Spool Weight Tracking
Spool Weight Tracking represents a core capability within SpoolEase.
To achieve optimal weight tracking accuracy, SpoolEase utilizes two complementary approaches for determining spool weight:
- Measuring spool weight directly using the SpoolEase scale
- Tracking print progress and computing filament consumption based on printer activity
Each approach offers distinct advantages and limitations, and their combined use provides continuous, reliable visibility into spool weight status, including as it is used and when inside AMS.
Beyond these measurement techniques, SpoolEase supports additional configuration parameters that enable automatic calculation of remaining filament quantity. These parameters include Empty Weight, Label Weight, and Full Weight.
Based on the available input data, SpoolEase applies various calculation methods to determine the Net Weight whenever possible.
The Full Weight can be captured when a spool is new and unused, either during tag linking or subsequently through the "Advance Weight" option in the staging operations menu.
Additional parameters can be specified when entering spool details in the inventory application.
Scale-Based Weighing
This method provides the most accurate determination of spool weight. Its primary limitation is that it requires an additional manual step. SpoolEase addresses this by streamlining the weighing process as much as possible.
Weight measurement occurs when spool tag is scanned and its information is loaded into the staging area. The weighting process involves placing the spool on the scale and pressing the scale button to capture the measurement.
To further simplify this workflow, SpoolEase automatically loads spool information into the staging area when a spool is removed from the AMS. This timing is ideal for weight measurement, ensuring accurate weight data is available for the next use. The complete workflow consists of removing a spool from the AMS after printing completes, placing it on the scale, and pressing the scale button once the weight reading stabilizes.
Weight information is immediately synchronized with the inventory system.
Weight Calculation During Printing
While scale-based weighing delivers accuracy and simplicity, it cannot be performed when a spool is actively in use within the AMS or loaded into the external feed. Spools frequently remain in the AMS across multiple print jobs, making continuous weight tracking essential.
To address this requirement, SpoolEase monitors active print jobs and calculates consumed weight as printing progresses through each layer and color change, automatically decreasing the recorded spool weight. This calculation represents an estimate, albeit a reliable one, as it depends on the filament density parameter specified in filament settings. This value can vary between filaments, and in practice, users rarely adjust it. However, filaments of a given type have sufficiently similar densities to make this approach accurate enough for practical applications.
The limitation of relying exclusively on this method is that it cannot account for filament breaks, jams within the AMS, manual cutting, or other disruptions. Additionally, certain printer operations, such as pre-print calibration routines, are not reported and therefore not included in consumption calculations.
The advantage of this approach is the ability to monitor remaining filament in real-time as the printer consumes it, with visibility both in the inventory system and through spool information displayed when selecting a slot in the console.
Spool Weight Glossary
Label Weight
The weight printed on the spool's label, typically indicating the nominal filament weight without including the spool itself.
Empty Weight
The weight of the spool alone, without any filament. Useful for calculating remaining filament.
Full Weight
The total weight of the spool when it is full of filament, including the spool itself.
Gross Weight
The current combined weight of the spool and filament, as measured on the scale.
Used Weight
The amount of filament that has been used from the spool so far, either through printing or removed/broken/cut in any way.
Net Weight
The weight of the filament alone, excluding the spool. Calculated as Gross Weight minus Empty Weight.
Printed Since Added
The amount of filament used for printing since the spool was first added to the inventory, tracked via printer activity.
Printed Since Weighted
The amount of filament used for printing since the last time the spool was weighed on the scale.
Consumed Since Load (to AMS)
The amount of filament used since the spool was loaded into the AMS (Automatic Material System).