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PTFE Feel of Resistence when inserting filament  

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Jesse Riley
(@jesse-riley)
New Member
PTFE Feel of Resistence when inserting filament

Hi everyone. Thanks in advance for your time and help! You forum regulars are incredible!

I have a MK3s with about 800 issue free print hours. Lately I've been getting a lot of partial clogs and under extrusion. 

 

My question is about what inserting filament should feel like, how much resistence should one feel when inserting it. I m thinking maybe my PTFE tube might be partially clogged with dust or debris. I'm just trying to rule

things out. I've been lurking a lot and have read all the great posts here about heat creep and partial clogging. Happy to start a new topic once I rule this out. Thank you all!

Posted : 14/07/2020 9:01 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: PTFE Feel of Resistence when inserting filament

PTFE tube does age, and can be worn and damaged in use. 
It's dead cheap, easily available and relatively easy to install, so why not replace it, and see it that cures your issue? 

I would suggest that you order some heatsink paste at the same time as you order your replacement PTFE. 
Pre cut PTFE is available from Prusa, but I would only buy off prusa if I were already buying something else, because the delivery costs will probably be prohibitive otherwise... 

https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/how-to-trim-ptfe-tube-original-prusa-i3-printers_22424

https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/how-to-replace-ptfe-tube-on-the-mk3s-mk2-5s-mmu2s_21664

the knowledge base accounts above may help you
the prusa PTFE is 1.85mm internal diameter, 
Some folk use Capricorn 
there are two types of Capricorn, light blue is 2mm Internal Diameter, Dark Blue capricorn XS, is 1.95mm internal diameter, and this is the version you woul prefer for your hot end... is 
there is Chinese capricorn, and real capricorn...     Your choice... 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Capricorn-Bowden-PTFE-Tubing-XS-Series-1-2-M-Teflon-Tube-with-1-piece-1/303612201649?hash=item46b0b28ab1:g:SiMAAOSwqQZfB3~w

I have the real capricorn... 

there are trimming jigs on thingiverse and Yeggi... 

regards Joan

regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 14/07/2020 9:40 pm
Jesse Riley
(@jesse-riley)
New Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: PTFE Feel of Resistence when inserting filament

Thanks Joan, you are an amazing human being, YouroYour helpful posts are everywhere here! I must have read your mind, because I ordered a couple pre cut PTFE tubes last week along with some other goodies. I have been thinking about swapping out the heartbreak for a Copperhead which I also have ready to put in, I'm just hesitant to install it being relatively new to 3d printing and not wanting to use non prusa parts. I have read some people seem to think the heat break's 0.2 shift in diameter causes issues with retractions in long prints which is what I've been doing. Another reason I'd rather not change the heat break is Occam's razor: if it's the simplest problem I'd rather fix that first.

Posted : 14/07/2020 9:52 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: PTFE Feel of Resistence when inserting filament

Oh, and some folk like to use a collet clip under the Black Ring, when re assembling

https://e3d-online.com/products/collet-clips-pack-of-2

https://e3d-online.com/products/capricorn-bowden-tubing-100mm?_pos=1&_sid=4673673af&_ss=r

you may wish to get a spare heater and thermistor, just in case...

You may wish to replace your nozzle with a new one...   options include  Brass, Ruby, Titanium, Hardened steel, Nozzle X, and other exotic nozzles with special coatings, and twin smaller holes to improve filament flow.... 

or you Could consider a 'Dragon hot end (Either standard flow or hight flow)', these are drop in replacements for the e3Dv6, but the PTFE length is different... 

then if you have more money to throw at it, you could go Mosquito hot end and Bondtech extruder, but this brings you into the arena of custom firmware...

 have fun... 
regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 14/07/2020 9:52 pm
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