clockwork 2, there is an increased depth for the PTFE tubing to better help guide the filament towards the extruder gears and make insertion less position dependent.
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Cutting arm has been modified to support a full length M2.5x16 FHCS.
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Inclusion of the Beefy Depressor mount as the default.
LDO Kit users - If you are running a recent RevD LDO kit with the stock Revo Voron hotend, print these files.
Non-LDO kits/Other users, print these files
- beefy_depressor_mount.stl
- beefy_depressor.stl
- [a]_knife_holder.stl
- Respective parts for your extruder - Clockwork2 (Recommended) or Galileo2_Extruder
- Stealthburner modified parts - pick the set (front+rear) specific to your Printhead/Hotend
- cutting jig for your hotend - use a razor blade to cut a section of 2mm ID PTFE to length for your hotend.
All files All files are located on this GitHub in the STLs folder
All files are to be printed using 'VORON Standard' parts settings/filaments:
| 3D Printing Process: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) | Infill Type: Grid, Gyroid, Honeycomb, Triangle or Cubic |
| Material: ABS/ASA | Infill Percentage: 40% |
| Layer Height: 0.2mm | Wall Count: 4 |
| Extrusion width: Forced 0.4mm | Solid Top/Bottom Layers: 5 |
BoxTurtle kits provided by LDO or Isik's Tech come with all of the physical hardware necessary for FilamATrix, but below is the BOM needed to build it.
| Item | Quantity | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loctite or Vibratite | 1 | Loctite Blue 242 or Vibra-Tite VC-3 | Amazon Loctite | Amazon Vibratite |
| M3 hex nut | 1 | DIN934 | McMaster-Carr | AliExpress |
| M3 washer | 2 | 0.5mm thickness | KB-3D |
| M3x16 BHCS | 1 | AliExpress | |
| M3x18 SHCS | 1 | AliExpress | |
| M3x20 SHCS | 1 | For Clockwork 2 upper left shroud screw | AliExpress |
| M3xD5xL4 Threaded Heatset insert | 5 | AliExpress | |
| M3x16 FHCS | 1 | AliExpress | |
| M3x18 FHCS | 1 | AliExpress | |
| M3x8 SHCS | 1 | AliExpress | |
| M3x10, M3x12 or M3x16 SHCS | 2 | 10mm - no backers, 12mm - titanium backers, 16mm - MGN9 rails | AliExpress |
| M3 roll-in T-Nut | 2 | AliExpress | |
| M2.5x16 SHCS | 1 | AliExpress | |
| 0.5mm x 4mm x 25mm coil spring | 1 | A spring from a common ballpoint pen can also work | Amazon | AliExpress |
| Type 4 metal hobby blade or OLFA KB4-F/5 8mm chisel blade | 1 | This will need to be trimmed to length (approximately 26mm) after purchase | Amazon Hobby 4 | OLFA Website | Amazon OLFA | AliExpress OLFA |
| D2F limit switch | 1-2 | One per extruder sensor - default recommendation is one | DigiKey |
| 5.5mm steel ball-bearing | 1-2 | One per extruder sensor - default recommendation is one | Amazon |
| M2x10 Self-tapping screw | 2-4 | Two per extruder sensor - default recommendation is two screws (one sensor) | Amazon |
| PTFE Wire | 24-26 gauge | Wire is required connect the toolhead sensors to your printer. This is extremely build dependent and specifics are not covered here. | |
| Skittles | User-dependent | Optional, but in case you feel like being a completionist while progressing through the manual. | Amazon |
Please review this interactive manual for assembly and installation instructions of FilamATrix.
One thing to note is that the stock Stealthburner uses M3x25 SHCS for the upper screws securing the shroud to the extruder. The left screw need to be an M3x20 SHCS on FilamATrix to allow the cutting arm to fully depress.
Install an M3 heatset on both sides of the beefy depressor pin. Attach the pin to the mount using the M3x16 FHCS. Thread the M3 hexnut onto the M3x16 BHCS and install that on the end facing into the printer. Use the hexnut to 'lock' the screw into position, you may wish to use the Loctite or VC-3 here on this screw. Careful not to get Loctite on any ABS/ASA printed parts!
Attach the assembled mount to the gantry using M3 screws (place M3 washers between the screws and the printed part). The length of the screw will likely be printer-dependent, see above BOM for suggested sizes.
Once installed, adjust the height of the pin on the mount and the depth of the screw so it will depress the cutting arm when the toolhead hits against it (going from right to left).
Depending on your printer you may find it more advantageous to mount the beefy depressor at the rear, or at the front. See below for example mounting locations on an example Voron 2.4 printer gantry.
Now that FilamATrix is installed, configure your software to leverage it. If you are using the AFC Klipper Add-On,you'll need to configure the locations to actuate the cutter arm. For further guidance you can also see the BoxTurtle Initial Startup guide.
If you are using other software, please refer to that project for the correct configuration.
- Home all printer axes (e.g., using G28)
- Use mainsail/fluidd/klipperscreen/etc controls to jog the toolhead near the cutting pin. This will likely be near X minimum (e.g. X=15-20) and Y maximum if installed in the default location.
- Move the toolhead in 1mm increments until you are just about to depress the pin. Make note of these coordinates.
- Continue to move the toolhead in 1mm increments until the cutting arm is fully depressed. Make a note of the fully depressed coordinates.
- Ensure
tool_cut: trueis set inAFC/AFC.cfg(it is also recommended to enable the park, kick, poop and wipe macros) - Update
AFC/AFC_Macro_Vars.cfgwith these values as per the comments in the_AFC_CUT_TIP_VARSsection.
- Wondro and ArmoredTurtle for the modified CAD for FilamATrix
- hartk for the idea to use an M3 threaded heat insert for the hotend mount
- sorted01 for the original Filametrix project - you can donate here to him if interested
- IRTrail for the G2E-Filametrix project (now archived as read-only, as of 2024-12-12).
- VORON Design for Stealthburner and Clockwork2
- JaredC01 for Galileo2