SpoolEase is a smart add-on system for Bambulab 3D printers that brings intelligence and control to every filament spool. It lets you encode and read NFC tags on spools, enabling automatic printer configuration, accurate weight tracking, and full inventory management — keeping your spools organized, your printers ready, and your workflow seamless with both AMS and external spools.
It includes two products:
- SpoolEase Console – The main hub with display, handling NFC tag encoding, inventory tracking, printer setup, and AMS filament status.
ℹ️ SpoolEase Console works independently and does not require SpoolEase Scale. - SpoolEase Scale – Measures spool weight and feeds data to the Console.
ℹ️ SpoolEase Scale depends on SpoolEase Console to operate.
And most importantly, even though it’s an open-source project, it’s easy to build and surprisingly simple to set up!
Notice: This is a new project currently in its early stages. While it has been installed by many happy users, new users should be aware that there are no warranties, liabilities, or guarantees, and they assume all risks involved.
- For questions, feedback, comments, etc. please use the repo discussions area
- For getting notified on important updates, subscribe to the Announcements Discussion
- If you want to try your luck with immediate online response, try the Discord Server
- It would be real cool if you post your build in the Introduce Your Build Discussion
I’d also greatly appreciate it if you could star SpoolEase GitHub repo.
Bambulab has released firmware update that restrict certain MQTT communications while the printer is in "Cloud Connected" mode. However, these messages will remain accessible in "LAN Only" mode with a new Developer Mode they plan to introduce.
Some of the functionality of this project (filament configuration) relies on these MQTT messages for setting filament information on the printer (which is a primary feature). Encoding tags, scanning them, viewing them on your mobile phone, visibility into AMS filaments, weighting and inventory management should work without an issue though.
To continue using this project at its fullest, you have two options:
- Do not update your firmware – This will allow the project to work in Cloud Connected mode.
- Update your firmware – You must then switch to LAN Only mode and enable Developer Mode.
- Limited functionality - You can use SpoolEase without setting printer filament information, and enjoy inventory management, spool weight in such case.
This project (including hardware designs, software, and case files) is freely available for you to build and use for any purpose, including within commercial environments. However, you may not profit from redistributing or commercializing the project itself. Specifically prohibited activities include:
- Selling assembled devices based on this project
- Selling kits or components packaged for this project
- Charging for the software or hardware designs
- Selling modified versions or derivatives
- Integrating the product, with or without modifications, into a commercial server offering, whether cloud-based or on-premise
- Offering paid installation, configuration, or support services specific to this project
To be clear: You CAN use this device in your business operations, even if those operations generate revenue. You CANNOT make money by selling, distributing, or providing services specifically related to this project or its components.
If you're interested in commercial licensing, redistribution rights, or other activities not permitted under these terms, please contact SpoolEase at gmail dot com for potential partnership opportunities.
- WT32-SC01 Plus
Important: make sure to pick the board and not accessories - 7 wire cable with JST 1.25mm connector
I received one in the box together with WT32-SC01-Plus - PN532 NFC reader module
Important: make sure to pick the module and not accessories - 8-wire cable with JST 1.25mm connector
Optional but recommended in case of cable fault/soldering/different WT32-SC01 Plus packaging, instead of the 7-wire that's supposed to come with the WT32-SC01 Plus (make sure to pick the 1.25mm connector size and 8 pins) - Power adapter capable of 2A current at 5V + USBC Cable (don't use the USB port on the printer!)
- 3D Model of SpoolEase case
- 4x M2x10 screws to securely hold the display in place (not mandatory)
- NFC Tags (Ntag215) – Available in different types and qualities, including paper and PET stickers, typically round with a 25mm diameter. It’s recommended to test a few before purchasing in bulk. If using a dryer, ensure the adhesive is durable enough or choose a mounting method that prevents the stickers from falling off.
- Soldering tools
- microSD Card – (Optional for now, but highly recommended) – FAT-formatted (classic 8.3 filenames; can be formatted directly on Bambulab printers)
For components sourcing from Amazon EU/US, check out this discussion.
- ESP32-S3-DevKit N16R8 board
Important: Select the ESP32-S3 N16R8 welded version. This specific model is required due to its memory configuration—other variants will not work. The welded version avoids difficult pin soldering, making assembly easier. The 3D case was also designed around this board’s exact dimensions and component layout, including button and LED placement.
If you’re sourcing the board from a different supplier, double-check that it’s the exact same version. Look closely at the physical layout, available pins, and component positions—similar-looking DevKits exist, but may not be compatible. - HX711 AD Module + LoadCell
Select a LoadCell based on the heaviest spool you plan to measure. Typical 1kg spools usually weigh around 1.25kg. Choose a 2-5kg capacity load cell for optimal accuracy. SpoolEase Scale has been tested with 2kg and 3kg load cells. - Dupont Wire Cable
These wires connect the the ESP32-S3 to the HX711 and optionally to the PN532 module.- HX711 connection: 10cm length is sufficient (4 wires required)
- PN532 connection: 20cm length recommended (7 wires required)
(Optional, if you want the extra PN532 scanning point and future functionality, see below PN532) - At least one side must be Female to connect to the ESP32-S3 pins
- The other end depends on your preferred connection method:
- Solder connectors to the boards (requires Female wire ends)
- Solder Dupont Male pins to the boards
- Direct soldering (wire end type irrelevant as it will be cut)
- 2x M5x30 Socket head screws
- 2x M4x30 Socket head screws
- Power adapter capable of 1A current at 5V + USBC Cable (don't use the USB port on the printer!)
- Printed 3D Model for the SpoolEase Scale case
While printing the model, feel free to boost it, and Star the GitHub Repo. Thanks! - Optional: PN532 NFC reader module (ensure you select the module, not accessories)
Currently serves as an extra tag scanning point. Future features may utilize this scanning point differently than the main SpoolEase console.
SpoolScale uses the following sources for it's Spools Catalog:
- Scuk's "Empty Spool Weight Catalog": https://www.printables.com/model/464663-empty-spool-weight-catalog
- https://www.onlyspoolz.com/portfolio/
This software is licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0 with Commons Clause - see LICENSE.md.
- ✅ Free for use
- ❌ Cannot be sold, offered as a service, or used for consulting, see LICENSE.md for more details
- 📧 For commercial licensing inquiries about restricted uses, contact: SpoolEase at Gmail dot Com
Unless you explicitly state otherwise, any contribution intentionally submitted for inclusion in the work by you, shall be licensed as above, without any additional terms or conditions.
