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Replacing Consumables

Beyond nozzles, several other components on your printer are considered consumables. These parts have a finite lifespan and will need periodic inspection and replacement to keep your printer running at its best.

PTFE Tube (in the Hotend)

  • Why it Wears Out: In most "all-metal" hotends, a small piece of PTFE tubing guides the filament down into the heatbreak. Over time, heat and friction can cause this tube to degrade, deform, or char, which increases friction and can lead to difficult-to-diagnose clogs.
  • When to Replace: Inspect it every 500-1000 print hours, or anytime you are troubleshooting persistent extrusion issues.
  • How to Replace: Unload the filament, let the hotend cool completely, and remove the Bowden collet from the top of the hotend. Pull out the old tube. Cut a new piece to the exact same length, ensuring the cut is perfectly square. Insert the new tube fully until it stops.

Comparison of old and new PTFE tubes Comparison of old and new PTFE tubes

A side-by-side comparison showing a new, clean white PTFE tube next to an old one that is discolored and deformed at the hot end.

PEI Build Surface

  • Why it Wears Out: The PEI sheet can get permanently gouged by nozzle crashes, or it can lose its adhesive properties after many hundreds of heating cycles and chemical cleanings.
  • When to Replace: Replace it when you can no longer get prints to stick reliably despite thorough cleaning, or if the surface has significant physical damage.
  • How to Replace: Heat the bed to soften the adhesive, then carefully peel off the old PEI sheet. Use a solvent like IPA or acetone (use caution!) to remove all adhesive residue from the steel plate. Carefully apply the new sheet, starting from one edge and using a credit card or roller to smooth it down and prevent air bubbles.

Peeling an old PEI sheet from the build plate Peeling an old PEI sheet from the build plate

A hand peeling off an old, worn-out PEI sheet from a flexible steel plate, revealing the adhesive underneath.

GT2 Belts

  • Why it Wears Out: While very durable, GT2 belts are made of rubber reinforced with fiberglass cords. Over thousands of hours of rapid directional changes, they can stretch or begin to fray.
  • When to Replace: Inspect your belts monthly for any visible signs of fraying, cracking, or tooth wear. Replace them if you see visible damage or if you can no longer achieve the correct tension because they have stretched too much.