TPU Filament: A Complete Guide
In the world of 3D printing, there are a variety of filaments to choose from. Among these filaments is TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), which is known for its high flexibility and durability. What is TPU filament, how does it compare to other filaments, and what are some of its uses? Keep reading to find out!
TPU Filament: What is it?
The thermoplastic polyurethane filament is referred to as TPU. This filament from BCN3D is matte and available in black or white. Elasticity is its most remarkable quality. Along with being flexible, TPU is also incredibly strong and difficult to break. It is the perfect filament to use if you need a sturdy substance because it can absorb impact well.
The following are some of this filament's technical characteristics:
- 450 % of an extension.
- Strength in tensile 150 MPa Shore 98A Hardness.
- The melting point of 225 °C.
- 60°C is the glass transition temperature.
How Flexible is TPU Filament?
The flexibility of TPU Filament: Image Source: blog.extolinc.com
Shore hardness, a property of flexible materials, establishes the material's flexibility or hardness. The TPU filament from BCN3D is the most flexible in our selection, with a Shore-A hardness of 98.
So how flexible is TPU exactly? In general, its flexibility can be compared to a video game controller's analog stick. However, the final flexibility will be determined by the characteristics of the printed object. For instance, you might be able to bend a thin model that you print. However, a printed solid cube wouldn't be as flexible as a stress ball. Your object's flexibility will depend on how you print it.
What are the Advantages of Using TPU?
TPU is a product that includes a variety of distinctive features. Its elasticity is similar to rubber, setting it apart from the more popular ABS and PLA. It has been demonstrated to function well even at low temperatures and is abrasion-resistant.
TPU has typically been used to print items like sporting goods, medical equipment, footwear, inflatable rafts, outer casings for mobile devices, and instrument panels for automobiles that need to bend or flex during application. Due to its resilience to oils, greases, and various solvents, it has also been used in industrial applications.
TPU is much simpler to handle than TPE in terms of workability. Working with TPE may be very difficult because of its great flexibility, especially when using a Bowden extruder. When utilizing a flexible filament, the length of the tube between the extruder and the hot end adds complexity because the filament may contract within the tube as the extruder pushes it. TPU's stronger construction resolves most issues with working with TPE filaments.
Due to its highly soft nature, TPU typically has good layer-to-layer adhesion. As a result, TPU prints should produce very long-lasting results.
What are the TPU's Limitations?
The difficulty in handling flexible filaments while printing is the greatest drawback of employing materials like TPU. As we previously stated, not all 3D printers can utilize flexible filaments. Bowden extruder printers are particularly challenging. However, more recent models should have already taken steps to improve their compatibility with flexible filaments. TPU should be able to be used in a wider range of applications due to its harder characteristics.
TPU may also exhibit poor bridging properties, resulting in prints that contain many blobs and strings. To achieve a high-quality print on the flexible TPU, you must find the "sweet spot" of the temperature, speed, and retraction speed combinations.
Another limitation is the inability to finish TPU prints to give them a smooth and polished appearance. TPU does not dissolve in basic solvents like acetone, unlike PLA or ABS.
How Do You Use TPU?
When using flexible filaments, we advise using direct extruders. The procedure is a little bit complicated by the length of pipe the filament must travel through in a Bowden extruder. Working with a Bowden extruder is still feasible, but the printer's parameters may need to be adjusted further for optimal results.
Flexible filament-related issues have been minimized in more contemporary 3D printers using Bowden extruders. If you are unsure whether your printer can use flexible filaments, you should ask the maker about your specific model's capabilities.A recommended extrusion temperature for TPE filaments is between 200 and 220 °C. Additionally, we advise using a heated bed platform that is set between 80 and 100 °C. TPE has excellent adhesive properties. Therefore, it shouldn't be a problem to use it on surfaces like glass or metal. We still recommend using blue painter's tape or Kapton Tape for the best outcomes.
It is a good idea to print at very slow 3D printing speeds when using flexible filaments. Fast printing will probably clog your extruder because flexible filaments tend to bend and contract under extreme stress. Although a setting of 15 mm/s is advised, you can print at speeds of up to 30 mm/s and still get good results. You may need to begin with a low level and gradually increase it to discover what works because this may vary depending on your specific model.
You can use a cooling fan on a medium or high setting because flexible filaments are not particularly prone to warping during printing. As a result, your prints will maintain their sharp details without drooping or sloppy melting. For good bed adhesion, we still advise against using a cooling fan on the first two layers.
Retractions are occasionally required when your user request for the extruder to travel over significant distances between prints. However, because flexible filaments can be sensitive to fast motions, retractions might be particularly challenging when utilizing them.
When using flexible filaments for the first time, we advise completely deactivating retraction. If it cannot be avoided, you can reduce the necessity for retraction in your design or specify a very low retraction speed.
What are the Common Uses of TPU Filament?
TPU filament should be used if you want to print something that needs to be somewhat flexible, can bend without breaking, or can withstand some wear and tear. TPU is often employed similarly since it resembles rubber. This implies that you can build wheels, non-slip surfaces, protective cases, and other things that you would ordinarily design with rubber. Due to the material's versatility, Camper, a well-known shoe company, utilizes it for the soles of their prototype shoes.
Additionally, this filament is the best choice for making special production-line tools, including seals, handles, gaskets, springs, hinges, and shock absorbers. TPU can also be used to create tools that must interact with other components without causing harm to them.
For instance, you may design robotic arms with a claw-like function. This component will be adaptable enough to grasp items without scratching or hurting them. Additionally, support can be provided in an assembly line using this filament. Due to its flexibility, it can serve as reinforcement without impairing or damaging the original structure.
The Best 3D Modeling Software for Creating 3D Models: SelfCAD
SelfCAD is a comprehensive and user-friendly 3D modeling program suitable for both new and experienced designers. You can quickly build complex models without spending hours on training using SelfCAD. Making your thoughts come to life is simpler by the software's freehand drawing and sketching features.
Another feature of SelfCAD is the ability to turn a picture into a 3D model through the use of image to 3D tool. Additionally, an in-built slicer makes it simpler to set up your ideas for 3D printing by producing the G-code you can submit to your printer.
SelfCAD also offers an incredible value for your money because it is among the most reasonably priced solutions for 3D modeling software. SelfCAD is the most fantastic 3D modeling program for the job, whether you want to make simple designs or complex models.
Conclusion
Although TPU filaments might be challenging to deal with, they are the best filament options available for flexible printing and extremely impact-resistant objects. Due to their potential for difficulty in use, flexible filaments have not yet entirely replaced more common filaments like PLA or ABS or even alternatives like PETG.
Thankfully, flexible filaments are better suited for use with new 3D printers. Even without further development, TPU already contributes to the user-friendliness of flexible filaments. We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the exciting possibilities of 3D printing with plastic filaments.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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