Any 3D printer needs to have an extruder to create any object. Among two different types of extruders like Direct and Bowden, PTFE tubing is used in 3D Printing with Bowden extrusion. PTFE tubing serves as a channel for pushing filament to the hot end for melting, which is then extruded and printed into 3D objects.

All You Need to Know About Why PTFE Tubing is Used in 3D Printing

PTFE tubing is an essential component of every Bowden 3D printer. It acts as a filament guide tube to take it to the hot end and extrude it. Due to its frictional properties, it leads to consistent and dependable performance.

Keep reading to learn about PTFE tubing and the reason why it is used in 3D Printing.

What is PTFE Tubing?

PTFE stands for Polytetrafluoroethylene. PTFE tubing is a semi-transparent, non-reactive, non-toxic material with unbeatable heat temperature resistance and a surface made for liquids the flow of fluids.

PTFE tubes are made to resist high temperatures, heavy chemicals, and high voltages. Thus, the PTFE tubes can be used to transfer water and other heavy substances, wire cabling, and inside heat exchanging systems.

 How 3D Printing Works

The 3D printing process divides an object into thousands of tiny thin strips, which are then constructed from the bottom up, slice by slice. Those little layers combine over one another to form a solid object. Without using any tools, you could print a complete bike, including handlebars, saddle, frame, wheels, brakes, pedals, and chain. It is all about leaving gaps in the appropriate places.

Usage of PTFE Tubing in 3D Printing

PTFE is a widely used component in filament-based 3D printers known as Bowden. Bowden-style 3D printers require the use of PTFE tubes to ensure the extruder can efficiently and adequately push the filament. The PTFE tube guides the filament to the extruder and hot end.

PTFE has low coefficient of friction and high tight tolerance, which increases the effectiveness of 3D Printing. As a result, the filament loading and transfer are simple, and the actual Printing is excellent. The low coefficient of friction ensures the filament is fed to the hot end at a steady rate with minimum pull force.

Advantages of PTFE Tubing in 3D Printing

PTFE tubes increase the printing quality of your 3D models. Here are two advantages of using PTFE tubing in Bowden 3D printers.

A) Higher Speed: Bowden PTFE tubes put less strain on the axis motors because the weight of the stepper motor is excluded. This means that less force and torque are required to achieve a high speed.

B) Higher Accuracy: Because Bowden extruders are lighter, 3D printers can move with less needed acceleration. As a result, they can achieve more precise movement, resulting in fewer inconsistencies in layers.

Advanced Fluro is a superior PTFE tubing manufacturer in India. Advanced Fluro is backed by experienced management looking after customer service and consistent quality improvement of products. Contact Advanced Fluro to know more about PTFE tubing and for world-class PTFE products.

FAQs

What is PTFE tubing used for?

PTFE tubing is most used in laboratories that require chemical resistance and purity.  They are used in bearings, gears, side plates, seals, and more. PTFE has a very low coefficient of friction, making them highly reliable.

Where to buy PTFE tubing?

Advanced Fluro Tubes is a world-class manufacturer and supplier of PTFE tubes and hoses in Mumbai, India. You can buy them at any PTFE tubing manufacturer online. Contact AF Tubes for all types of PTFE products.

How does temperature affect PTFE tubing?

Temperature does affect PTFE tubing in most cases. PTFE is insoluble even with temperatures up to about 300°C. However, certain highly fluorinated oils at 300°C have a dissolving effect on PTFE.