FolgerTech FT-5 Reverse Bowden Mount for 3D Printer Enclosure

thingiverse

A filament guide is the right option for a stock FT-5 printer because it ensures the filament gets to the extruder without any kinks or obstacles. It was designed to minimize the interference of this <a href="https://www.3dupfitters.com/products/custom-ft5-acrylic-enclosure">3D printer enclosure</a> but will work without an enclosure or in conjunction with any DIY enclosure. This option for FT-5 enclosure consists of two parts: an external mount to guide filament into the PTFE tube, and a mount for the extruder to guide the filament out of the PTFE. Note that this placement means you'll need to use a <a href="https://www.3dupfitters.com/products/ft-5-acrylic-spool-holder"> side mounted FT-5 spool holder</a>, like the one from 3D Upfitters, or <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2179032">any DIY side mount on Thingiverse like this one</a>. The external brass fitting is mounted in the best position to reduce the amount of PTFE tube required, using an optimal center placement that sends the tube into the enclosure at exactly the right angle. It needs to enter the FT-5 from the side and is designed to allow the tube to easily keep a gentle, low friction angle as the hot-end goes to the extremes of the print bed. If you DIY your enclosure you'll need to put a slot in the side panel for the filament. The internal brass fitting mounts right above the extruder, and insures the filament gets into the extruder with no binds or kinks. The brass fittings at both ends hold the PTFE tubes in place. The fittings themselves are screwed in tightly thanks to printed M6x1 threads, but I did have some trouble getting random eBay brass PTFE fittings to work right.