The Smoothy - Y Splitter Connector by JDJDJD

JDJDJD

3D Printer>3D Printer Accessories

Print Profile(29)

All

X1 Carbon

P1S

P1P

X1E

A1 mini

Smoothy V2 PC4-M10

Designer

51 min

1 plate

4.9(2.4 k)

Smoothy V2 PC4-M6

Designer

51 min

1 plate

4.8(336)

PLA, 0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill

1 h

1 plate

4.8(42)

0.2mm layer, 7 walls, 15% infill PETG Black + Mount 6x2 Magnets

1.5 h

1 plate

4.8(38)

Click to see more

Boost

3296

5928

3413

17.4 k

14.7 k

Released

Description

Meet the Smoothy!

The Smoothy is a PTFE Bowden Tube Y Connector designed for smooth filament transport without catching or binding. This allows you to use an external spool with your Bambu Lab machine without disconnecting your PTFE Bowden Tubes.

PTFE tubes are inserted deep into the connector for less wear on the FDM material. This allows for silky smooth operation.

As the filament progresses towards the output, it passes through a precisely-designed taper that mates perfectly with the output bowden tube.

All PTFE tubes must be inserted until each “stop” is reached (see cutaway diagram).

Connectors must be the black type (not blue). The black connectors allow the PTFE tube to “pass thru” which is required for the design to work smoothly: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B97RWKQR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

BENEFITS:

No Supports
No Overhangs
No Brims
Optimized Geometry
Designed for FDM Printing
Smooth Operation
Supports both PC4-M6 and PC4-M10 “pass thru“ connectors
Free to Download!

UPDATES:

The Smoothy Mount is now available! Download here: https://makerworld.com/en/models/18190 The mount is not required, but available to those who prefer to attach the Smoothy to their machines. Without the mount, it can simply rest in-line.
Both PC4-M6 and PC4-M10 connectors are now supported.

TIPS:

Make sure ALL bowden tubes are FULLY inserted until each one reaches its stop point. See cutaway diagram for an illustration.
The output tube does not insert as deep as the input tubes.
After inserting each tube, you can rotate the tubes back and forth while pressing inward slightly to make sure they're seated squarely and fully.
Glue Stick is recommended.
PTFE tubes must be cut squarely at the tip (no angled tips).
All PC4 connectors must be installed for a completed design with smooth operation.
Tested with a 0.4mm Nozzle and 0.2mm Layer Height.
Print vertically with wide dual-port side on the bed.
PC4 connectors typically have tapered threads. As such, make sure you don't over-tighten them as they can create a “wedge effect” and can cause damage.

NOTES:

These work well printed in PLA. More durable materials can be used, but it may require clearance adjustments.
I’m currently using this for my Bambu Lab X1C with an AMS, which utilizes an external spool.
This is the first model that I'm sharing, I hope you enjoy it!
The Smoothy can be used commercially, but can't be resold.

Comment & Rating (3413)

@Cjwelcome

Just fyi Aliexpress is selling this however it is the printed model so not sure of your personal feelings on it but still reported for IP because I don’t really agree with it myself. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256805862413266.html

The designer has replied

@JDJDJD

Thank you so much for letting me know! I didn't give them permission and even say it can't be resold anywhere. I will investigate - thanks again! 🙌

(Edited)

@ericcrawford120

They could have at least used a good printer for it. My god the ghosting on that print is terrible. Was definitely not a BL printer. More like an old DIY that was pushed to the BL speeds...

@Duane777

I wonder who bought the 23 they've sold. Would anyone with a Bambu printer be happy with that horrible print?

@mumbles

Functions well. Printed easily. Really nice design. I used these PC4-M10 couplers and they worked perfectly: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IB81IHG Printer: Bambu Lab X1C Filament: Hatchbox PLA True Black Weight: 13.5g Time; 56 minutes

The designer has replied

@JDJDJD

Awesome! Thanks for sharing your PC4-M10 link - cheers!

@mumbles

Replying to @Blink60 :

It's the Smoothy Mount by the same designer: https://makerworld.com/en/models/18190#profileId-17064

@noelswede

Print Profile

Shorter print time PLA PC4-M10 0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill

@JDJDJD

Nice! Thanks for the 5 stars and for sharing your pic!

(Edited)

@Nickbm3

What plate is that? looks like the gold bambu textured PEI but with no texture.

@mounty

still work with blue connectors???

@OzDruiD

Printed it in Bambu Tough PLA - and the mount, both printed Great and fitted couplers very well.. For some reason, I have a fairly agreesive angle on lower 'y' tube \ the return tube to the AMS buffer ? The top tube, going to the external spool - I am now having the extruder 'pull' the filament ok - but a lot faster? so now, if the spool is very full, the spoool 'de-spools' itself with filament loops, jumping off the spool... eventtually ending in a jam. Even not in the mount it still seems to have those issues. Do people shorten\lengthen PTFE tube lengtths from default? @JDJDJD FYI

The designer has replied

@JDJDJD

Hello, I'm happy to hear it printed well for you! BL may have cut your tube shorter in error. At any rate, for a tip on how to easily extend that tube, check out the photo of the back of my machine on the Smoothy Mount page (last photo using the coupler): https://makerworld.com/en/models/18190#profileId-17064 Hmm, I'm not sure that the spool issue is related to The Smoothy... Feel free to direct message me using the messaging system if you have any other Q's etc!

(Edited)

@OzDruiD

Replying to @JDJDJD :

@JDJDJD Ok yeah I thought of doing that but figured another drag poinnt in the mix. The piece I am using on top for the external spool is some of the spare bambu inlcudes with the AMS.... so I could use another and join like you have i guess. Probabily will buy a PTFE Lenngth of the bambu correct ID etc and sort out a continous piece.

@FusionScientist

I replaced the bottom bowden from the default 370mm to 460mm (+90mm). Now the angle is right. I recommend you to do it as well. Also don't forget to push the bowden tube inside the Y-connector until it reaches the stop point (around 50mm deep) or it may not work smooth enough. See the cut diagram.

(Edited)

@NicerSlicer

Print Profile

Smoothy V2 PC4-M6

Came out perfect, used Eryone PLA Metallic Iron.

The designer has replied

@JDJDJD

Wow that looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

(Edited)

@bMars10

Beautiful and clean model, easy print with Polymaker Highspeed PLA, used fuzzy skin on the main body of a splitter to achieve an awesome finish. The splitter works as intended, no probs at all. Thank you JDJDJD !

(Edited)

The designer has replied

@JDJDJD

You're welcome - thanks for posting!

@bMars10

Replying to @JDJDJD :

If you could explain, how to give those 5 stars to you (didn't find, where to "click" or so ...), I'll be more than happy to do so .. :)

@MathieuMP

Replying to @bMars10 :

I had to look for it too, under your "profile menu" (up-right) > ratings. You are offered to rate only if you printed the item from the profile provided by MakerWorld. For example, if your exported the STL, then started a Bambu Project of your own and use the downloaded STL, you are not offered to rate.

@Code_Craft

Print Profile

Smoothy V2 PC4-M10

Printed great!

The designer has replied

@JDJDJD

Very nice, I like that blue! What filament is that? @Code_Craft

(Edited)

@Code_Craft

Replying to @JDJDJD :

MicroCenter’s Inland PLA PRO Spool - Blue, Mfr Part #: PLAPRO175BU1

(Edited)

@JDJDJD

Replying to @Code_Craft :

It looks great - thanks for the info and enjoy! @Code_Craft

(Edited)

@troublemkr.1111

This turned out great, I didn't think I needed this but I did. Great print. I just got into 3D printing and finding stuff like this has been great. I also printed the holder. thank you for sharing.

@OzDruiD

@troublemkr.1111 - how do you findn the feed to the AMS buffer \ lower tube. If I use the stock tubes annd not replace, my "angle" is much sharper - see picture. @ JDJDJD - any thoughts apprecaited too.

@ChrisX1C

Replying to @OzDruiD :

That angle is WAY TOO SHARP for the tubing. :( You are going to need to lengthen that PTFE tube by a couple inches, if you haven't already. From the angle in your photo, it should look like a smooth "C", not a "T" with the left half missing ;) Should be able to get a bunch from Bambu's Store for fairly cheap so it's the same sizing (ID/OD).

@PhilM

Print Profile

Smoothy V2 PC4-M10

Printed perfectly clean, used BBL PLA Basic Black

The designer has replied

@JDJDJD

👌

@PhilM

Just completed my first test print after installing and it worked flawlessly I used PC4-M10 and after hand tightening to ensure it was straight, used a 10mm socket to (CAREFULLY) tighten the rest of the way. Thanks for sharing a great, easy to print/use, incredibly useful tool!

(Edited)

@JDJDJD

Replying to @PhilM :

Nice work - looks great!

(Edited)

@Fearless2325

Print Profile

PC4-M10 inputs to PC4-M6 Output 0.2mm layer, 7 walls, 15% infill

Printed perfect! Gonna be a nice add-on.

@JDJDJD

Indeed, thanks for sharing your Smoothy photo - enjoy @Fearless2325

License

This work is licensed under a Standard Digital File License.

You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.