What is the task of a PTFE tube with a 3d printer

With a 3d printer, the filament is supplied for printing. The filament is on a roll so that it can easily unwind, so that the 3d printer can easily take up the filament side. The filament extends from the reel through a PTFE hose to the print head. The PTFE tube ensures that the filament does not encounter obstacles on the way, is guided in the right direction, and is not damaged or loses its shape on the way to the 3d printhead. After all, you want to be able to supply a good quality filament to the 3d printhead. The task of the PTFE tube for 3d printer is therefore very important.

What are the properties of a PTFE tube

The PTFE tube has many remarkable properties. This makes it resistant to heat but also cold. The temperature range is in fact between minus 190 degrees Celsius and 327 degrees above zero. In a 3d printer, the PTFE tube will therefore not be affected by the higher working temperatures because this falls well within the margins.

The properties of PTFE are also that it is a very flexible material. This makes it very long lasting. Especially in a 3d printer, where the tube is constantly moving, PTFE offers additional benefits.

When to replace the filament tube on a 3d printer

If your filament gets stuck or gets stuck in the filament tube or PTFE tube, the 3d printer PTFE tube must be replaced. The print result will be affected by the broken tube. That would of course be a shame because in some cases you can start printing all over again. Some people even think that the 3d printer may suffer damage if the filament gets stuck in the tube. The printer wants to take up the filament, which is not possible, and this can lead to damage consequences such as defects. Preventive replacing your PTFE tube for 3d printer is definitely recommended.

How to replace the 3d printer PTFE tube

Replacing the PTFE tube with a 3d printer is quite easy. The filament hose is attached to both sides with a coupling. With an open-ended spanner you can loosen the coupling counterclockwise. When the coupling is loose, pull the whole apart. You do this on both sides.

Then measure the length of the filament tube and replace it with the same length. With many old snakes you can see an imprint in the hose. This also indicates how far the tube must be fed through the coupling. If you keep the same lengths, the 3d print head has all freedom of movement.