Creality K1 & K2 Series Top Spool Holder - Overhead TPU Mod

Creality K1 & K2 Series Top Spool Holder - Overhead TPU Mod

This direct overhead spool holder modification is engineered for the Creality K1 series (K1, K1C, K1 Max, K1 SE) and the K2 series (K2) to optimize the filament feed path for flexible filaments like TPU. By relocating the spool directly above the toolhead, this upgrade bypasses the restrictive stock rear spool holder and long Bowden tube setup. This vertical feeding system minimizes friction and tension, significantly reducing the risks of under-extrusion, feeding stalls, and filament tangling during high-speed printing.

The design features two identical, heavy-duty mounting arms that snap-fit directly onto the top aluminum frame profiles without requiring screws or modifications to the enclosure panels (see Creality top spool holder_3.jpg and Top spool holder_8.PNG ). The upper cradles are engineered with an optimized geometry and angle to securely clip and lock a 40mm PVC tube in place, preventing rotational displacement.

Customization: Models adapted for different PVC tube diameters can be generated upon request. Please leave a comment or send a direct message.

Each arm is split into two halves ( Top spool holder_6.PNG ) to allow printing completely flat on the build plate. This layout eliminates the need for support structures as shown in Impression Top spool holder.mp4 and Top spool holder_9.jpg , while ensuring that the continuous filament layers run parallel to the load stress, multiplying the mechanical strength of the parts. The internal indexing holes ( Top spool holder_7.PNG ) accept short segments of 1.75mm raw filament to act as alignment pins during the gluing process.

⚙ Slicer & Print Settings

- Filament: PETG, ABS, or ASA ( Creality PETG or any rigid structural material recommended for long-term structural integrity under the weight of a 1kg spool )

- Layer Height: 0.2 mm ( Standard / Optimal )

- Infill: 15% ( Gyroid, Grid, or Honeycomb pattern recommended for high torsional resistance )

- Supports: None / No supports required ( Ensure parts are oriented flat face down as illustrated in Top spool holder_9.jpg )

- Estimated Material & Time: ~163 grams of filament / ~5 hours and 48 minutes total print time ( based on profile metrics in Top spool holder_10.PNG )

🛠 Post-Processing & Assembly Instructions

- Pin Preparation: Cut four short pieces (approx. 5-8mm long) of standard 1.75mm structural filament for each arm to serve as internal dowel pins.

- Alignment & Gluing: Insert the filament pieces into the alignment holes located on the inner split face of one printed half ( Top spool holder_7.PNG ). Apply cyanoacrylate adhesive (Super Glue) across the entire mating surface, align it with the matching half, and press firmly together until cured.

- Frame Installation: Position the assembled arms on the left and right upper edges of the printer frame, then apply downwards pressure to snap the integrated slot interface onto the metal frame lip ( Creality top spool holder_3.jpg and Creality top spool holder_4.jpg ).

- Final Assembly: Slide a standard 40mm outer diameter PVC pipe (or any rigid alternative tubing cut to width) through the top cradles of both mounts until it securely clicks into the optimized holding angle ( Creality top spool holder_5.jpg and Creality top spool holder_2.jpg ). Place your filament spool onto the pipe for direct vertical extrusion ( Creality top spool holder_1.jpg ).