Capricorn PTFE Tube v.s standard PTFE tube
At the requests of PTFE Tube Shop, 3D print expert Patrick de Groot tests the XS and TL series from Capricorn and compares these against standard PTFE tubes. This review covers specifically tubes for a 1.75 mm filament. For this test, the PTFE Tube Shop has made available exclusively the original Capricorn TL and the XS.
- What are the pros and cons?
- Should I replace my standard PTFE tube with the original Capricorn tube?
- And is this worth the extra cost?
Reading time: approximately 5 minutes.
Review: 3D-print Capricorn PTFE Tubing
I’ve written about this before in this blog: PTFE tubes are used in 3D printers a lot where the filament (the material with which you print) has to be transferred smoothly to the extruder. Most 3D printers are supplied with standard PTFE. This material has good heat resistance, is flexible and abrasion resistant. But better is possible…
The PTFE tubes from Capricorn have, in several aspects, superior characteristics than regular PTFE. I will explain some of these advantages in this blog:
- They are able to withstand high temperatures;
- They have lower friction for the filament through the tubing;
- They offer greater flexibility.
Capricorn XS
The XS type from Capricorn is considered the most standard tube they offer. The PTFE tubes from Capricorn can withstand higher temperatures than regular PTFE tubes. The impact of this can be noticed quickly: I use a Creality Ender-3 printer, where the tip of the tube gets very hot.
Under normal circumstances I use PLA: you can print with this material from about 200 degrees. Normal PTFE tubes are very well suited for these temperatures. However, if you print with materials requiring a higher melt temperature (PTEG, ABS), the tip of the PTFE tube will become even hotter and is likely to deform slightly. This will increase the resistance in the PTFE tube. Ultimately, this can lead to negative print results.
This outcome was avoided using Capricorn tubes, since these can withstand higher temperatures. Besides, the resistance of the rest of the tube was considerably lower in relation to regular PTFE tubes. The better flexibility of the tube should, in the case of this printer, have a positive impact on the accuracy of the movement.
PTFE Tube shop offers the XS Capricorn tube for both 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm filaments. An advantage is also that they can supply these tubes cut to size. The standard 1 or 2 metres offered on Amazon are often too long.
Image | Details |
|---|---|
 | Capricorn XS Bowden PTFE Tube for 1.75 mm filament
Official… |
 | Capricorn XS Bowden PTFE Tube for 2.85 mm filament
Official… |
Capricorn TL
The TL type from Capricorn is more transparent in comparison to XS, offering a better view of the filament so that you can spot possible problems sooner.
I have not observed a noticeable difference in quality and functionality in comparison to the XS variant. The XL variant is, in comparison to the TL variant, more suitable for higher temperatures. However, when using PTEG and ABS there is no noticeable difference.
The TL version is also available at the PTFE Tube shop for filament with a diameter of 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm. Make sure, in purchasing Capricorn tubes, that they are the originals. After all, many cheaper versions are in circulation. At the PTFE Tube Shop a sticker is placed at every metre to guarantee authenticity.
Image | Details |
|---|---|
 | Capricorn TL Bowden PTFE Tube for 2.85 mm filament
Official… |
 | Capricorn TL Bowden PTFE Tube for 1.75 mm filament
Official… |
Conclusion
The use of Capricorn tubes is associated with several advantages. The most important is that the tubes are suitable for higher temperatures, which reduces the resistance factor of the filament. For large printers in particular, where the length of the tube is greater, the resistance reduction can be significant, which has a positive impact on the 3D print!
Sure, the tube is somewhat more expensive than an ordinary PTFE tube, but if at all possible, I would recommend the future use of Capricorn tubes.
Patrick de Groot – 25/03/2022
To see my printed rollercoaster in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1GWaL-Cro4&lc=Ugwx8NvS-CBedHVajA54AaABAg