Problems with the PC5 tube fittings on the nextruder
I have the black push to release PTFE tube fittings on my XLT5. The tubes will not release without applying an extraordinary amount of force on the black plastic fittings. I have to use a wrench around the tube and press down on the fitting with at least 4 KG of force in order to release the tube from the fitting. I asked PRUSA for support and they sent me an identical set of fittings that requires the same amount of force be applied to release the tube. It is impossible to release the tube with finger force as in the video they directed me to.
When I replied to Jaun D. Escobar that the newly supplied fitting have the same problem requiring excessive 4kg force he replied:
Hi Gerard,
This type of failure had never occurred before, but to be sure that you hadn’t received faulty fittings, we sent you the replacements that you’ve already received.
Now, for the same issue to happen with the replacements you received is not possible.
Please check the method you're using to release the PTFE tubes, as shown in the videos we sent during the Live Chat sessions.
Alternatively, you can ask someone with a lot of experience with these fittings for assistance in releasing the tubes together to ensure they function properly.
Best regards—
Juan D. Escobar
Customer SupportPRUSA Research
Juan then closed the case and ignored any of my replies on issue 1732992787.
I have been dealing with this type of fitting for over 5 years on my other printers. I showed Juan I was familiar with the use of the fittings on my heavily modified Zonestar.
Is there anybody in San Francisco that PRUSA will believe with a lot of experience with these fittings that it is possible that these fittings are faulty? I can bring the fitting over to you and you can explain to PRUSA that there is a problem. Apparently according to PRUSA support someone like me with over 6 years of 3d printing experience, 8 years of commercial HVAC repair experience and builder of my own 250mph aircraft is not qualified enough to remove a tube from a fitting.
Gerard Cerchio
RE: Problems with the PC5 tube fittings on the nextruder
@gjpc I would like to know when they started using the black couplers. I only have the Festo brand (blue) and have had no problems with them. I would like to do some sort of comparison. I have had couplers in the past that were impossible to release, but my hope is Prusa is using a more quality part. I would like to do more investigation on this. Being able to release these is a critical part of the day to day use of the machine.
RE:
No problems with mine. I disconnect them all the time as I've bypassed the side sensor, so I have to disconnect them every time the filament runs out.
I don't know what you've got going on, but it does seem odd that 2 sets off fittings would be bad. If you have difficulty pushing the release, try pushing the ptfe tube into the fitting while pressing the release down. If you try to pull on the tube before the fitting is pressed in completely it will lock up like a Chinese finger trap.
RE:
Honorable Brian,
I have been working with these fitting for over 5 years, I know how to escape the Chinese finger trap.
The downward pressure to get the tube to release is over 40KG
Do your fittings have blue or black plastic?
RE: Problems with the PC5 tube fittings on the nextruder
Blue
RE: Problems with the PC5 tube fittings on the nextruder
reportedly the blue fittings work perfectly, at least some of the black fittings have a problem. All 5 on my printer and all 5 of the replacement set sent to me by PRUSA
RE: Problems with the PC5 tube fittings on the nextruder
I've bought black ones on Amazon for other things and they work good.
Maybe try these?
RE: Problems with the PC5 tube fittings on the nextruder
Thanks Brian. Being that my printer is still in warranty I am hoping that PRUSA will recognize they have a supply problem, ECO the faulty part and provide me with the corrected fitting free of charge. I have a few 5mm blues around, but I am not willing to drill and tap my nextruders. Uxcell is a good brand and if push comes to shove I shall replace mine with your find. But currently I am more interested in having PRUSA admit they have a problem not only with the part but with a very rude support person named Juan Escobar.