Filament Guide Block with Bearings (PC4 connector)

Initially, this was published as part of my X5SA PRO's overhead filament system, but it works so well, I thought it deserved its own Thing.

This filament guide allows low-friction dispensing at extreme angles (I consider 45deg to be extreme, at least in this case) incorporating a PC4 connector and a 20mm length of PTFE tubing as an internal guide. It is designed to be made on a resin printer.

I found there was notable friction on the filament when the extruder travels to extremes of the print bed on my X5SA PRO, even when using PTFE tubing as the exit from the dry box. To remedy that. this guide block fits over the PC4-M6 fittings I use and has 1.8mm wide 682X bearings and uses M2.5 hardware for bearing shafts to allow the filament to bend in any direction. The block slides over a PC4 fitting and has a screw and captured nut setup to tighten the block down around the PC connector. The 20mm length of PTFE tubing keeps the filament from bending inside the block and grinding against the edge of the push-to-connect fitting.

Do not overtighten the bearing shaft screws as they can pinch down on the bearings, preventing rotation.

And yes, I do know there are loose screws as seen in the pictures provided.

Print Settings

Printer:

Voxelab Proxima

Rafts:

No

Supports:

Yes

Resolution:

0.05mm layer height

Infill:

solid

Filament:

Anycubic Basic Resin

Transparent

Notes:

Printed with the PC4 side of the model face down. I added some supports to the interior overhangs. They were initially there as travel stops for the PC4 connector although now they are only an annoyance to print.

Parts BOM =========

No affilate links are used

628XZZ 1.8mm wide bearings: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000755940966.html?spm=a2g0o.9042311.0.0.5e7e4c4drA308S

M2.5 screw,washer, and nut kit: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08VHVB4H5/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o09\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08VHVB4H5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=thingiverse09-20)

PC4 push-to-connect fitting

20mm PTFE tubing

Resin

A 3D printer

Hardware BOM

M2.5x10 (x4) - Bearing block shafts

M2.5 flat washer (x4) - For bearing block shafts

M2.5x20 (x1) - Block-to-PC4 mounting bolt

M2.5 Nylon lock washer (x1) - for Block-to-PC4 mounting bolt (could use ordinary hex nut too)

Category: 3D Printer Parts