10.8 PTFE tubes
The MINI has
four PTFE tubes
that may need a basic level of attention from time to time. PTFE
tubes are used to lead filament strand from the spool, through the extruder, all the way to the nozzle.
Over time, filament debris can accumulate in the PTFE tubes over time.
Cleaning (or replacing) the PTFE tubes is very easy -
use a can with compressed air
to clean them.
1.
The
first tube
leads to the extruder and it can be pulled out with your hand
2.
The
second tube
leads from the extruder to the print head. Use a spanner (size 10) to loosen
the nuts - this is also useful if the filament failed to load/unload and got stuck in this tube
3.
Remove the main PTFE tube (as described in Step 2) and also undo the fittings in the extruder
or in the print head to access
PTFE tube three and four.
These only need to be inspected if the
filament fails to pass through them.
10.9 Filament sensor (optional accessory)
You can
buy a mechanical IR sensor as an optional accessory
for the Original Prusa MINI. The
sensor is
installed onto the end of the PTFE tube
where you insert the filament into the printer,
and it needs to be connected to the mainboard. It uses a simple mechanism to
detect whether a
strand of filament is inserted or not.
Thanks to the filament sensor, the printer can pause the print
in case you run out of filament. Once you insert a new filament strand, you can resume the print.
Installation instructions can be found at
manual.prusa3d.com
.
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