Printing TPU Suggestions?
I have a MK3.5S (upgraded from a MK3S+) and have been printing PLA and PETG with very few issues. I am building a Drone and everybody tells me that I MUST use TPU for printing parts. I was going to use PETG and take my chances, since things print so well. But I have downloaded several models that seem to rely on the flexibility of TPU for assembly of various drone parts.
Does anyone have good results printing TPU with this printer? I am afraid that I will mess up my printer, trying to print this flexible stuff. Are there any guidelines or even a documented process for printing TPU? Can I print TPU safely in my enclosed office environment? Thanks for any suggestions. Also any filament recommendations would be welcome.
Best Answer by Diem:
Clean and prepare the print sheet (perhaps window cleaner or diluted glue-stick.)
Get the TPU *really dry*.
Loosen the idler.
Print *slowly*.
... and you should be OK.
Cheerio,
RE:
I print TPU on my MK4S using a default TPU profile. I slow it down to about 40mm/s(or less) and put the nozzle temp to the top of the suggested range. I use a gyroid infill pattern. No issues printing it in my office in it's enclosure
RE: Printing TPU Suggestions?
Thanks. I was seeing people messing with loosening idler screws and things, but those are old discussion threads. So you do not have to make any physical adjustments to your printer to print TPU? This sounds good.
Tom
RE: Printing TPU Suggestions?
I did not have to make any other changes
RE: Printing TPU Suggestions?
Thanks. I was seeing people messing with loosening idler screws and things, but those are old discussion threads. So you do not have to make any physical adjustments to your printer to print TPU? This sounds good.
Tom
I just had a looong experiment trying to perfect TPU on the MK4 (link). I tried my absolut best, but in the end I had to resort to loosening the idler lever screws, otherwise the filament would always curl / fold and jam in the extruder. I did a little searching about the MK3 but I couldn't find if loosening idler lever screws is a thing on the MK3 as it is on the MK4.
RE: Printing TPU Suggestions?
Yes, I think it is. I will look into that. Thanks for sharing your experience, which is consistent with what I have been seeing from some others printing TPU.
Tom
Clean and prepare the print sheet (perhaps window cleaner or diluted glue-stick.)
Get the TPU *really dry*.
Loosen the idler.
Print *slowly*.
... and you should be OK.
Cheerio,
RE: Printing TPU Suggestions?
Thanks. I was going to use a bare textured sheet for TPU printing. That is what I do with PETG and that works. Still think I need glue?? I did buy a dryer. I heard to dry it for 4-8 hours at 50 degrees C.
TPU grips very strongly. For small items with a small footprint you will get away with it but I have taken to printing almost all TPU on a smooth sheet with a PVA wash, effectively diluted glue stick.
Cheerio,
RE: Printing TPU Suggestions?
I will do some more research. I don't really understand the sheet preparation process, but this is probably getting to the more general question about adhesion and printing surfaces. It certainly sounds like I should not print directly on a smooth sheet, so I will try the textured sheet. Thanks for your help.
RE: Printing TPU Suggestions?
Thanks. I was going to use a bare textured sheet for TPU printing. That is what I do with PETG and that works. Still think I need glue?? I did buy a dryer. I heard to dry it for 4-8 hours at 50 degrees C.
I did all my TPU testing on a clean Prusa textured sheet. The TPU is a bit cumbersome to peel off at times, so I totally get why some would rather print on a smooth sheet with glue in between (I just can't be bothered with the clean-up).
RE: Printing TPU Suggestions?
Thanks for all the help. I will give it a try on the textured sheet and see how that goes. I have also heard that Supports may be hard to remove, but I will probably have to use some.
Now if Amazon could only deliver my filament. Been trying to get it for 7 days, on a "next day delivery" order. 😡 😡 😡
RE: Printing TPU Suggestions?
Can you tell me how you "slow it down to 40 mm/s?" I was looking for a simple "speed" setting for my Mk3.5S but I don't see a clear way (in the Slicer) to specify the max extrusion rate. I have done some TPU testing and it looks great except for tall, thin sections. My guess is that it is just going too fast.
RE:
Just to summarize, here is what I did to get great success with printing using TPU:
1. Got a filament dryer - everybody including the filament maker says you have to dry out TPU
2. Adjust the idler screw - unscrew it until you can open the door and see the idler gears. Then put it back in just a couple turns, so it won't fall out
3. I used a piece of TPU from the spool and tested insertion and feeding by hand, then ran a First Layer calibration and got the settings tweaked.
4. Used a textured sheet for good adhesion but not too difficult to remove.
5. Printed a couple TPU test objects from Printables. A great one is the "Air Duster," since my biggest challenge was printing tall/thin features
6. Change speed settings in the Slicer. I used Overture "High Speed" TPU. I got pretty good prints at 100 mm/s but to get the tall/thin things best, I slowed to about 50 mm/s maximum speed. As I slowed, I got a little more stringing but overall quality was very good.
Here is the Air Duster:
https://www.printables.com/make/2559549
Good luck and thanks for all the help from many here in the Forum.