🌀 Design Concept

This 3D model is a large PET bottle spool, made to hold and dispense PET strips when I run my extruder (which is currently still in the build phase). In the meantime, PET bottles have been piling up—so I wanted a way to cut and store the strips to save space.

The original plan was to reuse old spools and stack four reels of PET strips on them. But halfway through, I pivoted to a single-reel design. Why? I spotted an old reel-to-reel tape machine at a car boot sale and remembered the golden rule: Keep it simple, stupid! 😄

This spool can also double as a handy way to store PET strips for DIY projects or gardening.

🎯 Purpose

The spool is designed to hold 7mm strips cut from PET bottles—ready for pultrusion or just tidying up your workspace.

🖨️ Printing Advice

The model is designed for easy printing—no supports, no multi-part assembly required!

🛠️ Assembly Instructions

The reel comes in two parts: a top and bottom.

Just add two blobs of super glue, and you're good to go!

If you do want to modify old spools instead, just slice the model in half in your slicer software and glue it around the reel.

⚙️ What’s Next?

I’m working on a version that will let you pop a screwdriver bit into the center, so you can use an electric screwdriver to wind the strips automatically.

If you like this design, please consider giving it a like, following me for more, and leaving a comment with any ideas, feedback, or suggestions for improvements — I’d love to hear from you! If you’ve made one yourself, it would mean a lot if you could post a make with a photo — it’s always amazing to see how these designs are used in real life, and it helps others get inspired too. Let’s keep making useful, inclusive tools together!

Large Spool for PET bottle strip / recycling

0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill