Ultimate Guide to Creality K1C Bowden Tube

Welcome to the world of 3D printing with the Creality K1C, where every component plays a crucial role in the printer’s performance. Today, we’ll explore the significance of the Bowden tube in the context of the K1C, shedding light on its functionality and impact. Get ready to uncover the essential details that can enhance your 3D printing experience with the Creality K1C Bowden Tube.

Bowden Tube Basics

The Creality K1C is an impressive 3D printer, and the bowden tube plays a crucial role in its filament delivery system. Let’s dive into what the bowden tube is and how it affects the printer:

1. Bowden Tube Basics:

   • The bowden tube is a component used in some 3D printers to guide filament from the extruder motor to the hotend.
   • It acts as a conduit, allowing the filament to move smoothly without putting excessive strain on the extruder.
   • Typically, the bowden tube is made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) material.

2. K1C and Bowden Tubes:

   • The Creality K1C features a direct drive extruder system, which means the extruder motor is located close to the hotend.
   • Unlike traditional bowden setups, where the tube extends from the extruder to the hotend, the K1C’s design eliminates the need for a long bowden tube.
   • This direct drive configuration allows for better control over filament feeding and reduces the risk of clogs or under extrusion.

3. User Experiences:

   • Some users have reported issues with the stock PTFE bowden tube on the K1C.
   • In certain cases, the tube may kink easily or cause resistance for the extruder.
   • However, there have been success stories as well. For instance, removing the bowden tube and directly feeding filament to the extruder has resolved reliability issues for some users.
   • Keep in mind that this approach might not work for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you’re facing consistent problems with under extrusion, clogs, or extruder jams.

4. Acrobatic Bowden Tube Guide:

   • If you’re looking for a solution to optimize your K1 or K1 Max, consider using an acrobatic bowden tube guide.
   • This guide, designed specifically for the K1 and K1 Max, ensures smooth filament movement even if the filament spool is in its original position at the back.

Key Specifications of the Creality K1C Carbon Fiber 3D Printer

The Creality K1C is a Carbon Fiber 3D Printer from the Creality Flagship Series. While I couldn’t find specific details about the Bowden Tube for the K1C, I can provide some general information about the printer and its specifications:

1. Build Volume: The K1C offers a build volume of 220 x 220 x 250mm.
2. Machine Size: The printer dimensions are approximately 355 x 355 x 482mm.
3. Design: It features an enclosed CoreXY design.
4. Build Plate: The build plate is flexible PEI with a silicon wiper area.
5. Build Plate Temperature: The exact value is unknown, but it can go beyond 100°C.
6. Nozzle Temperature: Similarly, the nozzle temperature can exceed 300°C, although the precise value is unspecified.

Please note that the K1C is designed for carbon fiber prints, emphasizing mechanical properties and durability. If you’re interested in this printer, you might want to explore its capabilities further on the official Creality website

Resources and Tips for Installing the Bowden Tube on Creality K1C

Here are some resources and tips for installing the Bowden Tube on your Creality K1C:

1. YouTube Tutorial:

   • Nathan Builds Robots has a helpful video on underextrusion quick fixes, including removing the Bowden Tube from the drag chain. You can watch it here.

2. Printable Bowden Tube Guide:

   • If you’re using the side spool holder, you might find this Bowden Tube guide useful. It helps guide the tube better when the spool is on the side. You’ll need two M3x6mm flat head machine screws for this.

     You can find the printable guide here.

3. Acrobatic Bowden Tube Guide:

   • For those who want to move the filament spool to the left side of the K1C, there’s an acrobatic bowden tube guide designed specifically for the Creality K1 and K1 Max. It’s versatile and can be used even if the spool remains in its original position at the back. No need for additional parts like pneumatic connectors.

     You can find it here.

4. User Experience:

   • Some users have reported that removing the Bowden Tube improved their K1’s reliability. Tight bends and warps in the PTFE tube might cause resistance for the extruder, leading to underextrusion. Removing it can make a difference!

     Check out this Reddit post for more details .

Troubleshooting Bowden tube issues on the Creality K1C

Troubleshooting Bowden tube issues on the Creality K1C can be crucial for optimal 3D printing performance. Let’s explore some potential solutions:

1. Check Bowden Tube Alignment:

   • Ensure that the Bowden tube is properly aligned and securely connected at both ends: the extruder and the hotend.
   • If there are any kinks or bends in the tube, straighten them out to prevent filament obstruction.

2. Inspect Bowden Tube Clips:

   • The original Bowden tube clips around the cable chain can sometimes cause issues. They might rub against the X/Y gantry or catch on the gantry slide.
   • Consider using alternative Bowden tube clips that prevent contact with the metal slide rods. You can find compatible models for the K1 and K1 Max cable chain here.

3. Remove the Bowden Tube:

   • Some users have reported improved performance by removing the Bowden tube altogether.
   • To do this, run the retract routine, unlock the extruder, and gently slide the filament off.
   • This approach eliminates potential resistance caused by tight bends or warps in the PTFE tube .

4. Direct Filament Feed:

   • As an alternative, you can feed the filament directly to the extruder without the Bowden tube.
   • However, be cautious, as this method may stress the filament and could potentially get caught in the chain .

Creality K1C 3D Printer Features Comparison

The Creality K1C is the latest flagship 3D printer from Creality, unveiled at CES 2024. Let’s delve into its features and how it compares to its competitors:

1. Build Volume:

   • The K1C shares a similar build volume with its predecessor, the original Creality K1. It offers a 220 x 220 x 250 mm build area, suitable for most hobbyist and educational projects.
   • This balance between size and practicality makes it a versatile choice for various printing needs.

2. Printing Speed:

   • The K1C is an enclosed, Core XY FDM printer capable of reaching speeds of up to 600 mm/s.
   • It competes with the best 3D printers in terms of speed and precision.

3. All-Metal Hot End:

   • The K1C features an all-metal hot end, allowing it to print materials like carbon fiber filament with ease.
   • Its hotend can reach and maintain temperatures of up to 300°C.

4. Improved Motor System:

   • Creality has made important fixes to the K1C. For instance, the Bowden tube has been repositioned to move more freely, avoiding any snags.
   • Additionally, the K1C’s feet are more secure compared to its predecessor, the K1.

5. Carbon Fiber Capability:

   • The “C” in K1C stands for “carbon.” Creality designed this printer specifically to handle carbon fiber filament.
   • Its direct drive path ensures smooth extrusion even with challenging materials.

6. Firmware Update:

   • Creality plans to preload the K1C with the latest firmware upon launch.
   • The company also offers a firmware update for the K1 and K1 Max, adding more expert features to the touch screen UI.

7. Size and Pricing:

   • The K1C’s dimensions are approximately 355 x 355 x 482 mm.
   • While the official price hasn’t been disclosed yet, it’s expected to cost slightly more than the $599 K1. A $100 premium seems likely.

In addition to the K1C, Creality also introduced the Ender 3 V3, an open-frame, bed slinger style printer with a solid build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm and speeds of up to 600 mm/s. The Ender 3 V3’s attractive design and performance make it another noteworthy addition to Creality’s lineup.

In conclusion, the Creality K1C Bowden Tube is a key element in optimizing the performance of your 3D printer. From understanding its basic functions to troubleshooting common issues, we have delved into the important aspects associated with the Bowden tube on the K1C. Whether you’re looking to enhance filament delivery, improve print quality, or troubleshoot potential problems, leveraging the insights provided can help you make the most of your Creality K1C 3D printing experience.

Embrace the world of innovative printing possibilities with a well-maintained and optimized Bowden tube on your Creality K1C.