Build a clean physical filament swatch library with click-fit mini spools and a stackable rack.
Everything is designed to print fast, use very little material, and require zero supports. No AMS needed.

Why this model?

• Very low material usage (lightweight but sturdy)
• Fast prints (simple, optimized geometry)
• No supports needed (all parts)
• No AMS required (single-color prints, works on any FDM printer)
• Modular & expandable: stack more racks as your collection grows
• Optional IKEA SKÅDIS mount

How the mini spools work

You can create swatches in two ways:

• Real filament swatch: wind a short piece of filament around the mini spool and lock it using the built-in holes (start + end).
• Dummy filament insert (printed): if you don’t want to wind real filament, print the “dummy filament” and insert it into the mini spool for a clean swatch look.

The two spool halves can be slightly rotated to add tension. If you want a permanent hold, there’s a small access opening where you can add a tiny drop of glue.

Assembly

To assemble one rack:

• Glue the two rack bars into the rack side plates (left/right).
• Make sure the bars are fully seated before gluing.
• Once glued, the rack becomes rigid and ready to stack or mount.

Print Plates (3MF)

Plate 01 — Mini Spools x6
6 mini spools to start a set.

Plate 02 — Dummy Filament
Printed “dummy filament” insert(s) to simulate swatches without winding.

Plate 03 — 6-Spool Rack
Main rack parts for one 6-spool module.

Plate 04 — Joiners & End Caps
Top end cap, bottom end cap, and a connector to join/stack multiple racks.

Plate 05 — IKEA SKÅDIS Mount
Parts to mount the system onto an IKEA SKÅDIS board.

STL Pack (ZIP) + Mirrored parts

A ZIP is included with all parts as separate STL files.

Some parts are provided as a single left/right version to keep the file list minimal.
To get the opposite part: duplicate the model and use “Mirror” in your slicer.

Example : filament-swatch-mini-spool-rack-side.stl → print x2: 1 normal + 1 mirrored

Printing Recommendations

• Supports: None
• Layer height: 0.20 mm
• Material: PLA recommended (PETG also works, slightly more flexible)
• Walls: 2
• Infill: 15%

Feedback & support

I’m happy to improve this design — suggestions and ideas are welcome.
If you like it and it’s useful to you, a thumbs up / like or a small boost is always appreciated and helps a lot. 🙂