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?
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
I was thinking of that, but wanted to make sure it works good. I am planning on a few mods that require being right above the print head for best quality and minimal wastage
There you go, reverse bowden tubes are an inherent negative from friction. it only exists on an A1 for the AMS intergration. Its on a P1 because the lid requires a tight 90deg bend.
How long does it need to be? I’m in the middle of printing a basic 2 spool holder. If it’s good enough I’ll do another soni can have 4 connected. I’d like enough tube to allow me to leave it fed in. Is 4-6 inches enough you think? Or maybe too much.
This topic is relevant in cases like mine, were the PTFE tube is missing from the package and Bambulab customer service won’t do anything about it in a month…