TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) filament is an extremely flexible and elastic material that is used in 3D printing to create flexible and deformable objects. It offers unique properties that make it suitable for applications where flexibility, impact resistance and durability are required. Here is a detailed description of the TPU filament for 3D printing:
Properties and characteristics:
Flexibility and elasticity: TPU is known for its extreme flexibility and elasticity. It can bend and return to its original shape without deforming or breaking. This makes it suitable for making flexible parts such as springs, rubber seals, flexible grips and more.
Impact resistance: TPU offers good impact and stress resistance, making it suitable for applications that require load and impact resistance.
Abrasion resistance: TPU filament is abrasion resistant, making it suitable for applications where resistance to friction and wear is required.
Water resistance: TPU is a waterproof material that does not absorb water and retains its properties and stability when in contact with the environment.
Applications: TPU is used for a variety of applications in various fields:
Flexible parts and accessories: TPU is used to make flexible parts and accessories for various devices and projects.
Springs and flexible mechanical parts: TPU is used to make springs and flexible mechanical parts that require deformation without breaking under load.
Protective objects: TPU is used to create protective objects such as covers and cases for mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices.
Technical features: Printing with TPU requires more special settings compared to hard materials such as PLA and ABS. The recommended extrusion temperature for TPU filament usually ranges from 220°C to 240°C, depending on the manufacturer. It is printed on a printer with a heated printing platform or on an adhesive base to prevent deformation of the model during printing. It is good to use a direct drive extruder. The excellent flexibility of TPU can cause certain challenges when printing, so it is recommended to choose suitable cooling settings to prevent deformation of the model during printing. Properly tuned, TPU can offer impressive and well-defined flexible details in your designs.
