Archival & Projection Film Reel for 8mm, 9.5mm and 16mm Film

Description

Due to the limited availability of new reels for small-gauge films, I designed my own reels intended for 3D printing. Original reels for 8mm, 9.5mm, and 16mm films are still available; however, they are typically older items made of metal or plastic with unknown composition and additives. As such, they may not be ideal for long-term storage of film materials. While “new” cores are available for 16mm and 35mm film, they are not commonly accessible for smaller formats and are not suitable for projection. The goal of this project was to create a reel suitable both for long-term film storage and for occasional projection. The design focuses on simplicity, film safety, good ventilation, and the absence of adhesives or other chemical bonding agents. The reel has a modular design and consists of three parts: two sidewalls a central screw (with a cutout specific to the film format) a central hub (with appropriate width depending on the film format) The screw is secured using PTFE tape. The sidewalls are universal for all formats, while the central components are adapted for 8mm, 9.5mm, and 16mm film. This system reduces the number of complete reels needed and improves storage efficiency. Ventilation channels are integrated into the sidewalls, allowing airflow along the entire length of the wound film while minimizing the contact area between the film and the reel. The edges of the sidewalls are rounded to ensure gentler contact with the film. The current version has a diameter of…