How to print flexible filament or TPU Filaflex
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Every day, we receive many inquiries and doubts related to topics such as, for example, which machine prints Filaflex 60A, why can't I print Filaflex 70A on my bowden-type printer, if my printer is compatible with TPU filament, why doesn't it extrude Filaflex 60A...
Due to all these types of inquiries and doubts, we have considered reorganizing all the knowledge and information that we have been publishing on our website, regarding the flexible filaments of the Filaflex range, in one place.
Therefore, we hope to be able to resolve any doubts that may arise through this page, and if not, we will be equally delighted for you to reach out to us through any of our contact channels so that our technical team can resolve them as soon as possible.
Let's get started!
What is the Shore hardness of a flexible filament or TPU filament?
TPU Filament
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.
Shore Hardness
Therefore, when we talk about TPU filament or flexible filament, we must pay attention to the specific elasticity of that TPU filament, which is what we call 'Shore Hardness'.
For more information on this topic, click here.
Which printer prints TPU filament or flexible filament better?
The difference between direct extrusion and Bowden extrusion
When we print flexible filament or TPU filament with a 3D printer, we must consider the type of printer we are going to use to print that TPU filament, since not all printers print all materials, especially flexible filaments or TPU and their different Shore hardnesses.
To do this, we will have to pay attention to several details:
- the pushing system that the printer has
- the Shore hardness of the TPU filament we are going to print
- the hotend of the printer itself
For more information on this topic, click here.
What hotend should my printer have to print TPU filament?
The importance of the hotend for printing flexible filament or TPU filament
The hotend, also known as the extruder, is another component of the printer that may or may not affect the ability to print flexible filament correctly. Remember that the hotend or extruder is the part of the printer responsible for melting the filament for deposition. Therefore, it is important to know what material it is made of to assess its compatibility when printing very flexible filaments or filaments with a very low Shore hardness.
For more information on this topic, click here.
Solve your doubts when printing with flexible filament
Do you have doubts when using flexible filament for 3D printing?
Is it easy to print with flexible filaments? Are they safe for contact with the skin? What Shore hardness is most suitable for my project?... These are the questions we answer in this section. A compilation of the most frequently asked questions we have collected regarding Filaflex and flexible filaments.
For more information on this topic, click here.
How to print with Filaflex
How to print with Filaflex?
Access our special guide with all the specific tips and recommendations we have prepared to learn how to print with the flexible filament Filaflex.
For more information on this topic, click here.
Troubleshooting Guide. 6 issues when printing with Filaflex 82A
We assist you in resolving the 6 most common problems that may arise when printing with Filaflex 82A.
For more information on this topic, click here.
Moisture and flexible filaments
How does moisture affect flexible filaments?
Discover how moisture can affect flexible filaments and the importance of knowing how to protect and store them correctly.
For more information on this topic, click here.
How to remove moisture from flexible filaments
How to remove moisture from flexible filaments
Discover how we can eliminate moisture from flexible filaments.
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How to clean the hotend of your printer
How to clean your printer's hotend
Discover the importance of cleaning your printer's hotend and also how you can do it.
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Consult the most frequently asked questions
How to clean the hotend of your printer?
If your doubts are not fully clarified or you have not resolved them yet, do not hesitate to consult our section of frequently asked questions.
For more information on this topic, click here.