Difference between revisions of "TPU"

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(Created page with "== TPU is not yet approved for use on the 3d Printers! == Thermoplastic PolyUrethane (TPU) is a flexible filament and can be used to print objects such as tires, gaskets, or...")
 
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Thermoplastic PolyUrethane (TPU) is a flexible filament and can be used to print objects such as tires, gaskets, or other parts that may require some flexibility.  As a flexible filament, TPU requires some special handling for use with the 3D printers.  
 
Thermoplastic PolyUrethane (TPU) is a flexible filament and can be used to print objects such as tires, gaskets, or other parts that may require some flexibility.  As a flexible filament, TPU requires some special handling for use with the 3D printers.  
  
 
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Depending on the number of walls/perimeters and the infill pattern/density that is used, you can end up with prints that are very squishy, or have very little flexibility.
 +
* For strong parts with limited flexibility, consider 4-6 perimeters and a sturdy 3D infill pattern like Cubic.
 +
* For more flexible parts, 2-3 perimeters is generally OK, and low % infill patterns help solid objects flex 
  
 
== Challenges with TPU ==
 
== Challenges with TPU ==
* TPU is very hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air) and care should be taken to ensure the filament is kept dry.
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* TPU is very hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs moisture from air, and care should be taken to ensure the filament is kept dry for best results.
*
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** Many people build single-roll containers so they can use larger amounts of dessicant to keep their filament dry.
  
 +
== Supported TPU Filaments ==
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See [[Allowed Filaments#TPU|Allowed Filaments]] for the most up to date list of TPU filaments allowed at Kwartzlab
  
 
== Printing With TPU ==
 
== Printing With TPU ==
* Because TPU is flexible and stretches, it '''CANNOT''' be used in the AMS.
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'''Because TPU is flexible and stretches, it '''CANNOT''' be used in the AMS!'''
* At this time, TPU can only be be printed on Po (Bambu #1)
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* At this time, TPU can only be be printed on Po (Bambu #1), and only through manual loading through the filament dryer.
 
* See [[Manually Loading Filament]] for instructions on loading filament into the machine manually.
 
* See [[Manually Loading Filament]] for instructions on loading filament into the machine manually.
  
 
== Slicer Profiles ==
 
== Slicer Profiles ==

Revision as of 00:51, 26 February 2025

TPU is not yet approved for use on the 3d Printers!

Thermoplastic PolyUrethane (TPU) is a flexible filament and can be used to print objects such as tires, gaskets, or other parts that may require some flexibility. As a flexible filament, TPU requires some special handling for use with the 3D printers.

Depending on the number of walls/perimeters and the infill pattern/density that is used, you can end up with prints that are very squishy, or have very little flexibility.

  • For strong parts with limited flexibility, consider 4-6 perimeters and a sturdy 3D infill pattern like Cubic.
  • For more flexible parts, 2-3 perimeters is generally OK, and low % infill patterns help solid objects flex

Challenges with TPU

  • TPU is very hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs moisture from air, and care should be taken to ensure the filament is kept dry for best results.
    • Many people build single-roll containers so they can use larger amounts of dessicant to keep their filament dry.

Supported TPU Filaments

See Allowed Filaments for the most up to date list of TPU filaments allowed at Kwartzlab

Printing With TPU

Because TPU is flexible and stretches, it CANNOT be used in the AMS!

  • At this time, TPU can only be be printed on Po (Bambu #1), and only through manual loading through the filament dryer.
  • See Manually Loading Filament for instructions on loading filament into the machine manually.

Slicer Profiles