Does it make sense to switch the Bowden tubes to something bigger?
The Bowden Tubes are not used to put pressure on Material, just to loosely guide the Material to the Extruder the way I see it.
I just finished my first MMU2 Print with 1 Filament-stuck-case per hour over 10 hours, so i'm considering replacing those bowden tubes with 3mm id, what do people with more Experience than me say? 🙂
RE: Does it make sense to switch the Bowden tubes to something bigger?
I replaced the ones from my spools to the filament buffer with 3mm I’d tubing and left the 2mm tubing from the buffer to the MMU. I “think” it has helped reduce some friction in the filament path.
RE: Does it make sense to switch the Bowden tubes to something bigger?
I replace since a long time all tubes with 2.5 id except the five short tubes in the MMU2 front plate, far les friction with this setup, use real PTFE tubes don't use polyurethane air hose.
RE: Does it make sense to switch the Bowden tubes to something bigger?
I think a larger ID can help, but it's not directly the size that is really helping. The issue is the friction and any kinks, imperfections, or "tight" curves will cause the filament to drag which causes problems. A larger ID doesn't correct this basic problem, but it does reduce the impact of those things and make your life easier. I don't say this to convince you that your wrong, just to make sure you understand what is actually happening.
I, for example, actually moved to tubes that technically have a smaller ID, but as they are higher quality with a more consistent OD and ID, they are performing better than the factory tubes in the same configuration.
The important part, however, is that it works for you and it is another tool in our box for how to deal the issue of friction.
RE: Does it make sense to switch the Bowden tubes to something bigger?
I second what gnat said. My issue with the smaller ID but better tubing is that I tend to accidentally kink my tubing as I move things around. For me, the larger ID is better due to this alone.