Looking for filament/material recommendation
I'm looking for a filament recommendation. Let's call the filament material I would need Material X (MatX).
I have an application where small, rigid segments of an assembly are to be connected by parallel strands of MatX. Each strand is approx 1mmx1mm. The segments are spaced apart by 1-2mm so that the MatX between the segments can flex. One other requirement is that when the force (minimal) that made the assembly flex is removed, it needs to return to its original flat position with the segments back in line. To give you an idea of the flex needed, if not constrained by the 1-2mm segment spacing, the amount of flex of a continuous strand would be a radius of about 10-15mm.
I've tried TPU (95A) and while it certainly provides the flex needed, it doesn't want to return to its original position. It just remains in the flexed position until I manually straighten the assembly out again.
The assembly isn't going to be flexed hundreds of times, but it is going to be flexed more than once or twice.
Looking for recommendations for MatX, and I'm not in a position to pay for some exotic material. Maybe there's a TPU with a hardness much higher than 95A that fits the requirements? Hopefully from a company where I can get a small sample to determine if it works - but that's just a hope, not a requirement.
Thanks!
PETG might do it or, better if you can find a stockist not caught up in tariff wars, PCTG.
Cheerio,
RE: Looking for filament/material recommendation
PETG might do it or, better if you can find a stockist not caught up in tariff wars, PCTG.
Cheerio,
I ordered some PCTG. Here's hoping. Thanks.
RE: Looking for filament/material recommendation
PETG is a great all-around material. It's more flexible than PLA but more rigid than TPU 95A. It has good layer adhesion (important for small strands) and exhibits a decent "springiness" or elastic recovery. For very thin sections like your 1mmx1mm strands, it should offer enough flex over a 1-2mm gap. It's also relatively inexpensive and widely available.
I'm looking for a filament recommendation. Let's call the filament material I would need Material X (MatX).
I have an application where small, rigid segments of an assembly are to be connected by parallel strands of MatX. Each strand is approx 1mmx1mm. The segments are spaced apart by 1-2mm so that the MatX between the segments can flex. One other requirement is that when the force (minimal) that made the assembly flex is removed, it needs to return to its original flat position with the segments back in line. To give you an idea of the flex needed, if not constrained by the 1-2mm segment spacing, the amount of flex of a continuous strand would be a radius of about 10-15mm.
I've tried TPU (95A) and while it certainly provides the flex needed, it doesn't want to return to its original position. It just remains in the flexed position until I manually straighten the assembly out again.
The assembly isn't going to be flexed hundreds of times, but it is going to be flexed more than once or twice.
Looking for recommendations for MatX, and I'm not in a position to pay for some exotic material. Maybe there's a TPU with a hardness much higher than 95A that fits the requirements? Hopefully from a company where I can get a small sample to determine if it works - but that's just a hope, not a requirement.
Thanks!