Magnetic Twist Lock PTFE Connector

prusaprinters

DesignThis is a lightweight(under 14 grams) twist lock PTFE disconnect which uses (2) 6mmx3mm rare earth magnets(see below regarding actual thickness) to hold a locking position and (2) PC4M10 or (2) PC4M6 pneumatic connectors.I kept this as lightweight possible due to planning to use it just above my extruder and don't want excess weight impacting input shaping performance.I plan to install an MMU and will want to print TPU now and then and being able to disconnect in this method won't cause excess wear on my PTFE tube. Those connectors are basically shark bites.Models were exported from Fusion360 with max resolution for clean curves hence the larger file size.M10 and M6 varieties are availableMagnetsMeasure your magnets! :)Magnet thickness can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer even if it's called a 6x3, it may not measure as such. I've included two different designs here(look for 3_0_mm or 2_7_mm in filenames) to accommodate this. Measure your magnet thickness with a caliper(digital are avail for $10 USD on Ebay/Amazon). My magnets are called 6x3 but they measure 6mmx2.7mm and some magnets actually measure 6mmx3mm. I've included and labeled both STLs accordingly and uploaded files for both to accommodate this difference out there for what you have.Super Glue magnets if they want to fall out however mine pressed in to place with some pressure so they should stay in place.Printing settingsSupports on build plate onlyAdd support blockers per image so only the two upper surfaces of the bottom piece get supports(see pics) - this support is required for a successful printKeep STL orientation on print bed with bottom as is(rotate if needed for cooling) - this design compensates with tolerances that consider those overhangs that hang down a touch.0.15 layer height yields pretty clean threadsPrint at your filament's higher temperature of the temperature range to ensure solid layer adhesion. Folks have commetned about breaking off the arm that extends for the tab lock on the bottom however I've yet to experience this with printing at the higher end of the temp range with solid layer adhesion.Connection InstallationThere is a 0.2 mm layer in the tapered opening on the bottom piece you need to clean out with a hobby knife. This helps with cleaner bridging across that surface so you don't need to use supports.When installing the connectors, you may need to tighten the last turn or so to tighten it down with pliers or a 10mm wrench. These connectors use a tapered thread. A properly dialed in extrusion multiplier helps here too for clean threadsUseIf operation is tight, check overhangs and scrape down a touch for smoother operation.note that the two curved surfaces on the bottom which will be up against the top piece may be snug for the first few uses. This is intentional as these help keep the top centered over the bottom for a clean pass through of filament.Please post a make if you use this. It's rewarding to see those images of something you put out there helping others. :)