Bowden Tube of a 3D Printer: What You Need to Know

In the past decade, 3D printing has emerged as a widely used technique for creating almost anything.  Among the various components that make up a 3D printer, the Fluorotherm Bowden tube is crucial since it transports the plastic to the print head. But what is a Bowden tube, and what does it do?

A Bowden tube is a crucial piece of piping that connects the motor to the print head. In 3D printers, it is required for Bowden extruders, which are used when a direct drive extruder is not available. In this article, we’ll break down the Bowden tube, explore its pros and cons, and help you decide whether an upgrade is right for you.

What Exactly is a Bowden Tube?

If you’re delving into the world of 3D printing, you’ve likely encountered the term “Bowden tube.” It might sound like a technical component, but understanding its role and significance can greatly enhance your printing experience.

Imagine the intricate dance that takes place within a 3D printer: filament being fed into the hot end, layers of material meticulously building your design. At the heart of this process is the Bowden tube. This unassuming yet essential component serves as the filament highway, transporting the material from the feeder motor to the extruder.

In simpler terms, the Bowden tube is like the lifeline connecting the filament spool to the printing head. But why does this seemingly straightforward element matter so much? Let’s dive deeper.

Pros and Cons of Bowden Tubes

Like any other aspect of 3D printing, Bowden tubes come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s weigh them out:

Pros:

1. Lighter Printhead Carriage: Traditional 3D printers have motors integrated into the extruder head, adding weight. Bowden tube setups, however, place the stepper motors elsewhere, reducing the weight of the print head. This results in quicker acceleration and deceleration, particularly when navigating intricate corners or curves.

2. Faster Print Speeds: With a lighter carriage, the x and y motors can work more efficiently, allowing faster print speeds. Bowden tubes effectively enable zippier printing and reduce overall print times.

3. Improved Print Accuracy: Minimized vibration in the extruder carriage is a perk of Bowden tube configurations. This smoother movement translates into more accurate and polished layers in your prints.

Cons:

1. Stringing and Blobs: Internal friction within the Bowden tube can lead to delayed responsiveness from the stepper motor. This delay might result in stringing between parts or the appearance of unsightly zits and blobs due to over-extrusion. Fine-tuning retraction settings can help mitigate these issues.

2. Nozzle Clogging: Poor installation or excessive retraction settings can potentially clog your printer’s nozzle. Vigilance is key to avoiding this headache.

Types of Bowden Tubes

Not all Bowden tubes are created equal. Your 3D printer likely ships with a standard plastic Bowden tube, which works well for PLA printing. However, if you’re venturing into more demanding filaments, it’s time to consider an upgrade.

• Stock Tube:

The stock Bowden tube accompanying most budget-friendly printers might not be your best ally when experimenting with various materials. These tubes have their shortcomings:

Limited Heat Resistance: While suitable for PLA, they falter when dealing with higher-temperature filaments like PETG. The heat can cause the tube to deform, leading to clogs and erratic extrusion.

Lack of Stiffness: Standard Bowden tubes are prone to external pressure and can deform easily during installation.

Poor Bed Adhesion: A poor surface finish causes the filament to be dragged during the extrusion and withdrawal processes. Over- or under-extrusion, as well as nozzle blockage, are all problems that might arise when using Bowden tubes of poor quality.

• Upgraded PTFE Tube (Capricorn Bowden Tube):

Considered the crème de la crème of Bowden tubes, the Capricorn PTFE Bowden tube is a game-changer:

Enhanced Lubrication: The smooth interior finish of Capricorn tubes, often referred to as “lubricated,” ensures filament flows seamlessly without snagging.

High Heat Resistance: Crafted from PTFE, these tubes handle temperatures up to 500°F, offering the versatility to experiment with various filaments.

Sturdy Stiffness: The enhanced rigidity of Capricorn tubes allows you to cut them at right angles without worrying about crimping, ensuring optimal performance and ease of installation.

Comparison of Bowden and Direct Drive Extruders

Bowden extruders and direct drive extruders are the two most common types found on 3D printers.  Each is somewhat distinct in appearance, but both work by means of an extruder forcing the medium (often Polylactic Acid (PLA) plastic, metal, carbon fiber, or graphite) into a heated tip.

Bowden extruders have room between the motor and the print head, which is why they need the Bowden tube to carry the medium to the heated head. The primary distinction between the two types of extruders is that direct drive extruders drive the medium directly into the print head, whereas Bowden extruders have space between the motor and the print head.

Additional Uses for the Bowden Tube

Bowden tubing, also known as PTFE tubing, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the past two decades. This is due to the fact that it has been shown to be a successful and user-friendly material in a variety of applications, including those in the chemical, automotive, medical, food, electrical, and consumer product industries.

The following are examples of such uses:

• Medical devices inserted into patients, such as catheters, typically have tubing attached to them.
• A coating designed for high-voltage cables that are subjected to an excessive quantity of heat
• It is possible to use chemicals to treat it so that it will be visible on X-rays.
• Enables the transport of hot fluids in automotive applications by acting as a guide.
• As it is more robust, it has replaced glass in many laboratory settings.
• Because of its high melting point, it can be used to insulate metals even when they are subjected to high temperatures.
• Utilized in producing everything from gaskets to airplane parts to nonstick cookware.

Best 3D Printing Software: SelfCAD

When it comes to 3D modeling and 3D printing software, many people agree that SelfCAD is a top choice. SelfCAD allows designers of all skill levels to realize their visions thanks to its intuitive UI and robust functionality. It provides a streamlined, user-friendly experience for creating, modifying, and rendering 3D models. The powerful range of tools in SelfCAD includes sophisticated modeling functions, parametric design options, and even built-in slicing for easy 3D printing. 

The software also has a thriving online community for sharing ideas and getting help with interactive tutorials. SelfCAD is a great option for anyone looking for a 3D modeling program because of its user-friendliness, flexibility, and plenty of features designed with 3D printing in mind.

Shaping the Future of Printing!

In the intricate realm of 3D printing, the Bowden tube plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth, accurate, and hassle-free creations. While stock tubes get the job done for basic printing, the allure of an upgraded Capricorn PTFE Bowden tube is hard to resist, especially if you’re eager to explore diverse filament possibilities. 

If you’re not interested in printing with flexible filaments or at high flow rates, a Bowden extruder may be the best option for you. However, a direct extrusion arrangement may be better if you choose reliability and accuracy over print speed when working with a wide variety of materials. Even if you already own a printer with a Bowden system—say, an Ender 5—you may easily swap to another setup if you so desire.

As you embark on your 3D printing journey, remember that each component, no matter how small, contributes to the grand symphony of creation.