A1 Mini without PTFE tube

Bambu Lab A1 Series Bambu Lab A1 mini
1

I’m getting my 1st A1 Mini next week and I’ve had a MDF enclosure (with lots of ventilation and removable front panel) built which allows me to mount the filament spools (using a spare Creality spool holder) above (and totally separate from) the printer.

My question is has anyone tried printing with the spool above the printer and without using the PTFE tube to guide the filament (since the spool will be above the printer there shouldn’t be any resistance to speak of, or any bends to go around) and is it even a good idea to trying something like this?

I’ve seen one video on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WULzJpFxEq0) and it seems to be working without issues.

Cheers

Paul

2

Theoretically, it should work.

However, the PTFE tube is there for more than a guide for the filament to follow.

It stops the contaminants like dust from getting into the print head.

I would consider using PTFE tubing for that alone. It also routes the filament safely if it inadvertently gets tagged as there is;t an opportunity in the first-place.

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3

It will work, if you had an AMS Lite it wouldn’t.

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4

I don’t believe there is an AMS of either type in the mix here.

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5

Hi All,

Many thanks for the replies - they are very much appreciated.

I’ve got a 3D printed filament guide that slots into the top of the enclosure with a 2.6mm diameter hole and there’s also a filament cleaner that sits above that - on my Ender 3V3KE’s this combo keeps out 99% of dust etc. (I use 3DQF filament that comes on cardboard spools).

Also, just to confirm there’s no AMS Lite in the mix.

Cheers

Paul

6

i would use a short piece of Ptfe tube to protect the plastic 4 way hub. The constant wear of the moving filament can even affect metal (see old ender 3 versions)

7

I know there was no AMS Lite, I added that for anyone else that reads this thread.

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8

Yep - I was thinking the same - just an inch or so should be enough.

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9

or you print a handle which can guide the filament from the top of the AI. that worked for me fine

10

I wouldn’t recommend it at all and artifacts on the print would be to be expected.

The PTFE tube’s main purpose is not guiding the filament but mechanically isolating the motion system from the filament roll / un- spooling forces and ‘ripping action’ on the filament when the x-axis moves around.

Imagine a break lever on a bike without a bowden tube and just a cable- steering action would pull the brake and vice versa - no good.

I would recommend to add a rigidly mounted fitting to the enclosure and an internal bowden tube that is long enough to cover the movement range on x/z with some slack - problem solved.

11

Sorry for the delay in replying as I only got round to setting my A1 mini up earlier this week and I’ve got to say that (personally) it’s the best 3D printed I’ve used in the last 12 months (when I started my 3D printer journey with a Creality Ender 3V3SE).

As for the PTFE tube, I’ve cut a 2" piece and placed that into the 4 way hub and so far everything’s working as expected and I’ve not had any issues with the filament and all my prints have turned out just fine.

Many thanks for all the advise given - it’s very much appreciated.

Cheers

Paul

12

The Jams hub gets deleted, replaces with a nice bit from Mworld

13

Should work, but if you’re on the edge, use it.

14

Just a quick update - the small piece of PTFE tube in the 4 way hub is still doing it’s job and I’ve also added another small piece inside my 3D printed filament guide and (touch wood and fingers crossed) everything is ticking along nicely with no issues either extruding the filament or with the actual prints.

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