Difference between revisions of "TPU"
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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. | ||
Latest revision as of 00:55, 19 March 2025
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.