What's that piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover for?
 
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What's that piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover for?  

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aleksandar.m3
(@aleksandar-m3)
Active Member
What's that piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover for?

There's a short piece of PTFE tube on the inside of the cover of filament sensor, extending some 3 or 4mm past the bottom of the cover; I attached the photo of it (in case I used wrong words to describe things). What is it for? Is it critical to have it in there?

I'm asking because I want to replace cover with a custom made one that has PC4-M6 coupling screwed into it for attaching PTFE tube (that goes from dry box to the printer). This one (the version with PC4-M6 coupling, not the version with plastic screw). But in this case, there won't be any tube extending below the cover. It looks like this should just work, but better to ask if there's a reason for that short piece of PTFE tube on the underside of the original cover, and/or what if any problems I can have if it's not there (however, there will be PC4-M6 coupling on top of the cover, ensuring filament feeds straight down).

Posted : 07/11/2021 6:21 pm
Neophyl
(@neophyl)
Illustrious Member
RE:

it just guides the filament closer to the sensor and stops it hitting the sides when loading new filament.  I suppose it also acts to make sure the filament doesnt rub on the plastic and stops any abrasion of the cover over time too.

Posted : 07/11/2021 7:43 pm
FoxRun3D
(@foxrun3d)
Famed Member
RE: What's that piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover for?

I wouldn't want to run my machines without the PTFE tubes. 

For a reverse Bowden setup like you described, also check out https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4970083.

While originally designed to connect the Palette 3, it's perfectly suited for screwing in a PC4 adaptor and creating a reverse Bowden system. The small PTFE tube stays in place.

Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...

Posted : 08/11/2021 12:11 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
RE: What's that piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover for?

Your link does not work.  I think you added a period: 

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4970083

Posted by: @fuchsr

I wouldn't want to run my machines without the PTFE tubes. 

For a reverse Bowden setup like you described, also check out https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4970083.

While originally designed to connect the Palette 3, it's perfectly suited for screwing in a PC4 adaptor and creating a reverse Bowden system. The small PTFE tube stays in place.

 

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 08/11/2021 12:37 am
Dan Rogers
(@dan-rogers)
Noble Member
What printer has that?

I've got an MK3S and an MK3S+ that I assembled - neither one of them has this little piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover - I remove it regularly on both printers.  Is this a picture from a different build?

Posted : 09/11/2021 8:01 am
FoxRun3D
(@foxrun3d)
Famed Member
RE: What's that piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover for?

Dan,

I was under the impression the OP was talking about the small PTFE tube in the top of the heatsink but now reading the post again, I might have been mistaken?! 

Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...

Posted : 09/11/2021 10:49 am
Neophyl
(@neophyl)
Illustrious Member
RE: What's that piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover for?

https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/5-e-axis-assembly-textile-sleeve_71288#79664   

Posted : 09/11/2021 10:58 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
RE: What's that piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover for?

 

Posted by: @dan-rogers

I've got an MK3S and an MK3S+ that I assembled - neither one of them has this little piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover - I remove it regularly on both printers.  Is this a picture from a different build?

The Mk3 was the last printer to use it.  I am nearly 100% sure it was dropped with the Mk3S and the Mk3S+ continued that.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 09/11/2021 11:12 am
FoxRun3D
(@foxrun3d)
Famed Member
RE: What's that piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover for?

That makes sense. I didn't realize we're talking Mk3 here.

Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...

Posted : 09/11/2021 11:17 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
RE: What's that piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover for?

Me either.  I had to research it.  

Posted by: @fuchsr

That makes sense. I didn't realize we're talking Mk3 here.

 

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 09/11/2021 11:44 am
Dan Rogers
(@dan-rogers)
Noble Member
RE: What's that piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover for?

Good to know.  I've got a MK3 coming - will need to plan it's upgrades 

Posted : 09/11/2021 2:19 pm
aleksandar.m3
(@aleksandar-m3)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: What's that piece of PTFE tube in the filament sensor cover for?

Sorry for not specifying exact printer model. For some reason I assumed the newer models also have this tube inside the cover. Yes, this is filament sensor cover on Mk3. I didn't know Mk3S and Mk3S+ don't have this tube.

Were there any changes on the inside of the sensor housing on newer models that eliminated the need for the tube? Or was it something that later proved not needed (and I can also run plain old Mk3 without it too)?

Posted : 09/11/2021 4:15 pm
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