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PTFE compression fittings - where to source?  

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vintagepc
(@vintagepc)
Member
PTFE compression fittings - where to source?

I know and currently have festo-style pneumatic fittings for the MMU on my printer. 

However, I've recently had them wear through the extruder section of PTFE as that is constantly in rotational motion. 

I've seen a few printers that appear to use compression-style brass fittings for PTFE (the type you use on copper water line). I tried to source some of those to experiment with, but am not having much luck finding any - either they are not the correct 4mm i/d, or they are stupidly expensive, in the realm of 10-$20 ea. 

I also cannot seem to remember what printer I saw these on... maybe early mini variants?

In any case, does someone here recall what printer that might have been (likely a bowden style), or where one can source the correct parts for a reasonable price?

Sure, PTFE is relatively cheap to snip off a short piece and eventually just replace, but where's the fun if you can't tinker and try alternatives? the pneumatic couplers also get trickier to remove as the teeth bite deeper into the PTFE each use. 

 

Posted : 10/07/2020 6:33 pm
karl-herbert
(@karl-herbert)
Illustrious Member
RE: PTFE compression fittings - where to source?
Posted by: @vintagepc

I know and currently have festo-style pneumatic fittings for the MMU on my printer. 

However, I've recently had them wear through the extruder section of PTFE as that is constantly in rotational motion. 

I've seen a few printers that appear to use compression-style brass fittings for PTFE (the type you use on copper water line). I tried to source some of those to experiment with, but am not having much luck finding any - either they are not the correct 4mm i/d, or they are stupidly expensive, in the realm of 10-$20 ea. 

I also cannot seem to remember what printer I saw these on... maybe early mini variants?

In any case, does someone here recall what printer that might have been (likely a bowden style), or where one can source the correct parts for a reasonable price?

Sure, PTFE is relatively cheap to snip off a short piece and eventually just replace, but where's the fun if you can't tinker and try alternatives? the pneumatic couplers also get trickier to remove as the teeth bite deeper into the PTFE each use. 

 

Would you post a picture? I'm not sure what exactly you mean, but maybe could help. A good idea, by the way. I will probably change that on the MMU2 and extruder as well.

Statt zu klagen, dass wir nicht alles haben, was wir wollen, sollten wir lieber dankbar sein, dass wir nicht alles bekommen, was wir verdienen.

Posted : 10/07/2020 7:16 pm
vintagepc
(@vintagepc)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: PTFE compression fittings - where to source?

Sure, this style:

I believe the imperial equivalent would be 5/32" for 4mm PTFE.

0105 10 17 Legris | Legris 10mm x 3/8 in BSPT Male Straight ...

Posted : 10/07/2020 7:18 pm
vintagepc
(@vintagepc)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: PTFE compression fittings - where to source?

Getting warmer, it *was* the mini, though what threw me for a loop was that the shop pictures now all use the quick-connect push fittings.

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/4000648465388.html

 

Now to find them for a reasonable price that won't cost two spools of filament for a set for the MMU....

My thoughts being that because of the compression ferrule getting crimped onto the tubing, one could theoretically loosen the retaining nut slightly and fix it in place by other means - leaving the tube free to rotate without damage, but without risk of it popping out easily. 

 

 

Posted : 10/07/2020 7:44 pm
karl-herbert
(@karl-herbert)
Illustrious Member
RE: PTFE compression fittings - where to source?

@vintagepc

Thank's for the link! These non-standard parts can only be found at Aliexpress. But I will order a set for testing as well. Then the big one is equipped with parts of the small one 👍 

Statt zu klagen, dass wir nicht alles haben, was wir wollen, sollten wir lieber dankbar sein, dass wir nicht alles bekommen, was wir verdienen.

Posted : 10/07/2020 9:44 pm
vintagepc
(@vintagepc)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: PTFE compression fittings - where to source?

Seems they're not that uncommon outside of the US, they are M8 compression fittings with a 4mm ID. 

 

Anyway, do post back how they work for you - slush fund is a little low at the moment but if they work well then I might order a set

Posted : 13/07/2020 1:14 pm
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