How Leaving PLA Filament Straight in the Bowden Tube Affects Print Quality

If you are a 3D printing enthusiast, you may have encountered issues with the brittleness of your PLA filament, especially when leaving it in the Bowden tube for an extended period. This blog post will delve into the implications of leaving PLA filament straight in the Bowden tube and how it can affect your printing process and overall print quality.

Understanding the Issue

When PLA filament is wound up tightly on a spool, there is tension created that causes the filament to maintain its coiled shape. However, when the filament is fed through the Bowden tube and left straight for a prolonged duration, it can become exceedingly brittle. This brittleness makes the filament prone to snapping, leading to printing failures and frustrating experiences for users.

Experiment Results

To better illustrate this issue, an experiment was conducted where a piece of PLA filament was left in the Bowden tube overnight. The next day, the filament was found to be extremely brittle, snapping easily when pressure was applied. This brittleness can result in print failures, as the filament may break during the printing process, causing interruptions and wasted material.

Possible Causes

While moisture absorption is a common concern with filament storage, in this case, the brittleness of PLA filament when left straight in the Bowden tube is likely due to the tension that occurs when the filament is not coiled. Unlike filament stored on a spool, where the tension is distributed evenly, leaving the filament straight creates localized stress points that weaken the material.

Preventive Measures

To prevent PLA filament from becoming brittle when stored in the Bowden tube, consider the following measures:

Remove Filament When Not in Use: If you are not actively printing, it is advisable to remove the filament from the Bowden tube to prevent it from straightening out and becoming brittle.
Store Filament Properly: When not in use, store your filament in a dry and moisture-free environment to maintain its integrity and prevent issues related to brittleness.
Monitor Filament Condition: Regularly inspect your filament for any signs of brittleness or damage, especially if it has been left in the Bowden tube for an extended period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while PLA filament is a popular choice for 3D printing due to its ease of use and versatility, it is essential to handle it properly to avoid issues such as brittleness. By taking simple preventive measures, such as removing the filament from the Bowden tube when not in use and ensuring proper storage conditions, you can maintain the quality of your prints and prevent unnecessary material waste.

Remember, a little care and attention to filament handling can go a long way in ensuring consistent and successful 3D prints.

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