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Connecting the filament feed tube

Next we connect the white PTFE tube - the “straw” that guides filament from the spool into the extruder. It has two ends: one plugs into the extruder head, the other into the filament sensor. This is a quick but important step.
The white tube is called a PTFE tube (polytetrafluoroethylene). Its low-friction surface lets filament slide through smoothly on its way to the hotend.

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What the tube does

The filament travels: spool → PTFE tube → extruder head → hotend → nozzle. The tube keeps the filament on a clean, guided path so it feeds reliably.

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Step-by-step

1

Locate the two ends of the tube

The thick white tube sits at the back of the printer. One end connects to the extruder head, the other to the filament detection sensor.
2

Insert the first end into the extruder head

Look down into the extruder head - there is a round hole that fits the tube perfectly. Push the tube firmly straight into that hole. Filament will later travel through this tube down into the extruder.
3

Insert the other end into the filament sensor

At the back is a black component with a blue fitting - the filament sensor. It detects whether filament is present and warns you when you run out. Push the other end of the tube firmly into the blue-ringed hole.
4

Confirm both ends are seated

Gently tug each end to make sure the tube is locked in tight at both the extruder and the sensor. A loose tube can cause feeding problems later.
Push each end in with steady, firm pressure until it seats. The fittings grip the tube automatically - you should feel it lock in place.
The white PTFE tube is firmly connected at both ends: one in the extruder head, one in the filament sensor. Both are snug and will not pull free with a gentle tug.

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Up next

The tube is connected. Next we prepare the base plate by removing the four shipping screws so the bed can move freely during printing and calibration.