PTFE tubing: indispensable in 3D printing

PTFE tubing naturally fulfills a number of useful properties that we like to take advantage of in 3D printing. First and foremost: PTFE tubing, often synonymously referred to as Teflon tubing, is enormously heat-resistant. Even temperature values of more than 250°C have no negative impact on the plastic shape of the hoses. They are therefore used in many industrial applications where hoses made of other materials would simply deform and thus become unusable.
In 3D printing, it is precisely this heat-resistant property that plays a paramount role. The PTFE tubing serves as a connecting element between the extruder and the hotend. More precisely, even the heating block inside the hotend. Since this heating block often heats up to far more than 220°C, it is important that the guide hose does not deform or even stick together and thus obstruct the filament flow.

Selection criteria for PTFE tubing in 3D printing

Since the filament is conveyed inside the Teflon tubing, it must not have "too much play". The filament diameter therefore also determines the inner diameter of the PTFE hose.
In the same way, the push fitting or the holder on the hotend (or extruder) also determines the outer diameter of the Teflon hose.