Filament hub --> PTFE tube always loose!

Bambu Lab A1 Series Bambu Lab A1 mini
1

Is it normal for my PTFE tube to be permanently loose when inserted into the filament hub?

unlike this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00G0egBlSQM,

no matter how hard i shove the PTFE tube, it always is loose. Its like there’s nothing “grabbing” it to provide friction.

I can just pull it out very easily.

I tried pushing the black cap down WHILE pushing PTFE tube in, no difference. It is still loose.

Am i looking at this wrongly?

3 Likes
2

All PTFE tubes should be tight and it should not be possible for you to move the PTFE tube in the socket and certainly not remove it entirely without adding force to the PTFE clip which is designed to keep the tube in place.

You do not need to push the cap down whilst inserting.

The process is this:

  • Push the tube into the socket through the clip until it goes no further
  • That action should have engaged the clip automatically
  • You should not now be able to remove the tube without adding force to the clip-

If you are having problems doing this with the A1 or A1 mini at the printer end - there is an issue.

I require a tool I printed to remove mine and one of them requires twice the force of the others.

  • Do all four sockets have the same issue?
  • Assuming you have an AMS lite, do both ends of each of the four PTFE tubes (8 total tests) per 4 holes on the printer (32 total tests) have the same issue?
  • In reverse, does the same thing happen with the AMS lite sockets (another 32 tests)?
  • Does the external spool PTFE tube have the same issue at both ends in each of the sockets (8 total tests)?
3

Thanks for the reply!

Could you kindly take a look at this video, i’ve shown the issue at hand:

In the video above, for all 4 holes i am indeed pushing down hard (can’t quite see but im pushing pretty hard), and each time it doesnt “lock” on to the ptfe tube.

Am I doing something wrongly?

  • Do all four sockets have the same issue?
    YES
  • Assuming you have an AMS lite, do both ends of each of the four PTFE tubes (8 total tests) per 4 holes on the printer (32 total tests) have the same issue?
    NO AMS LITE INVOLVED
  • In reverse, does the same thing happen with the AMS lite sockets (another 32 tests)?
    NO AMS LITE INVOLVED
  • Does the external spool PTFE tube have the same issue at both ends in each of the sockets (8 total tests)? External spool DOES NOT have this problem. The ptfe locks in place there, unless i depress the black tab.
4

Replace the AMS filament hub. If this is a new printer, create a BL ticket for a replacement hub under warranty. Or just buy one. They’re $6.

5

I can lift my A1 mini printer using an inserted PTFE tube just by the friction.

I recommend you create a support ticket or use the webchat to report the issue and provide the YouTube video.

You have a clear issue and this is not working as designed.

If the PTFE tubes connect correctly to the external spool connector then you have ruled out the PTFE tubes, it must be the AMS lite filament hub.

Hopefully, they will send a new one if the printer is new. If not, the part is not expensive and should be easy to replace.

1 Like
6

thank you everyone !! I’ll send in a support request.

7

My tube retainers need to be pushed in when I push in the tube itself. Or at least it worked well that way and superstitions took over.

8

I do not know if this is a coincidence or as a result of your support ticket, but, Bambu just released a video 35 minutes ago showing how to fix the issue.

Have you fixed your issue yet?

6 Likes
9

just saw this! will try it later today… i think this is very likely the problem

10

confirmed this fixed the problem.

I guess this current batch may have this issue.

I may have over flattened it now, as i’m having issues getting the PTFE out now :stuck_out_tongue:

11

Had the same issue, was able to fix it using same method - although, popping the top off the adapter was wayyyy more difficult than the video made it look.

12

yup i dented some of the plastic trying to pry mine open… but purely cosmetic so no issues

13

Had the same problem on two of the four ports on my brand new machine. I tried the “fix” and now none of the ports work. Opened a support ticket but no word yet. I did buy a replacement hub and can confirm the part isn’t expensive, however with shipping and tax it’s more like $14. I’m certainly annoyed that it’s a known problem happening with a brand new machine and the company isn’t being pro-active about with new owners. Hopefully the new hub won’t have the issue and maybe I’ll have a backup if the support ticket works. Not a great feeling to have this be my first experience with Bambu.

14

i would use a soft rubber glue that is not fully curing to fix it in place.

15

Thanks for this. It solved my problem, which was the same as what people are experiencing here.

But, caveat emptor, the devil’s in the details. The video doesn’t point out that there’s a lot of detail here which, if one doesn’t carefully note, getting this done is challenging.

These parts come apart pretty easily, but they only go back together one way, and if you don’t watch how they fit taking them apart, getting them back together can be frustrating.

Word to the wise: Pay attention, as I didn’t. :wink:

1 Like
16

I had this same issue with the number two tube popping out. I tried following the video instructions and it didn’t work out for two reasons.

  1. While trying to pop the top plate out, I cracked the housing. I think I tried to pop it out on the wrong side.
  2. I tried to flatten the metal holding plate a little and I must have overdone it. The filament tubes won’t go back in.

So, I wound up ordering a replacement part…along with a few more rolls of filament to get free shipping. Bummer though since I got my A1 Mini a few days ago.

IMG_5988
IMG_59881819×1819 420 KB

17

I have an issue with the spool holder and the filament getting tangled up sometimes.
How can I fix/avoid this?

18

Update: I found the problem. Incorrect reassembly. After disassembling for the 3rd time and getting the parts aligned properly the filament tubes slide in and hold well. We will see how it long it lasts. At least I will have a backup one from my order.

19

@Peleke Are you using the AMS or spool holder on the back of the A1 Mini? If you can share a picture of how your filament is routed, that might be helpful.

20

I use the spool holder of the A1 Mini. I don’t have the permission yet to upload a picture.