Capricorn TL - High Performance Translucid PTFE Tube

Capricorn TL is a professional Bowden PTFE tube (polytetrafluoroethylene)with a slightly increased inner diameter. This solution makes the Capricorn TL tube especially fit for printing with abrasive materials, less consistent filaments, and filaments containing particles. Its also great for extremely long Bowden tubes and filament guides, also known as "reverse Bowden" applications. 

The Capricorn TL PTFE tube is not recommended for flexible 3D printing materials. For this purpose, the adequate choice is the Capricorn XS tube. The reduced diameter of the XS model makes it exceptionally suitable for printing flexible filaments, as it eliminates the possibility of the filament getting stuck or tangled inside the tube. More information about the differences between these two lines of tubing can be found on the manufacturer's website.

Image 1: Capricorn TL PTFE tube. Source: Captubes.

Capricorn PTFE tubing is crafted using the purest Japanese PTFE. Its transparency enables users to visually inspect the filament within, facilitating troubleshooting and facilitating filament changes mid-print. Additionally, while Capricorn TL tubes exhibit a softer and less dense composition compared to the XS tubes, both adhere to the highest manufacturing standards, ensuring consistent diameter and flawless roundness.

Similarly to the Capricorn XS PTFE tube, the Capricorn TL has the lowest coefficient of friction on the market, 20 % less than ordinary PTFE tubes. Less friction means greater responsiveness, the need for lower retractions, more accurate prints, and less extruder effort and wear, resulting in less chance of jams. With such low friction, it is possible to reduce retraction distances and increase speed. This supposes a saving of time and therefore a reduction in printing times. 

Image 2: Filament fit inside a standard PTFE tube (left) and a high-performance Capricorn TL. Source: Captubes.

The Capricorn TL PTFE tube boasts distinct technical specifications that set it apart. Notably, its linear thermal expansion, ranging from 3.4% to 3.6% at 250°C, surpasses that of the XS variant. The TL tube showcases a Young's modulus of 0.5 GPa and a wear rate as low as 0.01 gm/s, ensuring optimal flexibility and durability during use. Additionally, with the commendable thermal conductivity of 0.25 W/m-k and a heat tolerance that surpasses standard PTFE alternatives, this tube delivers exceptional performance for various demanding applications.

On the manufacturer's website the user can find more resources on the features and use of the Capricorn TL tube. These include detailed technical specifications of the TL PTFE tube, as well as important safety information and installation instructions. For cutting the Capricorn TL PTFE tube it is highly recommended to use the Capricorn PTFE tube cutter. To ensure For help on choosing the most adequate Capricorn tubing for each 3D printing scenario, please refer to this guide on the Capricorn website.

PTFE tubes hold a fundamental role in FDM 3D printing due to their vital functions. These tubes act as a conduit for filament, ensuring a continuous and smooth flow from the extruder to the hotend, crucial for precise printing and preventing blockages. The exceptional precision of the Capricorn TL PTFE tube, its transparency and internal design, as well as its resilience guarantee ease of use and a highly controlled extrusion environment for irregular, abrasive or particle-filled filaments.