PTFE Bowden Tube Y Splitter by RobertW

RobertW

3D Printer>3D Printer Accessories

Print Profile(3)

All

A1 mini

P1S

P1P

X1 Carbon

X1E

0.16mm layer, 3 walls, 15% infill

Designer

1.3 h

1 plate

5.0(6)

Low layer height for threads, 0.16mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill

58 min

1 plate

4.1(31)

Quick print

48 min

1 plate

Boost

237

175

Released

Description

I created this PTFE bowden splitter for my Bambulab X1 printer so that I could use the AMS and single spools without disconnecting the AMS.

You will need three PC4-M10 connectors. Make sure you get ones where the PTFE tube goes all the way through the connector. These are the ones I used: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P2XRCC1

Update: I updated the geometry of the model, I added chamfers instead of fillets, and made it print in the vertical orientation. No support is needed, but a brim is probably required, this will depend on how much bed adhesion you have with your setup, but it is easy to remove so I would leave it on. The PTFE tubes slot further in the model, about 67mm, so there is a shorter path in the splitter where the filament is not in the tube. It will attach to the back of the Bambu X1C printer by removing the existing screw at the upper corner and using an M3x16mm screw instead.

The old files are still part of the model just in case anyone likes them better.

Comment & Rating (57)

@GrumpyAlison

Interior holes were too small for the filament and the bowden tubes were pretty hard to get into the holes and I physically couldn't push them down all the way with the fittings in (I tried using a wrench for leverage but crushed them a lil bit). Threads worked fine at .2mm layer height (pla). I kind of forget which file I actually used for these since there were so many, but I think it was one of the ones with a little bit of extra tolerance. I'd give it 3 stars for the tolerance issues, but have no idea how to actually rate anything on here XD Design seems solid othewise

(Edited)

The designer has replied

@RobertW

What orientation did you print this at? I designed it top print flat. I know if it is printed vertically the holes will be too small.

@smoothbassman

Print Profile

Low layer height for threads, 0.16mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill

Printed direct from app to printer and the filament holes are too small for the filament to pass thru.

@RobertW

Did you print this on end? It should be printed flat. I did not upload the profile that is attached to it. I will upload a correct one soon.

@Adherant

Print Profile

Low layer height for threads, 0.16mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill

some cleanup needed, might need to adjust the speeds

@ColossalFossil

The holes are too small even with the 0.1mm extra version. I am using the Bambu X1C using the default 0.16mm Optimal @BBL X1C profile printing on Bambu PLA basic. They are probably another 0.15mm too narrow. I brought the step file into Shapr3d and noticed that the inner section is only 1.9mm in the normal file and 2mm in the 0.1mm extra file. With PLA swell, is this enough room? Increasing it to 2.2mm shouldn't cause too much binding with TPU filaments.

The designer has replied

@RobertW

What orientation are you printing the splitter? I designed it to be printed flat. I noticed that the uploaded profile, not uploaded by me, has it on end, this will cause issues. I uploaded this before profiles were part of maker world. I have meant to upload a profile with it in the correct orientation, but I have not gotten around to doing it yet.

@ColossalFossil

Replying to @RobertW :

The file is imported printing flat. All of the step files seem to import into Bambu Studio on their flat side with screw hole entry facing upwards. I have tried printing 3 of the various files now and they all have the same result. They are dimensionally accurate. However, when you print something in PLA there will always be slight variance. This is similar to why if you have a 2-part print with a post that is 2mm, the hole it goes into should be slightly larger or it will not fit.

@RobertW

Replying to @ColossalFossil :

Have you calibrated your filament? I have printed a couple of these and they always work flawlessly for me. I have on on my printer right now and have never had a jam with 1000 hours of printing. Did you make sure supports are off? I have a new design when the PTFE tube goes farther down the splitter, I think would help, I just have not uploaded it yet.

@ochiburi

Print Profile

Low layer height for threads, 0.16mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill

did not pass filament well

(Edited)

The designer has replied

@Tridense

you are like my doctor

(Edited)

@ochiburi

At my age that's normal :D. However in fairness I now believe that the profile is not at fault, the problem seems to be the cheap connectors I used having sharp 90 degree edges to the internal holes. I used a drill bit to chamfer them and it works now.

(Edited)

@cyclerider

I am glad I am not the only one having issues. Holes are way too small. I am going to try a drill bit.

@risen

Print Profile

0.16mm layer, 3 walls, 15% infill

@slimeberto

Print Profile

Low layer height for threads, 0.16mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill

It printed fine and looks good but I could not get my filament to feed through it reliably.

The designer has replied

@Tridense

How do you suggest I improve the print profile to fix this?

@slimeberto

I’m unsure. this was the third print on my brand new P1S. so at this point I’m wondering if I need to tune it a bit more. basically the filament wouldn’t feed well on it’s on. if I was loading the external spool it would take me a bit if time to get it to feed properly. maybe a chamfer on the internal holes to help guide the filament?

@Whyplay

Print Profile

0.16mm layer, 3 walls, 15% infill

I printed 1 for each of my 3 P1S machines. They are very sturdy and I do not fear them coming apart any time soon. The screw in connectors went in easily.

The designer has replied

@RobertW

Thanks for the review, I am glad you like the model.

@estuardo.rome2

Print Profile

Low layer height for threads, 0.16mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill

The inner channels for the filament where not wide enough. Also the printing profile included supports and brim which seemed unnecessary.

The designer has replied

@Tridense

I can not change the width of the holes as the print profile author. Brim is needed to secure the printed piece