TPU filaments are essentially rubber-like plastics, which makes them highly flexible and durable. Flexible filaments are typically used to produce home appliances, toys, phone cases, wearables such as bracelets, car parts, and medical supplies. If you need an object that must bend, stretch, or compress, this TPU 3D printer filament should be up to the task.
Compared to generic TPE, AzureFilms TPU filament is slightly stiffer, which is a great feature in the 3D printing industry because it means it's easier to 3D print. It's also a bit more durable and can better retain its elasticity in the cold. The wear resistance of TPU filament is 20% better than ABS filament and 68% better than PLA filament.
AzureFilms TPU is incredibly easy to load into the 3D printer; we offer 2 different types of hardness: 84A shore and 98A shore. If you own a direct drive extruder, you can print both types of flexible filaments, but if your 3D printer has a Bowden tube, you will need to use a very specific setting. Printers with a Bowden tube have a tendency to jam when printing any TPU filament. If you own a Bowden tube, we suggest using the 98A shore flexible filament (the filament is a bit harder than 85A shore, which makes it easier to print).
WARNING: If you hear the filament crossing during 3D printing, it means the filament is damp and needs to be dried to achieve satisfactory results. Use a filament dryer such as the Creality Dry Box, which you can always find in our product catalog.
✔️Pros: Extremely flexible, great for parts that bend or compress
❌Cons: Difficult to print, requires a tight filament path and low print speed
3D PRINTER FILAMENT PROPERTIES: TPE, TPU, TPC (FLEXIBLE)
Strength: Medium | Flexibility: Very High | Durability: Very High
Ease of Use: Medium (TPE, TPC); Low (TPU)
Print Temperature: 210 – 230°C
Print Bed Temperature: 30 – 60°C (but not needed)
Shrinkage/warping: Minimal
Soluble: No
Food safe: Not food safe
If you want to learn more about printing flexible filaments, check out our blog.
Test print:
3D printer: Creality Ender 3 + Micro Swiss Direct Drive Extruder
Flexible filament1.75mm. The stiffness of TPU Filament is 98A Shore. FLEX filament is produced in Slovenia. The wear resistance of TPU Filament is 20% better than ABS filament and 68% better than PLA Filament.
Recommended print speeds: Top and bottom layer:10-20 mm/sec (600-1200 mm/min) Print speed:15-35 mm/sec (900-2100 mm/min)
