The Bowden tubes guide the filament from the feeders to the print head.
Forwarding improperly cut or ground down filament through the Bowden tube could scratch or damage the inside of the tube. If this happens, the filament can no longer be forwarded to the print head smoothly. This can lead to under extrusion or other print quality issues.
Additionally, after removing a Bowden tube multiple times, the tube coupling collet can leave scratch marks on the outside of the tube. This can reduce the collet's grip, leading to print quality issues, or even the Bowden tube coming out of the feeder.
If the Bowden tubes are permanently damaged, they should be replaced. To maintain optimal print quality, it is recommended to replace the Bowden tubes every year.
Caution: After unloading the material(s), turn off the printer or ensure the Ultimaker 3 cannot accept new print jobs through the Digital Factory.
Requirements and info
| Part(s) | 1x 1266 - Bowden tube (old part number) Note: Now supplied as Bowden pack including collets and clamp clips (part numbers 1696 or 226572). |
| Tool(s) | None required |
| Time | 5 minutes |
| Difficulty level | 1 - Easy |
Disassembly
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| 1. Unload material(s) | 2. Remove clamp clips |
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In the Ultimaker 3 menu, go to Material/PrintCore - Material [X] - Unload. Select the material(s) for the side(s) where you want to replace the Bowden tube. You do not have to remove the spool from the spool holder.
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Place the print head in the front-right corner for easier access and remove the clamp clip from around the tube coupling collet. Also remove the clamp clip from the corresponding feeder. |
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| 3. Remove Bowden tube | 4. Loosen cable clips |
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Press down on the tube coupling collet while pulling the Bowden tube out of the print head. Repeat this for the corresponding feeder.
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When removing the Bowden tube from extruder 2 (right), loosen the four cable clips from the Bowden tube to remove it completely.
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Reassembly
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| 1. Note the two sides | 2. Insert into feeder |
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Take the new Bowden tube and note the two different sides. The chamfered side should be inserted into the feeder. This allows easier access of the filament into the Bowden tube. The flat side goes into the print head.
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Insert the chamfered side of the Bowden tube into the feeder. Keep the collet pressed down and push the Bowden tube all the way in. Secure the tube with the clamp clip.
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| 3. Insert into print head | 4. Place cable clips |
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Insert the other side of the Bowden tube into the print head. Keep the collet pressed down and push the Bowden tube all the way in. Secure the tube with the clamp clip.
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For Bowden tube 2 (right), click the header cable clips from the print head cable onto the Bowden tube. Equally divide the clips over the Bowden tube, starting at ~10 cm above the print head.
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5. Reload material(s) |
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In the Ultimaker 3 menu, go to Material/PrintCore - Material [X] - Load. Insert the material into the feeder and follow the instructions on the display. |
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