Need recommendation for a flexible filament
 
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Rusty
(@rusty-3)
Trusted Member
Need recommendation for a flexible filament

Greetings All,

I have seen some printed projects that incorporate a spiral springy component that is used to power a car, clock or some other fun motion toy.

Not sure what filament has that kind of functionality.

I have done some research but have no experience or exposure with any filament product with these properties.

Any recommendations?

Any hints?

Any bewares/cautions?

Thanks to All that reply.

PS: Just picked up some PLA+ from a local supplier but she could not help me with selecting a flexible filament.

 

Posted : 24/06/2019 5:43 pm
Dave Avery
(@dave-avery)
Honorable Member
RE: Need recommendation for a flexible filament

actually most printed coil springs use a non-flexable material. flex materials are used when you need the cushioning or hinging of a soft material. I've printed the "auto-rewind" spoolholder springs in both PLA and PETG

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3338467

 

Posted : 24/06/2019 6:38 pm
RAH1
 RAH1
(@rah1)
Estimable Member
RE: Need recommendation for a flexible filament

David/Rusty,

I will second that.  It's most likely a PLA/PETG spring.

The spool idea is interesting and I have the designs for several different spool re-tractors to go with the Lack enclosure for the MMU that I am building.  The current front runner is the weighted nut version as I can fit 3 of them into some Samla (dry) boxes that I got from Ikea.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3697106

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2119644

No springs in those though.  I am not sure of the lifespan of the PLA printed ones.  I just haven't had time to get there yet.

Robin

 

This post was modified 5 years ago by RAH1

I am the inveterate tinkerer. I can tink up most anything.

Posted : 24/06/2019 7:03 pm
RAH1
 RAH1
(@rah1)
Estimable Member
RE: Need recommendation for a flexible filament
Posted by: RAHRAH

David/Rusty,

I will second that.  It's most likely a PLA/PETG spring.

The spool idea is interesting and I have the designs for several different spool re-tractors to go with the Lack enclosure for the MMU that I am building.  The current front runner is the weighted nut version as I can fit 3 of them into some Samla (dry) boxes that I got from Ikea.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3697106

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2119644

No springs in those though.  I am not sure of the lifespan of the PLA printed ones.  I just haven't had time to get there yet.

Robin

 

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3697106 <- Uses weights to retract the filament

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2119644 <- Uses FLEX for the gasket.

Rusty,  Think of your rubberized phone case as FLEX material and you will understand it better.  It's more of a gasket material extruded like rubber rather than melted plastic.

 

I am the inveterate tinkerer. I can tink up most anything.

Posted : 24/06/2019 7:20 pm
Rusty
(@rusty-3)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Need recommendation for a flexible filament

Thanks @big-bird & @david-a66.  I saw a project that I like but some of the parts were made from a filament that had the word "FLEX" in the description, so maybe I am understanding this wrong.  The gasket reference is a good reference, that makes sense.

Posted : 24/06/2019 7:55 pm
RAH1
 RAH1
(@rah1)
Estimable Member
RE: Need recommendation for a flexible filament
Posted by: canquest

Thanks @big-bird & @david-a66.  I saw a project that I like but some of the parts were made from a filament that had the word "FLEX" in the description, so maybe I am understanding this wrong.  The gasket reference is a good reference, that makes sense.

I'm always interested in new projects.  Just can't always get around to them.  You can post the link or Thingiverse number here and I could research it for you.  But if it calls for Flex it must have a reason for using flex.  Just know it wouldn't make a good spring.  😉

Robin

 

I am the inveterate tinkerer. I can tink up most anything.

Posted : 24/06/2019 9:20 pm
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