TPU Filament is a very generic term in the world of flexible filaments, especially for a specialized company with extensive experience in manufacturing this type of material like Recreus (let's keep in mind that within the TPU family we have numerous models of flexible filaments in the Filaflex range that differ in their elasticity or Shore Hardness: Filaflex 95A, Filaflex 82A, Filaflex 70A, Filaflex 60A...).
Many times we read or see that a certain printer is compatible with TPU filament, just like that. However, this is a very generic statement that doesn't actually provide any information about the specific TPU material. It means it is compatible with TPU, but what Shore Hardness?
Usually, when printer manufacturers say that a machine is compatible or can print TPU filament, they are referring to a Shore Hardness of 95A for that TPU filament or flexible filament. But of course! Let's not forget that TPU filament has a wide range and variety of elasticities, ranging from the most elastic or flexible, like Filaflex 60A, to the least elastic, and all of them are included in the same TPU filament category.
That's why the compatibility of a TPU filament with a 3D printer cannot be generalized by simply saying that it is compatible with TPU. The 3D printer should specifically indicate which Shore Hardness of TPU it is compatible with. It is just as inaccurate as, for example, saying that all mobile phones are compatible with all chargers. There are different types of connectors and voltages that must match for successful charging, and each device has its own specifications and requirements, just like TPU filaments and 3D printers, which will require specific characteristics for successful printing, depending on the TPU filament.
