Here is a possible source to replace the orange tube
The mysterious orange tube... what are the true dimensions? Why will Prusa not sell us any? Is this some kind of evil plot 😈 ? Who knows?
What I do know from simple experimentation is that it IS NOT 2mm/4mm tubing. To prove this to yourself, take a 2mm hex wrench and stick it in the orange tube. It fits with simple pinky pressure. Try to do the same with some 2mm ID tubing. It is super tight because the flats are 2mm but apex-to-apex it is more like 2.25mm. I confirmed this with three different brands of PTFE and PFA tubing.
So what is it? Well, if you are not from the US or any country with access to a McMaster-Carr, then maybe this is not great news, but I believe the tubing to be 3/32" - 5/32" tubing (translates to ~ 2.4mm/4mm). I found an awesome source for this tubing and it is almost completely clear so you can watch all those filament strings going down the tube on their way to jam your extruder. Oh the hours of fun!
The website is https://www.mcmaster.com/ and the part number is 52355K54. You can type the number into the search box to get to it.
This is FEP tubing. It is not suitable for use in a hotend, but the flexibility and slickness are virtually identical to the orange tube. With my eyes closed, I can not tell them apart by feel.
***Now the disclaimer - I just now installed this in my printer and apart from a few test loads and unloads, I have not tried it during a MM print. I'm currently running a single-color print now, without issue, of course. Buyer beware, etc, etc.
Cheers,
Brian
Re: Here is a possible source to replace the orange tube
According to my contacts, the orange tube is "high precision" 4 mm with ID of 2 mm.
The "high precision" refers to both dimension and concentricity.
I just use regular PTFE tubing (less precise, about 2.1mm ID) with a taper at the top end only.
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: Here is a possible source to replace the orange tube
According to my contacts, the orange tube is "high precision" 4 mm with ID of 2 mm.
The "high precision" refers to both dimension and concentricity.
I just use regular PTFE tubing (less precise, about 2.1mm ID) with a taper at the top end only.
Peter
Respectfully, I think your sources are wrong unless they changed the ID since I received my kit. At any rate, whatever the real dimensions, the one I picked out is a perfect match unlike any of the samples of 2/4 PTFE I have at my disposal.
Re: Here is a possible source to replace the orange tube
Respectfully, I think your sources are wrong
It's your choice to think whatever you want 😉
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: Here is a possible source to replace the orange tube
***Now the disclaimer - I just now installed this in my printer and apart from a few test loads and unloads, I have not tried it during a MM print. I'm currently running a single-color print now, without issue, of course. Buyer beware, etc, etc.
Update: I ran a PLA MM print through it without drama. I don't know why, but it is so satisfying being able to actually see the filament load and unload.
Re: Here is a possible source to replace the orange tube
I had a similar situation with MMUv1 tubes, preferred transparent to translucent!
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
Re: Here is a possible source to replace the orange tube
It's the same as the ORANGE tube? The orange mmu-to-extruder tube that came with my kit was more slick to both filament shoved down the tube and metal tools scraped along the outside. So much so I get the (false) impression it is softer and more flexible than the normal PTFE I've gotten elsewhere.
So, just to be clear, you mean it is more like the orange tubing and UNLIKE the normal white tubing? My regular PTFE and two kinds of capricorn have varying degrees of drag on filament.
I'm just curious your experience.
I maintain an informal list of San Diego, CA 3D printing enthusiasts. PM me for details. If you include a contact email and I can add you to the informal mailing list.
Re: Here is a possible source to replace the orange tube
COuldnt it be just Capricorn tube using a different color tint?
Re: Here is a possible source to replace the orange tube
COuldnt it be just Capricorn tube using a different color tint?
At a minimum, it could only be for one of them. They make two different tubes, rated at different temperatures, internal diameters and friction. The tighter one is more slippery which approximates the same drag but with less slop.
I maintain an informal list of San Diego, CA 3D printing enthusiasts. PM me for details. If you include a contact email and I can add you to the informal mailing list.
Re: Here is a possible source to replace the orange tube
It's the same as the ORANGE tube? The orange mmu-to-extruder tube that came with my kit was more slick to both filament shoved down the tube and metal tools scraped along the outside. So much so I get the (false) impression it is softer and more flexible than the normal PTFE I've gotten elsewhere.
So, just to be clear, you mean it is more like the orange tubing and UNLIKE the normal white tubing? My regular PTFE and two kinds of capricorn have varying degrees of drag on filament.
I'm just curious your experience.
Sorry for the tardy reply. Yes, it is exactly the same as the orange tube in bendability, slipperiness, and inner/outer diameters but it is almost totally clear. It is not PTFE.
Re: Here is a possible source to replace the orange tube
Thanks! I should really check it out - I CAN see through it, kinda, with a bright light, but it'd be better in clear and better an inch longer.
I maintain an informal list of San Diego, CA 3D printing enthusiasts. PM me for details. If you include a contact email and I can add you to the informal mailing list.
