I replaced the PTFE tubes in my AMS Lite with a clear version so I could see filament location better. Not really sure why they use the dark grey PTFE which is really hard to see filament location. I also am finding it difficult to access the back Lite rolls without stretching the PTFE tubes. So, since I was replacing the PTFE I decided to cut it about 6 inches longer to give me a bit more room. Is this OK to do? I really didn’t think it should be a factor but after switching the PTFE tubes (and yes, using new clear 2.5mm ID tube) I’m having trouble getting good prints.
Nothing else has changed, same filament, same profiles but much worse results. Could the change in tube length be a factor? If not, any ideas on what might be the cause of the poor printing (A1)?
Hi
I don’t have an answer yet but I am running into the same problem as I am building an enclosure for my A1 and want to keep it connected to my AMS lite. But I did not consider the tube length to be a problem when I started the project. I will need to use longer tubes than the standard ones coming with the AMS lite. I will give you an update as soon as I tested my setup with the longer tubes. Do you made any progress so far concerning your situation?
I still have problems with the longer clear PTFE. My initial tests were just using the longer clear PTFE with the same extruder. And that didn’t always work perfectly. Maybe it’s the cheap AliExpress PTFE I used. It’s the same size as the Bambu PTFE. IMO it’s so much nicer with clear so you can easily see exactly where your filament is at all times. Really wish Bambu would switch to clear (or least sell it). They sell the grey & white but no clear. I haven’t cut a set of clear at the exact lengths as the Bambu PTFE just to see if the problems go away. That might be a good test. I should also try a different PTFE supplier to see if that makes a difference.
Just to make things more difficult for myself I decided to install the BIQU Panda Claw extruder gears to see if that would help. That may have helped a bit but still getting errors at times. Also added a refined AMS Lite PTFE Guide that mounts on top of the Hub Assembly on the print head. Again not my best choice since it’s hard to isolate the problem when I have so possible causes. My plan is to back everything off and go back to stock and re-teat making only 1 change at a time. I’m planning to post back here as I learn more.
One other thing regarding your A1 enclosure. Hopefully you’ve considered the fact that the A1 wasn’t designed to run in an enclosure. Unless you factor in some type of fan/cooling system the A1 processor board will have issues. Also, definitely check MakerWorld for others who have explored enclosing the A1. There was one that also had a print that allowed you to add PTFE ports to a side of the enclosure so you can feed the AMS Lite filament in. They listed some MakeLab parts for this There was a discussion in the comments about this PTFE length issue. I’ll try to find the link to that object and post so you can review.
I ordered original bambu PTFE tubes although they were labeled for A1 mini but this should only be relevant for their length and I anyway have to cut them.
I have to wait for all my parts to arrive till next month; as you mentioned I will adapt the idea with the bambu tube couplers as gates trough the enclosure wall but next to the 4 couplers for the AMS lite I am planning to get a 5th one for filament that is not AMS lite compatible (for example all glowing filaments which are so abrasive that they eat through your AMS parts). And I also have a cooling/filter system in mind as I am aware of the issue when enclosing an A1; but thanks for the reminder
