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